Bloodvein River First Nation Mourns Tragic Loss of Life and Calls for Respect of Waterway Safety on Traditional Lands
Press Release
May 6, 2026
Treaty Five Territory, Bloodvein River First Nation, Manitoba (May 6, 2026) — It is with profound sadness that Chief Lisa Young and the Council of Bloodvein River First Nation share their deepest and most heartfelt condolences with the family who suffered an unimaginable loss on the waters of the Bloodvein River this past Friday evening. No words can ease the weight of such grief. Our thoughts are with the family as they begin the long journey of healing, and we mourn alongside them for the husband and father whose life was taken too soon.
Chief Young states:
“Our entire community grieves with this family. We are heartbroken. To the mother, to the daughter, and to all those who loved this man – please know that you are not alone in this sorrow. Bloodvein River First Nation stands with you.”
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson also expressed support for Chief Young, Council, and Bloodvein River First Nation:
“On behalf of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, I extend our deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, and community of Bloodvein River First Nation during this heartbreaking time. We stand with Chief Lisa Young and Bloodvein River First Nation as they mourn this tragic loss and honour the courage of the Safety Officers and community members who responded with bravery, knowledge, and care.”
On Friday, May 1st, a group travelling on the Bloodvein River experienced a capsizing during a period of extremely high and fast-moving water. Safety Officers and members of Bloodvein River First Nation responded swiftly and with great courage. With the vital assistance of one of our community’s hunters – whose deep knowledge of the river and surrounding lands proved indispensable – they were able to locate those involved and assisted.
Tragically, despite the efforts made to render aid, the father of the family passed away. We extend our deepest sympathies to all those who knew and cherished him.
Chief Young wishes to recognize and honour the extraordinary bravery and selfless action of Bloodvein River First Nation’s members and Safety Officers who responded to this tragedy: Safety Officers Draydan Swan and Kevin Fisher, member Tony Green, and Ernie Caron, who was working at our community checkstop near the Bloodvein River. These individuals entered dangerous conditions without hesitation. Their knowledge, skill, and courage saved lives. They embody the values of our Nation, and the Nation is immensely proud and grateful for their service.
In their efforts to assist this family, these community members and Safety Officers placed themselves at significant personal risk. Their willingness to do so is a gift to all who travel through our territory.
The Bloodvein River is a powerful, living waterway that our Nation has lived alongside and cared for since time immemorial. Our Elders and our hunters carry generations of knowledge about this river – its moods, its dangers, and the deep respect it demands. That knowledge has been passed down through our families, our ceremonies, and our teachings. It is not information that can be acquired quickly or taken for granted.
At this time of year, the Bloodvein River is particularly unforgiving. Snowmelt and spring runoff bring high water levels, powerful currents, and cold temperatures that create life-threatening conditions for anyone unfamiliar with the waterway. What may appear passable to an outside eye can be fatal within moments. Friday’s tragedy is a painful and devastating reminder of that reality.
Bloodvein River First Nation holds inherent rights and responsibilities over its traditional territory. Our lands and waterways are not simply geography – they are the foundation of our culture, our language, our ceremonies, and our identity. It is upon these waters and within these forests that we teach our young people the knowledge of their ancestors: how to read the river, how to move through the land safely, and how to honour the reciprocal relationship between our people and the lands and waters that have sustained our people since time immemorial.
Bloodvein River First Nation is committed to ensuring that our traditional territory remains a place where future generations can learn, thrive, and carry forward the knowledge of our ancestors. We will continue to exercise our stewardship responsibilities in accordance with our rights, our laws, and the safety of all persons.
We ask that all media and members of the public respect the privacy and the grief of the family during this difficult time. They are in mourning and deserve space to heal. We hold them, and all those touched by this tragedy, in our thoughts.
Chief Lisa Young
Bloodvein River First Nation
For more information, please contact:
Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: media@manitobachiefs.com
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