Native leaders in Manitoba are furious after receiving body bags among supplies meant to combat the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu.

At least four First Nations received the body bags from Health Canada. "We had asked for funding so we can get organized and to ensure medicines, hand sanitizers and other preventative kits were in place but, instead, we are shocked to receive the body bags instead of the preventative kits," Wasagamack First Nation Chief Jerry Knott told The Winnipeg Sun.

"This is an ominous sign that the government is predicting a grim outcome," said Chief David McDougall of St. Theresa Point First Nation, where a pregnant woman died after contracting the virus.

Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq, who is Inuit, said she was upset to learn the body bags were included in the shipments. She ordered an investigation into the incident.

"I have ordered my deputy minister to conduct a thorough and immediate inquiry into the situation, and I will continue to work with First Nations, provinces and territories to ensure that all Canadians are informed and protected against H1N1," Aglukkaq told reporters, the Free Press reported.

Native people in Manitoba have been hit hardest by the virus. At one point, more than half of the confirmed swine flu victims were Native.

Get the Story:
Manitoba reserves receive body bags along with flu kits (The Winnipeg Free Press 9/16)
Flu prep: Ottawa ships body bags to northern Manitoba reserves (The Winnipeg Free Press 9/16)
Ottawa sends body bags to Manitoba reserves (CBC 9/16)

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