IBMS “Cat in the Hat” Online Trend

On September 15, 2026, at approximately 4:00 p.m., members of the Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS) in Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation responded to the Isaac Beaulieu Memorial School (IBMS) following a report of a concerning social media post connected to the school.

The post appeared to mimic an online trend involving an AI-generated “Cat in the Hat” character. This trend has raised safety concerns in other communities.

Police reviewed the content of the post and determined that it did not contain any material deemed to be a threat or otherwise concerning.

On September 24, 2026, IBMS staff contacted MFNPS again to report that further concerning content had been posted. Police attended and conducted a review of the new material.

The MFNPS Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU) was subsequently engaged to assist with the investigation. As a precaution, school administration placed the school on a hold and secure while the MFNPS conducted its investigation.

Through the investigation, CIU investigators identified the individuals responsible for the post as two youths under the age of 12. Investigators determined that the post was not intended to be threatening and was instead created as a prank. The youths and their parents were spoken to regarding the potential consequences of creating content online that may be perceived as threatening.

As a result of the investigation and the suspects being under the age of 12, as per the Criminal Code of Canada, no charges will be pursued.



If you have any information that could assist investigators, don't hesitate to contact MFNPS Sandy Bay First Nation Detachment at 204-843-7701 or the MFNPS TIPS line anonymously at 1-833-978-0048 or email TIPS@mfnp.ca. The MFNPS TIPS line is accessible 24/7, 365 days a year, and monitored regularly.