Aboriginal leaders said they were "horrified" Wednesday after receiving body bags from health officials as part of Canada's swine flu preparedness kits.

Aboriginal communities in Canada's Manitoba province were hard-hit by the deadly A(H1N1) outbreak some months ago, and since then had asked Ottawa for medical supplies to prepare for a second wave likely to strike soon.

Leaders of more than 30 First Nations communities said in a statement Wednesday they "are horrified after receiving dozens of body bags from Health Canada as part of Canada's preparedness plan on H1N1."

The body bags arrived in kits containing hand sanitizers and face masks.

"We had asked for funding so we can get organized and to ensure medicines, hand sanitizers and other preventative kits were in place, but instead we are shocked to receive body bags," said Jerry Knott, chief of the Wasagamack First Nation.

"This is an ominous sign that the government is predicting a grim outcome," added Chief David McDougall of the Saint Theresa Point band.

Canada's Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq said she has asked officials for an explanation.