MKO Stands with Families and Communities in Wake of Prairie Green Landfill Recovery

March 17, 2025

***Trigger Warning: The following statement discusses the discovery of human remains and issues related to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit+ people. This content may be distressing to some readers. Health Support resources are located at the bottom of this statement.

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) extends our deepest condolences, comfort, and strength to the family of Marcedes Myran after the confirmation of the discovery of her remains at the Prairie Green Landfill.

This discovery, while deeply painful, brings much-needed closure for the family and relief that they can bring their loved one home.

We continue to stand with them as they navigate this journey towards truth and justice.

MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee says, “The families of Marcedes Myran, Morgan Harris, Rebecca Contois and Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe, or Buffalo Woman shouldn’t have had to fight for over two years to have the search initiated. The fight for justice shouldn’t have taken nearly 8 times longer than the search itself. We find it shameful that the government didn’t support the search from the beginning. We pray that no other families endure this in the future. We commend all the families for continuing the fight for justice and we ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this time.”

The crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit+ people (MMIWG2S+) is a profound tragedy that affects not only the families directly impacted but also our larger communities. We recognize that this news may bring renewed grief, trauma, and pain to many. MKO’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Liaison Unit remains available to provide wellness and cultural support services to anyone affected. Our team is committed to offering trauma-informed care, ensuring that those in need have a safe space to seek comfort and guidance.

MKO remains steadfast in our advocacy for justice and systemic change to address the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people. We will continue to walk alongside all families, survivors and 2SLGBTQQIA+ relatives and communities impacted by MMIWG2S+, to demand accountability, healing, and meaningful action.

We call upon all levels of government, law enforcement, and community partners to uphold their commitments to justice and reconciliation. The lives of Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit+ people matter, and we will not waver in our pursuit of truth, dignity, and safety for all.

For those in need of support, the MKO MMIWG Liaison Unit can be reached at:

•Toll Free 1-800-750-7566
•Email: mmiwg.intake@mkonorth.com
•Facebook: MKO MMIWG Liaison Unit

Additional health and wellness support resources:

•The Hope for Wellness helpline is available 24/7 by calling 1-855-242-3310 or visiting https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/
•The National MMIWG2S+ crisis line is available 24/7 at 1-844-413-6649.

-30-

For more information:

Naomi Clarke, MKO Communications
Phone: 204-612-1284
Email: naomi.clarke@mkonorth.com
Web: https://mkonation.com/

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) is a non-profit, political advocacy organization that has represented 26 First Nation communities in Manitoba’s North since 1981. The MKO represents more than 72,000 First Nations people.

NT4