Pimicikamak Teen Forced Out of Winnipeg Hospital Hotel During Recovery; Hotel Issues Apology

A 16-year-old boy from the Pimicikamak Cree Nation says he was forced out of a hospital-affiliated hotel in Winnipeg while recovering from knee surgery, sparking outrage from his family and local Indigenous leaders.

The teen, identified as Nicholas Robinson, had traveled to Winnipeg for surgery at the Health Sciences Centre. After being discharged, he and his family stayed at the hotel connected to the hospital, commonly used by patients from out of town to recover comfortably close to medical care.

According to the family, hotel staff and security asked them to leave their room before approval for an extended stay — still pending from the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch — had been granted. The family says Nicholas, still in significant pain and unable to walk, was made to leave the room while trying to gather his belongings, including pillows and shoes.

Video shared by the family shows Nicholas struggling to move while security personnel reportedly pressed the issue. The incident left the family feeling distressed and traumatized.

Community and Leadership Reaction

The family’s experience drew immediate condemnation from Pimicikamak leadership. Chief David Monias called the treatment “completely unacceptable” and demanded formal apologies from Manitoba Health, the hotel, and related authorities. He emphasized that no one, particularly a recovering teen, should face such treatment while under medical care.

Hotel Response

In response to public backlash, the Canad Inns Destination Centre Health Sciences Centre issued a formal apology. A spokesperson stated that the situation “does not reflect the standards of professionalism, care, or respect” expected from the hotel.

The hotel confirmed that the security employee involved has been terminated and that internal reviews are underway to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Government Reaction

Manitoba Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara confirmed that Shared Health is investigating the matter. The minister emphasized that patients and families must be treated with respect and dignity, particularly during recovery from medical procedures.

Moving Forward

The family hopes that public attention will ensure better care and communication for Indigenous patients traveling for medical treatment. “No family should have to experience this, especially when a child is recovering from surgery,” said the teen’s mother, Jodie Robinson.