MKO Commends Judge for Guilty Verdict in the Heinous Murders of Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran and Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Inc. Grand Chief Garrison Settee says, “We commend the justice system for holding the accused accountable for the heinous crimes committed against Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran and Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe, or Buffalo Woman. This underscores the ongoing necessity for reforms to safeguard and protect vulnerable communities. We will continue to stand in solidarity with the family during their healing journeys and pursuit to bring their loved one’s home.”

We support the recent resolution passed at the Assembly of First Nations Annual General Assembly in Montreal this week. The resolution calls for an independent investigation into the deaths of Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe. The resolution highlights the urgent need for an independent inquiry to examine the circumstances surrounding these tragic deaths. This call to action is grounded in the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which emphasizes the protection and security of Indigenous peoples, especially women and children, against all forms of violence and discrimination.

We stand with the families and the AFN which calls on the Honourable Anita Neville, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, to establish a commission to conduct an inquiry that will focus specifically on the actions and procedures of the Winnipeg Police Service and the Province of Manitoba in their initial and ongoing investigations. The resolution stresses the need for First Nations commissioners to lead the inquiry. The scope, defined in collaboration with First Nations will examine the search efforts, evidence management, accountability of officials, and systemic biases, particularly regarding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit (MMIWG2S+) individuals.

The guilty verdict handed down by Chief Justice Glenn Joyal marks a first step in getting justice for our families.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the family as they embark on the grim task of searching the landfill for the remains of their family members. May this guilty ruling be a step in their healing journey.

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For more information:

Naomi Clarke, Communications Officer

Email: naomi.clarke@mkonorth.com

Web: https://mkonation.com/

NT5