RCMP confirm human remains found in Umpherville, Manitoba those of newborn or fetus

RCMP say an autopsy performed Wednesday has confirmed that human remains found in Umpherville in northern Manitoba are those of a newborn infant or fetus. Umpherville is a small Métis community approximately 630 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg. Nearby Opaskwayak Cree Nation held a vigil Wednesday to honour the baby boy’s life who they have named Cypress. RCMP have not yet confirmed whether the infant was a boy or girl or how they may have died. “We recognize that news of this nature is deeply upsetting to the people of Opaskwayak Cree Nation as our children and our mothers are most important to our community,” said community leadership in a statement. Opaskwayak also said it has no reason to believe the circumstances that lead to this tragedy put its members at risk. Leaders urged members to contact the health centre for mental health support if they are experiencing trauma. The grim discovery was reported to the Mounties on Monday. “The Pas RCMP were notified of possible human remains that had been located outside an address…officers attended the scene and discovered the remains between two residences,” a news release issued Wednesday said. Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services continues to investige along with The Pas RCMP and the office of the Medical Examiner. RCMP have also put out a call for information from anyone who feels it would be helpful to the investigation. With files from Tiar Wheatle Continue Reading