Breakthrough in Manitoba: Possible Remains of Indigenous Women Found Amid Ongoing Struggle for Justice

Introduction: A Grim Discovery and a Glimmer of Closure

On Wednesday, authorities in Manitoba, a western Canadian province, announced a potential breakthrough in a case that has devastated Indigenous communities and highlighted the stark reality of violence against Indigenous women in Canada. During a search of the Prairie Green Landfill near Winnipeg, experts identified what could be the remains of two Indigenous women, Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran, who were murdered by a serial killer. This discovery brings a measure of hope for closure to the families and communities who have endured unimaginable pain and advocates who have pushed tirelessly for justice. The case has not only exposed the horrors of violent crime but also underscored the systemic failures in addressing the disproportionate violence faced by Indigenous women and girls in Canada.

The Case: A Serial Killer and the Devastation of Indigenous Communities

The murders were carried out by Jeremy Anthony Michael Skibicki, a 35-year-old man who was arrested in December 2022. Between March and May of that year, Skibicki killed four Indigenous women, all from the Winnipeg area. His victims included Rebecca Contois, 24, and an unidentified woman whom First Nations elders named Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe, or Buffalo Woman. Morgan Harris, 39, and Marcedes Myran, 26, were also among his victims, both hailing from Long Plain First Nation, a reserve located about 55 miles west of Winnipeg.

Skibicki’s violent crimes shocked the nation, not only for their brutality but also for his disturbing online persona. His social media accounts were filled with white supremacist, misogynistic, and antisemitic rhetoric, revealing a deeply troubling ideology that dehumanized women and marginalized communities. In 2023, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison without parole for the first-degree murders of all four women. However, the recovery of the victims’ remains has been a long and arduous process, leaving families in limbo.

The Fight for Justice: Families and Advocates Demand Action

The families of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran have been at the forefront of the fight for justice, demanding that authorities conduct a thorough search for their loved ones’ remains. Both women were reported missing in early May 2022, and GPS evidence suggested their bodies were likely dumped in the Prairie Green Landfill. Despite this, the Canadian government initially resisted the search, citing high costs and technical challenges.

The delays and lack of urgency from authorities have been deeply frustrating for the families. Cambria Harris, Morgan’s daughter, has been a vocal advocate for the recovery of her mother’s remains. In a social media post, she requested privacy, stating, “I would like this time to grieve in peace.” Jorden Myran, Marcedes’ sister, did not respond to requests for comment, likely reflecting the overwhelming grief and exhaustion felt by many family members.

The broader Indigenous community has rallied around the families, emphasizing the importance of bringing the victims home for proper burial and closure. However, the delays in the search have also reignited conversations about systemic racism and the devaluation of Indigenous lives in Canada.

The Bigger Picture: Violence Against Indigenous Women in Canada

The murders of Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and the other victims have shed light on a grim reality in Canada: Indigenous women and girls face disproportionately high rates of violence. In 2022, the homicide rate for Indigenous women and girls was more than six times higher than that of their non-Indigenous counterparts. This stark disparity is rooted in centuries of colonialism, systemic racism, and ongoing social and economic inequalities.

Cases like these have become all too familiar, with many Indigenous women and girls going missing or being murdered without receiving the attention or resources their cases deserve. The discovery of potential remains in the Prairie Green Landfill is a reminder of the urgent need for systemic change and accountability. Advocates and families continue to push for better protections, more resources for investigations, and greater awareness of the epidemic of violence targeting Indigenous women.

The Search for Answers: Investigations and Next Steps

The search of the Prairie Green Landfill has been a significant step forward, but the process is far from over. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and other agencies have taken over the investigations, and experts are working to confirm whether the remains found belong to Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran. If confirmed, this would bring some closure to their families, who have endured unimaginable pain and uncertainty.

However, the road to justice is long, and the recovery of remains is just one part of the process. The identification of Buffalo Woman, the unidentified victim, remains unresolved, and her family continues to wait for answers. Rebecca Contois’s remains were recovered in a separate landfill in 2022, but the lack of closure for the other victims has left a lingering sense of injustice.

As the investigations continue, the focus must remain on ensuring that all victims are treated with dignity and respect, and that their families receive the support and resources they need to heal. The broader conversation about violence against Indigenous women must also continue, with policymakers, law enforcement, and the public working together to address the root causes of this crisis.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for a Safer Future

The discovery of potential human remains in Manitoba is a bittersweet moment for the families of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran. While it offers a glimmer of hope for closure, it also serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and safety for Indigenous women and girls in Canada. The case of these four victims—and countless others like them—underscores the urgent need for systemic change, greater accountability, and a commitment to protecting the lives of marginalized communities.

As the nation grapples with this painful reality, the voices of families, advocates, and Indigenous leaders must be amplified. The fight for justice is not just about recovering remains or securing convictions; it is about dismantling the systemic inequalities and biases that allow violence against Indigenous women to persist. Only through collective action and a shared commitment to change can Canada hope to build a future where all women and girls are safe, valued, and respected.