A Winnipeg woman remembered for her compassion toward animals and her commitment to helping northern and First Nations communities is being mourned across Manitoba after she died while volunteering in Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation last week.
Amanda Nobiss, 37, has been identified by her family as the woman who was found deceased following an overnight search in Sandy Bay on July 17. While investigators continue working to determine exactly what happened, her death has reignited conversations about the longstanding challenges posed by stray and aggressive dogs in some Manitoba communities and the need for sustainable solutions that protect both people and animals.
Search ends in tragedy
According to the Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS), officers were contacted at approximately 12:45 a.m. on July 17 after a friend reported Nobiss missing.
Police launched a search that included neighbourhood inquiries, drone support and efforts to track the location of her cellphone. Investigators determined the phone was still showing in the Sandy Bay area, but the search was complicated by the large area covered by the signal.
At approximately 6 a.m., a local maintenance worker discovered the body of an adult woman in the same general area where the cellphone had last been detected.
Police have said the death is not considered suspicious at this time, but the cause of death remains under investigation pending a post-mortem examination.
Investigators also noted that several aggressive dogs were observed in the area where Nobiss was found. However, police have not confirmed whether the animals played any role in her death.
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Remembering Amanda
Animal welfare organizations across Canada have paid tribute to Nobiss, describing her as a passionate advocate who dedicated years of her life to helping vulnerable animals.
In a statement shared by Every Dog Matters Alberta, Nobiss was remembered as a volunteer who worked at spay and neuter clinics, fostered dogs, transported animals for veterinary care and collaborated with First Nations communities to address dog overpopulation through humane approaches.
“By all accounts, Amanda dedicated years of her life to helping both animals and people,” they wrote.
The statement described her death as a significant loss for the animal welfare community and called for meaningful discussions about how communities address animal management issues.
At the time of her death, Nobiss was volunteering with K9 Advocacy Manitoba, which also released a statement mourning the loss of one of its members.
“Any time we suffer the loss of a valued member of our community, it calls us to pull together to honour the work, dedication, and commitment that they have contributed to our mission,” the organization says. “We will sorely miss this member and the lovely heart, hours of involvement, and strong advocacy they brought to such challenging work.”
Amanda Nobiss volunteers at a previous spay and neuter clinic in Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation. Nobiss spent years supporting animal welfare initiatives in Manitoba communities and is being remembered for her commitment to humane, long-term solutions to animal overpopulation. Facebook/Amanda Nobiss
Sandy Bay addresses ongoing concerns
In a statement, Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation extended condolences to Nobiss’ family, friends and colleagues while acknowledging the impact the tragedy has had on the community.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking loss,” Chief and Council said.
The statement noted that community leaders have been working for some time to address concerns surrounding stray and aggressive dogs through what it described as “safe, humane, and sustainable solutions” that balance public safety with animal welfare.
“This tragedy has deeply affected not only the advocate’s loved ones, but also our community and many dog owners who continue to have concerns about both public safety and the welfare of their animals. Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation remains committed to working with its partners to develop long-term, humane solutions that protect both people and animals.”
Officials stress that the investigation remains ongoing and that all facts have yet to be determined.
“We respectfully ask the public to avoid speculation or assigning blame while the investigation is ongoing. The First Nation will not comment further on the circumstances of the incident until the investigation has been completed,” the statement read.
A broader issue beyond one tragedy
While many details surrounding Nobiss’ death remain unknown, animal welfare advocates say the incident has highlighted a broader issue that extends far beyond a single community.
Many First Nations and rural communities across Manitoba continue to face challenges related to dog overpopulation, limited access to veterinary services and insufficient resources for long-term animal management programs.
Advocates argue that sustainable solutions require a combination of accessible spay and neuter programs, veterinary care, public education, responsible pet ownership and appropriate enforcement measures.
Every Dog Matters Alberta says the focus should remain on preventing future tragedies rather than assigning blame before investigators have completed their work.
“The greatest way to honour her memory is not with outrage alone, but by building the systems she was working so hard to create.”
Investigation continues
The Manitoba First Nations Police Service continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Nobiss’ death.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the cause of death, and no further information has been provided about the dogs observed in the area.
As family members, volunteers and community members continue to grieve, many are remembering Nobiss for the work she devoted herself to, including helping animals, supporting communities and advocating for long-term solutions to difficult problems.
For those who knew her, that commitment may ultimately become part of her lasting legacy.