2 toddlers drown in lake in Garden Hill Anisininew Nation

Brothers age one and two drowned in a First Nation in the Island Lake region of eastern Manitoba on Wednesday, RCMP say.

Police were alerted about two children who had been taken to Garden Hill Anisininew Nation's nursing station shortly before 2 p.m. Wednesday, RCMP said in a news release Thursday.

Officers were told two toddlers were found in the lake by a family member and were taken to the nursing station by First Nation safety officers.

Investigators believe the boys left their home and entered the lake nearby, police said. Foul play is not suspected.

"The community and surrounding communities are rallying around the family and thinking of them and the tragic loss of two very young members of Garden Hill Anisininew Nation," said Alex McDougall, grand chief of Anisininew Okimawin.

Anisininew Okimawin represents the four First Nations in the Island Lake region, including Garden Hill.

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McDougall said the family had built a fence to prevent direct access to the water.

"Everybody is in shock and disbelief," he said. "Everybody's devastated. And we're working to collect and gather our resources and our people to support the immediate family."

There have been at least five drowning deaths in Manitoba in 2026, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner says.

Island Lake RCMP Sgt. Chris Hipolito said Thursday there was a drowning on Island Lake during the spring ice breakup as well as several close calls.

A tragedy like this is "never easy," he said, adding RCMP will be offering the family supports.

"I feel for the family and the community," Hipolito said. "I hope … they can grieve in their own way and get through this."