The search for the remains of two First Nations women believed to be victims of serial killer Jeremy Skibicki is making significant strides at the Prairie Green Landfill near Winnipeg. For families affected by this tragic case, this progress offers hope after two long years of waiting.
At the heart of the operation are 39-year-old Morgan Harris and 26-year-old Marcedes Myran, whose remains are believed to have been disposed of at the landfill following their murders. Authorities recently reported advancements, with heavy machinery repositioning landfill material above where the remains are thought to be buried. Amna Mackin, leading the project for the Manitoba government, noted how far the operation has come, stating, “We have begun the process of moving material to reach the target zone at Prairie Green.”
With a comprehensive approach, the Manitoba government outlined plans encompassing several stages. The current phase, identified as the third stage, involves substantial groundwork, with the construction of facilities and the setup of necessary infrastructure. Premier Wab Kinew emphasized the importance of this work, saying, “This is about doing the right thing and sending a message to all Manitobans.”
Part of the facility includes trailers to accommodate the staff engaged in this sensitive endeavor. Anticipations are high as teams prepare to excavate targeted areas, extending from the top layers downwards. According to Mackin, the excavation will span approximately four football fields, reaching depths of nearly 10 meters. Specifically, the site will eventually accommodate two dedicated search teams to optimize efforts.
Recruitment to support the search has attracted significant interest, with over 200 applications for roles such as technicians and search coordinators. Participants will undergo training, ensuring the operation respects both environmental and health standards. The government is focused on employing individuals with the necessary expertise, including anthropologists guiding the methods being adopted.
Over the past two years, the discussion surrounding the search of the Prairie Green Landfill has been contentious. Under the previous Progressive Conservative government, resistance stemmed from concerns about safety and environmental ramifications. Yet following the electoral shift to the New Democratic Party (NDP) and the election of Premier Kinew, commitments to search the landfill took precedence. The provincial and federal governments jointly pledged substantial funds, amounting to $20 million each, to assist search operations.
The gravity of the situation is even more poignant for the families of the victims. Cambria Harris, Morgan’s daughter, expressed her relief and determination, stating, “It’s been two years now my mom’s been laying there, as well as Marcedes. That’s two years too long.” She conveyed the hope for closure not just for her family but for many others affected by the tragedies surrounding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). “We’re finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel,” she said, reflecting on the longer-term impact this search may have on communal healing.
The excavation phase is expected to commence by early December, focusing on the precise location where the remains are thought to exist. Premier Kinew remarked on the scale of the preparations, stating, “This operation has been huge, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together.”
The search’s significance resonates beyond just the families involved; it seeks to confront systemic issues surrounding the invisibility of Indigenous women and the failures of institutions to adequately protect their lives. Activists and community representatives hope this operation will mobilize discussions around MMIWG, pushing for more proactive measures across the country.
Jeremy Skibicki was convicted of four counts of first-degree murder, which includes Harris and Myran, alongside Rebecca Contois and another unidentified woman referred to as Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe, known as Buffalo Woman. His trial highlighted how their remains ended up at the landfill, underlining the need for community vigilance and governmental responsibility.
The advocacy surrounding this search has galvanized interests at local and national levels. It adds to the growing pressure on authorities to reevaluate their policies and support structures for vulnerable populations, particularly women. The deployment of technology and methods from anthropology and forensic science will hopefully lead to not just retrieval of remains but also provide dignity to victims and their families.
Commencing this search has reignited discussions about the importance of prioritizing safety and well-being for all, particularly for Indigenous communities disproportionately affected by violence. The heartbreaking nature of this search brings forth urgent calls to action to combat the inequities and injustices faced by Indigenous women across Canada.
Families and community members continue to stand vigil for their loved ones lost, demanding recognition and respect for lives taken too soon. Their resilience shines through the darkness of grief and loss, motivating efforts surrounding the search at Prairie Green Landfill.
The Manitoba government is progressing through this search with sensitivity and urgency, aiming not only to seek justice for these victims but also offering hope for healing and resolution for families long affected by loss and tragedy. The operation stands as both a painful reminder of the past and as a pivotal point for change, promising structural improvements and protections moving forward.
Both the government and community look forward to what the excavation will discover, carrying the memories of those lost within their hearts, ensuring their stories are not forgotten. The eventual outcome hinges on the effectiveness and compassion of the processes adopted, shaping the roadmap for future inquiries and searches across the nation.
