ONWA Stands in Solidarity with the Families and Loved Ones of Marcedes Myran and Morgan Harris

ONWA Stands in Solidarity with the Families and Loved Ones of Marcedes Myran and Morgan Harris

Thunder Bay, ON – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) stands in solidarity with the families and loved ones of Marcedes Myran and Morgan Harris, following the identification and recovery of their remains from the Prairie Green Landfill outside of Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The return home of Marcedes Myran and Morgan Harris to their families comes after a painful and prolonged fight for justice and the recovery of their loved ones. ONWA sends our heartfelt condolences to their families as this recovery process continues.

While this announcement may bring some closure to loved ones, it also serves as a tragic reminder of the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women and girls, the dismissal of our safety, and the urgent need for systemic change.

Indigenous women, like all people, have the fundamental right to be safe. Our communities have been calling on governments to recognize violence against Indigenous women as a national crisis for decades. Having worked alongside and supported Indigenous women for over 50 years, ONWA is acutely aware of the harsh reality that many Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit individuals face. They are not safe in their everyday lives.

As we honour the memories of Marcedes Myran and Morgan Harris, as well as the memories of Rebbeca Contois and Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe (Buffalo Woman), ONWA will continue advocating for those affected by this ongoing violence and raising awareness to ensure that every Indigenous woman and girl can live free from fear. The lives of Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people are sacred, and their safety must be a top priority.

If you or a loved one is experiencing or is impacted by violence, support is available. Talk4Healing offers 24/7 help, support, and resources for Indigenous women by Indigenous women. To talk to someone, call or text the toll-free service at 1-855-554-HEAL (4324) or visit http://talk4healing.com

The Hope for Wellness Help Line provides immediate mental health counseling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous people across Canada. This toll-free service is also accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To talk with someone, please call 1-855-242-3310.

To learn more about how you can help end violence against the women in your life explore:

• ONWA’s Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls (MMIWG) learning and resource page: https://www.onwa.ca/learning-resources-mmiwg
• The National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence – Women and Gender Equality Canada report: https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/gender-based-violence/intergovernmental-collaboration/national-action-plan-end-gender-based-violence.html
• The Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children resources and programming: https://www.learningtoendabuse.ca

For more information and media inquiries, contact:
Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager
Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)
Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca
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