The search for justice and clarity surrounding the deaths of Indigenous women in Canada took a heart-wrenching turn as authorities confirmed the discovery of the remains of Marcedes Myran on March 17, 2025, in the Prairie Green Landfill near Winnipeg, Manitoba. This revelation follows the identification of another victim, Morgan Harris, earlier this month, both women having fallen prey to Jeremy Skibicki, a convicted serial killer now serving multiple life sentences for their murders and those of others.
- Two Indigenous women's remains found in landfill.
- Jeremy Skibicki convicted of multiple murders.
- Indigenous women face heightened violence risks.
- Families pressured authorities for search efforts.
- Significant crisis of missing Indigenous women.
- Winnipeg Police acknowledge community pain.
In a grim twist of fate, Myran’s remains were located after extensive searches that spanned months, fueled by an urgent push from the families of both victims. The authorities noted the complexity and emotional weight of the investigation, with many involved feeling the palpable pain of the Indigenous community affected by these losses. “The unimaginable pain surrounding the case” was acknowledged by Winnipeg Police Chief Danny Smyth in an open letter to Indigenous leaders, emphasizing the importance of the investigation amidst the outcry for justice. “I have heard the calls from the families, the Indigenous leadership, and the community. I understand your calls; the pain and sorrow is unimaginable,” he wrote.
Myran, a member of the Long Plain First Nation, and Harris were more than just statistics; they were vibrant women with lives cut short in a brutal series of attacks that highlight a broader crisis faced by Indigenous women in Canada. Testimony at Skibicki’s trial unveiled harrowing details of his methodical and vicious crime spree, as he targeted vulnerable women met in homeless shelters, reflecting a haunting reality of societal neglect. The trial revealed that Myran and Harris were raped, killed, and dismembered, with their remains believed to have been discarded in the landfill—a site that has now become a focus of extensive forensic efforts moving forward.
Their tragic stories resonate deeply within a larger context of violence against Indigenous peoples, where Indigenous women represent a staggering one-fifth of all women killed in gender-related homicides across Canada. This statistic stands in stark contrast to their mere five percent representation in the female population—a gap that raises alarming questions about societal safety and justice. A national public inquiry in 2019 designated this ongoing violence against Indigenous women as a form of genocide, bringing desperate attention to a crisis that continues to unfold.
Authorities have discovered additional victims connected to Skibicki as well, including Rebecca Contois, whose remains were uncovered in a separate landfill. Another unidentified victim, referenced as Buffalo Woman, remains missing, intensifying the urgency for justice and closure for grieving families.
The families of Harris and Myran have consistently urged authorities to conduct thorough searches for their loved ones, reflecting the community’s despair and determination. Their pleas underscore not only the grief of loss but a persistent fight for recognition within a society struggling with systemic issues of violence, especially against marginalized groups.
As news of the discoveries sends ripples through the community and beyond, it contrasts sharply with the history of dismissed cases and unfulfilled inquiries surrounding the missing and murdered Indigenous women. The overarching tragedy is not merely about these individual deaths; it speaks to the collective suffering of a community often overlooked. In the United States, a similar crisis exists, with Native American women disproportionately targeted for violence, sparking alarming statistics—over 5,700 reports of missing Native women and girls were noted in 2016, with many cases still unresolved.
Current efforts to address this tragedy involve not only ongoing searches but also systemic changes proposed to improve safety and justice for Indigenous communities. With the investigations into these heinous crimes continuing, there remains a community ready to seek justice and reclaim their voices in the wake of unimaginable grief. As the families hold onto hope for justice, the pain of loss serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing issues that have long plagued Indigenous peoples. The anticipation of further developments in this case underscores a persistent call for attention, change, and, ultimately, healing.
