Potential human remains have been discovered at a landfill north of Winnipeg, where search teams have been working to locate the bodies of two First Nations women, Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran. The women, victims of convicted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki, are believed to have been disposed of at the site in May 2022.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, who was present with the families when the discovery was made on Wednesday, described the moment as deeply emotional and difficult to process. “I don’t think any of us are ever going to forget today,” he told reporters. “It still feels surreal for everyone who was there—family, searchers, and government officials alike.”
The discovery marks a significant moment in a search effort that has been long fought for by the victims’ families and Indigenous leaders. After years of advocacy, including protests on Parliament Hill and at the Manitoba legislature, the provincial government launched the search in December. Winnipeg police had initially refused to search the landfill, citing safety concerns over hazardous materials at the site.
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, which has been working alongside the province on the search, commended the families for their perseverance. “Their voices, their advocacy, and their love for their missing relatives have been the driving force behind these efforts,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “While this discovery brings grief, it also strengthens our commitment to ensuring that no family is left without answers.”
Following the discovery, the search was temporarily halted as forensic anthropologists and investigators were called in to assess the remains. The RCMP confirmed that the remains have been transported to the chief medical examiner’s office for identification, a process that could take weeks. Premier Kinew assured that the search would resume on Thursday, with search teams determined to continue their work.
“This search has been so public and so long in the making,” Kinew said. “Now, we may be at a stage where healing and closure can finally begin—not just for these two families, but for Manitoba and for Canada.”
Federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Gary Anandasangaree called the discovery heartbreaking and urged respect for the privacy of the families during this difficult time. “Words are cold comfort, but we remain committed to supporting them, working with Manitoba, and doing everything possible to address the national crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.”
Harris and Myran were among four Indigenous women murdered by Skibicki, who was convicted last year of four counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. His other known victims include Rebecca Contois, whose remains were found in a separate landfill, and a still-unidentified woman given the name Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe, or Buffalo Woman, by Indigenous community members. Her remains have not yet been located.
Despite initial resistance from police and the former Progressive Conservative government, which cited safety concerns and uncertainty over whether the remains would be found, Premier Kinew’s NDP government fulfilled its campaign promise to begin the search after winning the 2023 election.
As search efforts continue, Winnipeg’s interim police chief Arthur Stannard acknowledged the emotional toll on the community. “Our thoughts go out to the MMIWG2S+ community and all families who are waiting for news of their missing loved ones.”
The government has estimated that the search will continue until spring, with families and advocates remaining hopeful that justice and closure will finally be within reach.