Search Yields Remains of Indigenous Women by Serial Killer in Manitoba

Police have confirmed the recovery of Morgan Harris’ remains from a Manitoba landfill, after efforts to uncover the bodies of indigenous women murdered by Jeremy Skibicki, raising awareness of the historical violence against indigenous populations in Canada.

The remains of Morgan Harris, a 39-year-old indigenous woman, have been discovered at the Prairie Green Landfill in Manitoba, a significant development in the investigation into a string of murders linked to serial killer Jeremy Skibicki. Police announced the recovery following an extensive search initiated after indigenous community leaders urged authorities to find the victims' remains. Alongside Harris, the search has also revealed remains of another victim, Marcedes Myran, 26, both of whom are from the Long Plain First Nation.

Skibicki has been implicated in the deaths of four indigenous women in 2022, a grave incident contributing to the growing crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada. Harris and Myran were murdered over a three-month period, with their bodies disposed of in landfills. The recent search was launched only after considerable pressure from indigenous communities, with Manitoba and federal authorities ultimately allocating C$20 million for the operation, alongside matching federal funding.

The difficult task of retrieving the remains has highlighted issues surrounding the investigation and the urgency to address the ongoing epidemic of violence against indigenous women. Cambria Harris, Morgan's daughter, expressed mixed feelings regarding the discovery, marking it as a bittersweet moment in a heartfelt social media message that emphasized the need for consistent support for affected families.

The killings gained wider attention after partial human remains of another victim, Rebecca Contois, were discovered by a scavenger, unveiling a chilling pattern of unreported homicides over several months. Statistics from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) indicate that indigenous women account for a disproportionate share of female homicide victims and missing persons, igniting discussions on systemic issues and the need for justice.

As the search for the two women's remains continues, the tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the historical and ongoing violence faced by indigenous populations in Canada, urging communities and authorities to confront this humanitarian crisis.