A 12-year-old boy is facing criminal charges for his role in setting an 11-year-old girl on fire on the Chemawawin Cree Nation in Manitoba.

The 12-year-old and two 11-year-old boys were playing with bug repellent spray and lighting themselves on fire, according to news reports. They went after the girl, restrained her and ended up dousing her with the liquid.

The girl subsequently suffered serious burns to her face, neck and one shoulder. She underwent surgery and is recovering at the Children's Hospital in Winnipeg.

Under the law, only the 12-year-old can be charged. The 11-year-old boys are too young to be charged under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The incident comes on the heels of another one involving Native kids in Winnipeg. A group of boys and girls, all under the age of 12 locked a disabled Native boy in a shed in Winnipeg and lit it on fire.

Brian McKay, 14, who has spinal bifida and wears leg braces, was treated for smoke inhalation. The incident occurred at a play area owned by a First Nation's organization. McKay was pulled to safety by Joseph Bird, a 39-year-old Native man.

Get the Story:
12-year-old charged with burning playmate, 11 (CBC 10/17)
Three boys set fire to 11-year-old girl (The Winnipeg Sun 10/18)
Punish young culprits: Tory (The Winnipeg Sun 10/18)