RCMP investigate death of toddler in Little Grand Rapids First Nation

An autopsy will be performed on a three-year-old boy pronounced dead in a remote Manitoba First Nation.

RCMP were called to a nursing station at Little Grand Rapids First Nation,about 265 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg,on Thursday afternoon after the toddler had beenpronounced dead.

He had been brought into the community nursing stationin an unresponsive state, police said.

An autopsy has been scheduled and the RCMPmajor crimes unit haslaunched an investigation.

The province declined Friday to tell CBC whether the boy was in care or had contact with Child and Family Services.

"Our hearts go out to the family at this time," a spokesperson for Families Minister Heather Stefansonsaid in a written statement.

"As there is an active RCMP investigation ongoing, our government cannot comment on this case and cannot confirm any particulars."

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With files from KristinAnnable