Miles Morrisseau
ICT
MANITOBA, Canada — The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have confirmed that the second set of human remains found in the Prairie Green Landfill near Winnipeg are those of Marcedes Myran of Long Plain First Nation, the fourth identified victim of a convicted serial killer who targeted Indigenous women.
Myran’s remains were found as part of a humanitarian search and recovery mission initiated by the Manitoba government at the request of the families of Myran and Morgan Harris, whose remains were found and identified earlier this month.
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Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew spoke to reporters soon after the news was released.
“Myran and Morgan Harris are coming home,” said Kinew, Anishinaabe, who became the first First Nation provincial premier in Canadian history when he was elected in 2023.
“This is what we set out to do,” Kinew told reporters. “I don’t know if many of us knew the odds of success … “But it turns out bringing them home was within our grasp, and something we were able to do for these families.”
Myran’s family was notified and the Manitoba government asked that the family’s privacy be respected.
The search mission was operated in conjunction with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and with the support of the federal government.
Myran’s remains were one of two sets recovered in the latest search, the other of which was identified as Harris earlier in March. The deaths of two other women have also been linked to Jeremy Skibicki, a Winnipeg man who confessed to the killings and was convicted in July 2024 of four counts of first-degree murder.
Families had been pushing for more than two years to convince officials to search the Prairie Green and Brady landfills near Winnipeg, after the partial remains of another woman, Rebecca Contois, O-Chi Chak Ko Sipi First Nation, were found at the Brady landfill. An unidentified woman who was given the name Buffalo Woman or Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe by Indigenous elders, has also been linked to Skibicki, but her body has not been found.
After initially refusing to conduct the searches despite protests from the families, government officials began formal searches in December.
‘Our hearts are with them’
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs acknowledged and honored the sacred return of Myran following the tireless and courageous humanitarian search to bring her home to her children, other family and her community.
“We hold our hands up in prayer and love for the Myran family,” said Manitoba Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “I have witnessed the strength, determination, and relentless love of Marcedes’ family as they fought to bring her home. Their courage is a reflection of the love they carry for her. Our hearts are with them as they grieve and begin the journey of healing.”
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak offered condolences and support to the families.
“The loss of Marcedes and the difficult fight for search and recovery has been incomprehensible,” said Woodhouse Nepinak. “We once again lift up and send our condolences to the families of Morgan Harris, Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe (Buffalo Woman), and Rebecca Contois. They have our full support during this incredibly difficult time, as do all those grieving a Missing and Murdered First Nations individual.”
‘Safety must be a priority’
Woodhouse Nepinak also called on the federal government to implement the 231 Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
“The roadmap exists, and we know the work before us to honour the Inquiry and its findings and to build a just Canada that honours the safety of First Nations women and girls. Their safety must be a priority for all Canadians,” Woodhouse Nepinak said. “The AFN also express our gratitude to Premier Wab Kinew for his leadership and advocacy in initiating and securing the efforts behind this search and recovery.”
Diandre Thomas-Hart, co-chair of Manitoba Moon Voices, called for a stronger response from the government for missing and murdered Indigenous people. Manitoba Moon Voices is an organization that represents the interests of Indigenous women, girls, Two Spirit and gender diverse individuals in the province.
“The crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit people continues to be met with inaction, delays and political excuses while our families are left to suffer,” Thomas-Hart said. “Every level of government, law enforcement and the justice system must be held accountable for their failure to act swiftly and effectively. In cases of Indigenous homicide and missing persons, we demand immediate action to ensure that every Indigenous homicide case past, present and future is treated with the urgency resources and respect all people deserve. No more delays, no more excuses.”
Wilson, the Manitoba chief, said she is committed to making the world safer for Indigenous women and other vulnerable people.
“For far too long, First Nations women have been treated as though they are disposable. We have always said — our women are sacred,” Wilson said. “Marcedes deserved to live a full life surrounded by love and possibility. We will continue to honour her spirit and stand firmly with the Myran family as we work to end the violence faced by First Nations women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.”
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