Nuu-chah-nulth boy’s death ‘suspicious’

Port Alberni RCMP are treating the death this month of a six-yearold boy as suspicious.

Police received a call about a child in distress on the morning of March 13. The child was taken to hospital, but did not survive.

No further information about where or how the child died was released.

“We are imploring anyone who has any information about this tragic death or who has since learned anything that may help investigators to do the right thing and come forward,” said Port Alberni Cpl. Amelia Hayden.

The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council said it is working closely with investigators after learning the death of “one of its own precious Nuu-chah-nulth children” had been deemed suspicious.

“Our continued thoughts and prayers are with the families and community members during this challenging time,” Nuu-chah-nulth president Judith Sayers and vice-president Andrew Callicum said in a statement on behalf of the council.

The council said it encourages anyone with information “to come forward to help with their investigation so they can rule conclusively in this death.”

Bernard Richard, B.C.’s child and youth representative, said he is aware of the death.

His office cannot launch a formal investigation until those by the RCMP and B.C. Coroners Service are complete.

However, if those investigations are not complete after a year, the office can start its investigation, Richard said.

“It’s always tragic when a child dies,” he said.

“I feel for the family and friends and the whole community. When a six-year-old dies, it affects everyone.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Port Alberni RCMP Const. Chet Carroll at 250-723-2424 or Alberni Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).