The recent discovery of human remains in a landfill near Winnipeg, Canada, has brought both a heavy heart and a bittersweet relief to the family of Morgan Harris, an Indigenous woman whose life was tragically cut short. Authorities confirmed on March 7, 2025, that the remains found at the Prairie Green Landfill belong to Harris, one of the victims of a convicted serial killer, Jeremy Skibicki, who is already serving multiple life sentences for four murders, including hers.
- Indigenous woman Morgan Harris identified in landfill
- Jeremy Skibicki convicted of multiple murders
- Indigenous women face high violence rates
- Search for remains prompted by family pressure
- Manitoba's Premier honors Morgan Harris's memory
- Crisis of missing Indigenous women in Canada
Morgan Harris, a member of the Long Plain First Nation, was reported missing in 2022, a part of a disturbing pattern of violence against Indigenous women in Canada—a crisis that has resonated deeply within communities and across the nation. Harris was last seen alive during a time when Indigenous women faced an alarming rate of violence, a reality described by a national inquiry as a form of “genocide.”
Police linked Skibicki to the murders after he met his victims in homeless shelters, preying on their vulnerabilities. The evidence presented during his trial painted a harrowing picture: testimony revealed that Harris and another victim, Marcedes Myran, were raped, killed, and dismembered. Skibicki’s heinous acts have underscored a persistent issue of misogyny and systemic neglect faced by Indigenous communities in Canada, where women represent a disproportionate number of victims in gender-related homicides.
As the investigation unfolded, law enforcement initially believed that Harris’s remains, along with those of other victims, had been disposed of at the landfill. In a statement released on March 7, local authorities confirmed the grim identification, generating a response from her family filled with grief and a sense of justice. Cambria Harris, Morgan’s daughter, expressed her emotions through social media, describing the identification of her mother’s remains as “a bittersweet moment.” She stated, “She’s coming home just like we said from the very beginning… we fought with our hearts and now her spirit can rest,” echoing the sentiments of many families who have endured similar tragedies.
The search for Harris and the other missing women was driven not only by police efforts but also by the heartfelt pleas from their families and the wider community. Manitoba’s Premier Wab Kinew, the first Indigenous person to lead a Canadian province, also paid tribute to Harris, stating, “Morgan Harris we honor you,” signaling a commitment to justice for the victims.
In a broader context, the plight of Indigenous women in Canada parallels a similar crisis in the United States, where Native American women face disproportionately high rates of violence. Reports suggest that in 2016 alone, over 5,700 cases of missing Indigenous women and girls were recorded. This cries out for action and acknowledgment, highlighting both the need for systemic changes and the importance of addressing the historical injustices that have led to such a dire situation.
As investigations into the murders of Harris, Myran, and other victims continue, police remain focused on identifying additional remains that were found, one of which is from another victim, Rebecca Contois. There is fear and sorrow across communities as unanswered questions linger; a fourth victim remains unidentified, leaving families hoping for closure.
The ongoing investigation is seen as one of the most intricate cases in Winnipeg’s recent history, with the police chief recognizing the “unimaginable” pain experienced by the families involved. While this chapter in the story of Morgan Harris may be closing with her identification, the fight for justice, recognition, and the prevention of future violence against Indigenous women is far from over. It’s a painful reminder of the urgent need for societal change and healing, not only for the families but for an entire community scarred by tragedy. The implications of Harris’ story resonate, commanding attention to the broader context of violence against Indigenous people and the historical neglect that must be dismantled.
