Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO) Grand Chief Jerry Daniels says no family should be left carrying unanswered questions while grieving such a profound loss.
Mary Bull-Sinclair died at her grandmother's home in the O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation on March 21, 2026. Five days earlier, she broke her arm while sledding. Paramedics had told Mary's mother, Cerina, to prepare for a trip to Winnipeg's Children's Hospital.
Cerina packed bags, but the trip never happened.
"Mary's only stop was at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre, where she was diagnosed with a broken arm," said Burton Flett, spokesperson for the family. "Mary was then discharged without any care plan in place. She only received a note that she would have to stay out of school for two weeks."
Mary returned home in agonizing pain. She had to sleep sitting up in a chair, propped up by pillows. During the car ride home, Mary cried each time the vehicle drove over a bump.
"It is difficult to live this memory of our beloved Mary being in so much pain," added Flett.
On March 20 at 4:00 a.m., Mary and her family returned to the Dauphin Regional Health Centre. She was given a new sling and discharged again. She was given no medication. The only medication she had was Advil and Tylenol.
On Saturday, March 21, Mary's family noticed there was discoloration on her chest. Mary asked her mother to make baked spaghetti. The plan was to eat and watch a movie together. Mary's grandmother, Annette, checked in on Mary that afternoon and noticed she was sleeping on her broken arm.
Cerina went to check on Mary. She cried out for help. At this point, Mary's fingers were turning purple, and fluid was coming out of her mouth and nose. An ambulance was called for Mary, but it was too late. She passed away that day.
"No other family should be forced to go through a similar tragedy," added Burton. "Mary was a daughter, sister, granddaughter, and a cherished citizen of the O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation. She was deeply loved. We are gathered to remember Mary and seek answers about the circumstances surrounding her tragic passing."
The Southern Chiefs' Organization is standing alongside the family of Mary as they seek answers. 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.
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.
"We are here to listen and to ensure their voices are heard," said Grand Chief Daniels. "And that her memory matters. We owe it to her family and community to ensure every question is examined carefully and that any lessons learned here lead to meaningful change."
Daniels says they aren't pre-judging any investigation, but believes the family deserves transparency, dignity, and accountability when concerns are raised about the care of a loved one.
SCO notes that Indigenous-specific racism and inequitable treatment within health care systems continue to be documented across Canada.
"Unfortunately, many First Nations families continue to report experiences where they feel their concerns have been minimized, dismissed, or treated differently within the health care system," ended Daniels. "We must continue working together to eliminate barriers and build a system that is admirable, culturally safe, and responsible for First Nations citizens."
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
