Urgent Call to Protect Our Children: Recent Child Abduction Attempts in Thompson

Treaty Five Territory, Thompson, MB – In the wake of an alarming, attempted child abduction in Thompson, Grand Chief Garrison Settee of the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Inc. voices profound concern for the safety of our children and emphasizes the necessity of their protection.

In a deeply unsettling incident, the six-year-old child of Nisichiwayasihk Cree Nation Chief Angela Levasseur was targeted by a man approximately 6’4 with a thin build and wearing an orange jacket and black balaclava who attempted to lure the child. This brazen act occurred while the child waited outside the school for older siblings. Fortunately, the child had been taught by their family to never trust strangers sent to “pick them up,” prompting them to flee to safety. This incident has understandably caused significant stress and distress for the family and raises pressing questions about the safety of all children in the community.

Chief Levasseur says. “This never should’ve happened. Our children deserve to be safe. It’s important to remember even trusted spaces can hold risks. Let this be a reminder to all parents – stay vigilant! No family should have to face this nightmare.”

Why were parents not informed by the Mystery Lake School Division of similar threats after two prior abduction attempts in the last week? Timely communication could have enabled parents to reinforce vital safety messages with their children, supplementing what is taught in schools.

Grand Chief Garrison Settee insists that the Mystery Lake School Division take urgent action to improve communication with parents regarding potential threats. Furthermore, the Grand Chief calls on the RCMP to bolster their presence at schools during operating hours to deter such threats.

Protecting our children requires collective responsibility. It truly takes a village to raise a child. Let this serve as a crucial reminder that we must all remain vigilant and committed to safeguarding our children.

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For more information:
Naomi Clarke, MKO Communications
Email: naomi.clarke@mkonorth.com
Web: https://mkonation.com/

NT4