Possible Discovery of Remains of Indigenous Women in Manitoba Landfill

Manitoba's recent search in Prairie Green Landfill has uncovered potential remains linked to two Indigenous women murdered by a serial killer, renewing focus on the systemic violence faced by these communities.

Authorities in Manitoba announced on Wednesday a potential breakthrough in the case of two Indigenous women believed to have been victims of a serial killer. This discovery in the Prairie Green Landfill near Winnipeg highlights the ongoing epidemic of violence against Indigenous women in Canada.

During the search, experts identified what could be human remains, prompting notification to the families of the victims, Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, along with other agencies, will lead the subsequent investigations.

In 2022, Jeremy Anthony Michael Skibicki was arrested for the murders of four Indigenous women from the Winnipeg area. He was ultimately sentenced to 25 years without the chance of parole for the first-degree murders. Skibicki’s social media history revealed a troubling pattern of far-right ideologies and hateful rhetoric.

While some of the victims had been recovered, including some remains of Rebecca Contois, the remains of Ms. Harris and Ms. Myran, both killed in May 2022, had not been found until now. Both women were from the Long Plain First Nation and had been reported missing prior to their tragic deaths.

Their families had been vocal advocates for a thorough search of the landfill, despite initial resistance from the Canadian government due to concerns over costs and logistical challenges.

Statistics reveal the grim reality of violence against Indigenous women, with the homicide rate for this demographic being six times higher than that of non-Indigenous women in Canada. Following the news, Cambria Harris, daughter of Ms. Harris, expressed her desire for privacy during this difficult time, reflecting the personal toll this tragedy has had on the families involved.