Family seeks answers, justice after remains of toddler stripped from their care found in barn

Natalie Anderson says she shared the first moments of Xavia Skye Lynn Butler's life, taking care of the toddler for her biological mother before Child and Family Services took her away.

Three years after being separated, the remains of the Pinaymootang First Nation toddler were discovered in June in a barn off Highway 6 in the rural municipality of Grahamdale.

RCMP believe Xavia was one or two when she died. She would have turned three the month her remains were found. 

Anderson's family is demanding justice in Xavia's death, which the RCMP is investigating as a homicide, while looking for answers as to why the toddler was stripped from their care.

"I want her face known, I want her story known, I want change," Anderson told CBC News. 

A sacred fire was set in Memorial Park in Winnipeg, where Anderson's family and friends gathered on Friday, drumming and singing prayers. 

Anderson's mother figure, Nadine Bone, who was at the sacred fire, says the family brought with them some stuffed animals, planning to place them at the steps of Manitoba's Legislative Building every six hours. 

"She loved her stuffies, she loved her babies … we're here to help her find her way home," Bone said.

Anderson says she and Xavia's biological mother — her cousin — agreed Anderson would raise the toddler, and together they signed a document to that effect. CBC News has seen a copy of the document, which shows signatures from both women and a nurse.

Cared for by her family since her birth in June 2021, Bone says Xavia never lacked love from the women around her. 

"She was just happy," Bone said. "She just loved being with us girls, she was never alone," Bone said. 

Child and Family Services didn't approach the family until March 17, 2022 when, Anderson says, a CFS worker from the Anishinaabe agency division knocked on her door. 

"They took her … that's the last time I saw her," Anderson said. "I told her that she was going for a car ride and mommy would be waiting." 

The RCMP say Xavia was not in CFS care at the time when she is believed to have died, but wouldn't confirm or deny any CFS involvement prior to her death.