Second switched-at-birth case discovered at Norway House Indian Hospital

Two men from a northern Manitoba First Nationhave discoveredthey were likely switched at birth at a federallyrun hospital 40 years ago.

It's the second possible case of infants being switched at birth in 1975 at the same hospital, theNorway House Indian Hospital.

In this latest case, the two were born three days apart. DNA tests confirmed that one man was raised by the biological mother of the other. Bothlive inNorway House Cree Nation.

"It's shocking," said Norway HousecouncillorSamanthaFolster. "It's devastating for the families."

The First Nation is holding a press conference in Winnipeg on Friday morning at 11 a.m. CTwith the twomen and their parents. Their identities will be revealed at that time.

"I think that there was always, in the back of everybody's minds, that there could have been something that could have happened in the hospital at that time," said Folster, who is related to one of the men.

Last November, two men fromGarden Hill First Nation came forward after DNA results confirmed they were not the biological children of their parents. They, too,were born in 1975 at the same Norway House hospital.

• 2 Manitoba men switched at birth dealing with 'stolen identity'

LukeMoniasand NormanBarkmancalled on the federal government to launch an investigation into how the switch could have happened.

At the time, Health Minister Jane Philpottsaid she was "very concerned" about the matter and promised to look into it immediately.

Folster said Monias and Barkmancoming forward played a big role in why the men from Norway House decided to get their DNA tested.

"It's an injustice in many ways," she said."The families are affected by the whole situation, and that's the concerning piece for them;it's caused a lot of emotional, mental stress."

Former New Democratmember of the legislature forKeewatinookEric Robinson slammed Ottawa for its lack of action.

"I think that this is gross negligence on the part of the federal government. It's a federally run hospital," he said Thursday.

Robinson, who himself was born atNorway House Indian Hospital,called on the federal government to launch an externalinvestigation into the Monias and Barkman case last year, while he was Manitoba'sAboriginal and northern affairs minister.

In an emailed statement to CBC News, Health Canada said it is aware of the second case.

"The department has worked to ensure DNA testing was carried out for these individuals in a way that ensured their privacy," the statement said.

Health Canada said it will provide more details on Friday.