SCO Supports Family’s Call for Answers Following the Death of Nine-Year-Old O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation Citizen
Press Release
June 1, 2026
“We stand with this family as they seek answers, accountability, and justice for their daughter.” ~Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is standing alongside the family of nine-year-old Mary Jonette Miley Bull-Sinclair of O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation as they seek answers regarding the circumstances surrounding her death, following multiple visits to a Manitoba hospital earlier this year.
Mary was a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, and citizen of O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation whose passing has deeply impacted her family and community.
“Our hearts are with Mary’s mother, siblings, grandparents, extended family, and the entire community of O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “No family should have to endure the loss of a child while carrying unanswered questions about the care that child received. We stand with this family as they seek answers, accountability, and justice for Mary.”
Mary sustained a serious arm injury on March 16, 2026. According to her family, despite ongoing concerns about her condition and repeated requests for additional care, she was discharged following emergency department visits and later passed away at home on March 21, 2026.
The family has requested SCO’s support as they seek answers through ongoing investigative processes and reviews of the medical care Mary received. SCO’s Health Transformation Team is working alongside the family to help ensure their concerns are heard and that they have access to appropriate advocacy and support throughout the process.
“Nothing will ever bring my daughter back, but we need answers,” said Mary’s mother Cerina Bull. “Mary was a happy, healthy little girl who was loved by her family, her siblings, and our community. We trusted that she would receive the care she needed, and today we are left with questions that no parent should ever have to ask. We are sharing Mary’s story because we do not want another family to experience this kind of pain. We want accountability, transparency, and justice for Mary.”
“I want justice for my granddaughter, Mary Bull-Sinclair. I cannot see other people’s children, grandchildren, adults, youth, or Elders going through the kind of treatment that Mary received,” said Annette Chartrand, her maternal grandmother. “It is very hard to lose a grandchild. Mary should have received the help that she needed. Mary was never seen by a doctor—she was neglected.”
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mary’s death. The family has consented to an in-depth autopsy and additional testing.
“Mary was a cherished member of our Nation, and her loss has deeply impacted our entire community,” said Chief Kerwin Chaboyer, O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation. “The questions raised by her family deserve answers, and those answers must come through a transparent and accountable process. First Nations families deserve equitable, culturally safe health care and confidence that their concerns will be taken seriously. We stand with Mary’s family as they seek justice and work to ensure meaningful change comes from this tragedy.”
SCO is calling for a thorough and transparent review of the medical care provided to Mary and will work with the family to help ensure their concerns are heard throughout the process.
“When First Nations families raise concerns about their experiences within the health care system, those concerns must be taken seriously,” added Grand Chief Daniels. “Transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining public trust. The family deserves a complete understanding of what occurred and whether appropriate standards of care were followed.”
The family considers the prevalence of potential systemic barriers and experiences of racism within the health care system. SCO notes that Indigenous-specific racism and inequitable treatment within health care systems continue to be documented across Canada. First Nations families continue to report instances where their concerns are minimized, dismissed, or not addressed with the same urgency afforded to others.
“Too many First Nations families have experienced situations where they feel their voices were not heard or their concerns were dismissed,” said Grand Chief Daniels. “The path toward reconciliation requires health systems that are culturally safe, responsive, and accountable to Indigenous patients and families.
SCO’s Health Transformation Team has begun working with the family and will be available to provide further support as they navigate through investigative processes. SCO is also exploring additional avenues of independent review and has connected with Indigenous health advocates and experts to help guide next steps.
SCO is calling for a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding Mary’s passing, including whether all appropriate protocols were followed and whether systemic barriers contributed to the outcomes experienced by the family.
“Mary was loved deeply by her family and community,” said Grand Chief Daniels. “Her life mattered. We owe it to her memory to ensure that every question is examined carefully and that any lessons arising from this tragedy help protect other children and families in the future.”
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 33 First Nations and more than 92,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
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Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca
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