A Call to Manitoba Government and Government of Canada:
Mobilize Efforts to Search Landfill Sites in Winnipeg
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) calls upon the Governments of Canada and Manitoba to immediately and resolutely commence efforts to search for and bring home the remains of Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe (Buffalo Woman). These three Indigenous women are believed to be buried in two Winnipeg landfills.
With this call to action, the MNO joins a chorus of appeals from across the country, echoing widespread concerns over the fate of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals (MMIWG2S+).
The MNO stands united with the families of MMIWG2S+ persons, the Métis National Council and many other Indigenous groups in expressing dismay and disappointment at Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson’s reluctance to aid the search in the Prairie Green and Brady Road landfills.
The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated, and the provincial and federal governments must act in a manner that demonstrates the values of justice, respect, and compassion for Indigenous Peoples. Swiftly investigating these landfill sites would not only honour the memory of these women but also underscore a sincere commitment to tackling the broader issue of MMIWG2S+ cases that have devastated our communities.
Moreover, the MNO urges prompt development of a time-bound, Indigenous-led National Action Plan Strategy. This must address all 231 Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, crucial in ending violence against them. The MNO steadfastly supports First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples, demanding complete implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the 231 Calls for Justice. Ignoring these rights and the lives lost due to anti-Indigenous racism and misogyny is unacceptable.
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples states:
- Article 7 (2): Indigenous peoples have the collective right to live in freedom, peace and security as distinct peoples and shall not be subjected to any act of genocide or any other act of violence, including forcibly removing children of the group to another group.
- Article 22 (2):States shall take measures, in conjunction with indigenous peoples, to ensure that indigenous women and children enjoy the full protection and guarantees against all forms of violence and discrimination.
Furthermore, the National Inquiry into MMIWG Calls for Justice state:
- 1.5: We call upon all governments to immediately take all necessary measures to prevent, investigate, punish, and compensate for violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people.
- 9.5: We call upon all police services for the standardization of protocols for policies and practices that ensure that all cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people are thoroughly investigated.
Accordingly, all governments in this country must make protecting Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals an absolute priority and take decisive action.
MNO Ordinary Resolution #OR-03: Resolution MMIWG – Searching the Landfill in Manitoba
At the MNO Annual General Assembly (AGA) held on August 18 to 20, 2023, citizens discussed and successfully passed (Resolved by Consensus) Ordinary Resolution #OR-03, focused on the urgent need to search the Prairie Green and Brady Road landfills for the remains of Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe (Buffalo Woman).
The resolution, presented by Kate Stewart-McNeil and seconded by Ricki Strapp, underscores the critical nature of the ongoing reality of MMIWG2S+ cases and the immense significance they hold. It recognizes that the confluence of identity and experience often places marginalized women, girls, and two-spirit+ individuals in situations of heightened vulnerability. Recognizing the value of bringing closure to these cases and honouring the lives lost, the resolution urges all levels of government to respond to this imperative call for action.
This resolution, marked by its unanimous consensus during the assembly, signifies a united front in advocating for justice, respect, and compassion towards Indigenous communities affected by these tragedies. By passing this resolution, the MNO not only affirms its commitment to this cause but also sets a precedent for collaborative efforts between Indigenous organizations and government entities in addressing this critical issue.
A copy of the Record of Decisions, which includes Ordinary Resolution #OR-03 is available here.
Background
In December 2022, Manitoba resident Jeremy Skibicki faced charges related to the murders of four Indigenous women: Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and an unidentified woman referred to as Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe or Buffalo Woman. These tragic events are believed to have taken place between March and May 2022. While the identities of the known victims are linked to the O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation and Long Plain First Nation, the identity of Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe remains unknown.
In the face of vocal community concerns and frustrations, authorities encountered challenges while attempting to recover the victims’ remains from landfills, leading to a temporary halt in search operations.
Specifically, the Prairie Green Landfill, suspected of holding the remains of Myran and Harris, underwent a brief closure in June 2022 but has since reopened, with no searches currently underway. The feasibility of locating their bodies has become a topic of widespread discussion, sparking blockades and protests in Winnipeg and elsewhere. This case has evoked widespread calls for intensified focus on the safety and well-being of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals.
Additional Information
On June 3, 2021, Canada unveiled a National Action Plan, centering on the outcomes of the National Inquiry and the 62 Calls for Miskotahâ (change). It delves into the underlying causes and manifestations of oppression that have contributed to the deliberate, violent victimization of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals.
Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO), or “Women of the Métis Nation,” in direct response to the National Action Plan, introduced its Métis-specific Action Plan in August 2021. This comprehensive document, entitled “Weaving Miskotahâ,” serves as the Implementation Framework for the Métis Nation, in alignment with the Calls for Justice outlined in the National Inquiry Final Report and the 62 Calls for Miskotahâ.
“Weaving Miskotahâ” spotlights the Métis-led initiatives already in motion as a response to the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry, as well as the Métis Nation’s own Calls for Change. Additionally, it presents a detailed account of the progress made and the achievements attained thus far.
Health and Wellbeing Supports
The MNO stands committed to the wellbeing of Métis families and communities through its 24HR Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line and a suite of dedicated programs and services that serve as lifelines, offering crucial assistance to individuals in need. All non-urgent MNO programs and services can be accessed by contacting our OneMNO Navigators.
The MNO is resolutely forward-thinking, to this end, the MNO has embarked on a comprehensive research initiatives aimed at gaining deeper insights into the unique challenges faced by Métis families and communities. By doing so, the MNO seeks to bolster its support mechanisms, ensuring they are responsive and also tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of those they serve.
This proactive stance underscores the MNO’s unwavering commitment to addressing the Calls for Justice outlined in the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) inquiry, reaffirming its dedication to healing and empowerment within the Métis community.
About the MNO:
In 1993, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) was established through the will of Métis people and communities coming together throughout Ontario to create a Métis-specific, democratic, province-wide governance structure. The MNO represents and advocates on behalf of its citizens who are rights-bearing members of Métis communities that collectively hold rights, interests, and outstanding claims protected by Sections 25 and 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, including, but not limited to, the right of self-government. Ontario is home to the 2003 Powley decision, in which the Supreme Court of Canada recognized the existence of the Métis right to harvest for food that is protected by Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution. Powley was—and remains—the only Supreme Court of Canada (“SCC”) decision affirming Métis rights protected by Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
Media Contact:
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416-997-5179
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