In a tragic turn of events, the remains of two indigenous women, victims of a serial killer, have been discovered in a landfill in Manitoba, Canada. The search at Prairie Green Landfill near Winnipeg has come to a somber end as officials confirmed the recovery of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran, both hailing from the Long Plain First Nation.
These two women were among four indigenous individuals who lost their lives in 2022 at the hands of Jeremy Skibicki, a convicted murderer. The exhaustive search effort at Prairie Green Landfill was spurred by the relentless advocacy of indigenous leaders, urging authorities to bring closure to the families of the victims.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Manitoba solemnly identified Ms. Myran’s remains this week, while the painful discovery of Ms. Harris’s remains had been made earlier in the month. The Manitoba government respectfully notified Ms. Myran’s family of the findings, emphasizing the need for privacy during this period of mourning.
Cambria Harris, daughter of Morgan Harris, shared her emotional journey in a heartfelt Facebook post, describing the moment of finding her mother’s remains as “bittersweet.” She requested continued support for their families as they navigate through this challenging process with unwavering strength and faith.
Initially met with resistance, the decision to search the landfill was fraught with challenges, including the potential risks posed to search teams due to hazardous materials. However, a change in government leadership saw Manitoba’s premier, Wab Kinew, committing significant funding for the search operation, aligning with the families’ calls for justice.
As search crews tirelessly combed through the landfill, their efforts culminated in the recovery of human remains at the end of February, ultimately bringing closure to the families of Ms. Harris and Ms. Myran. The Manitoba Progressive Conservatives, who had initially opposed the search, issued a formal apology in acknowledgment of the missteps that hindered the pursuit of truth and justice for the victims.
Premier Kinew, reflecting on the arduous process, affirmed that the decision to search the landfill was both morally and practically justified. He expressed gratitude for the widespread support from Canadians who recognized the necessity of uncovering the truth behind these senseless crimes.
The perpetrator, Jeremy Skibicki, had been convicted last year for the murders of Ms. Harris, Ms. Myran, and another victim, Rebecca Contois of O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation. A fourth victim, named Buffalo Woman, remains unidentified, underscoring the devastating impact of these heinous acts on indigenous communities.
The discovery of partial human remains outside Skibicki’s residence by a passerby seeking scrap metal had brought to light the chilling reality of these crimes, which had previously evaded detection. The ensuing investigation uncovered a web of tragedy and loss, shedding light on the broader crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls in Canada.
