SCO Honours the Memory of Ashlee Christine Shingoose

March 26, 2025

ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is honouring the memory of the late Ashlee Christine Shingoose. SCO extends heartfelt condolences to the parents, children, family, and Nation of the late Ms. Shingoose.

A member of the St. Theresa Point Anisininew Nation, Ashlee went missing three years ago in the City of Winnipeg.

Ashlee was only 30 years old when her life was violently ended by a serial killer, who we shall not name. While her identity was unknown, Ashlee received the spirit name of Mashkode Bizihiki’ikwe (Buffalo Woman) from members of the First Nations community who wanted to honour her memory.

Grand Chief Jerry Daniels states:

“On behalf of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), I extend heartfelt condolences to the parents, children, family, and Nation of Ashlee Christine Shingoose.

Today, the Winnipeg Police confirmed the identity of Mashkode Bizihiki’ikwe as Ashlee Christine Shingoose, a young mother from St. Theresa Point Anisininew Nation.

Our hearts are with Ashlee’s family and her Nation as they confront the horrible reality that the life of their beloved daughter, sister, mother, auntie, grandchild, cousin, and friend was violently taken from her.

This is a long-awaited moment for those who have worked tirelessly in their search for Ashlee. Their efforts have not been in vain.

I am inspired by the strength and resilience demonstrated by Ashlee’s parents, children, and family throughout this painful journey. Albert’s trips to Winnipeg, his leadership in the search, and the enduring love of Ashlee’s mother Theresa ensured that their daughter’s memory would never fade.

Learning more about Ashlee’s life brings up a lot of emotions. She left her First Nation due to a lack of housing. The lack of housing, including safe spaces for women who are facing domestic violence, is a recurring issue when we are looking at issues that contribute to the national emergency of MMIWG2S+. It is essential that all levels of government work to address the ongoing lack of housing, overcrowded housing, and the need for safe spaces for those fleeing domestic violence.

SCO acknowledges and thanks the Bear Clan for their efforts in helping with the search, alongside the continued advocacy of the families of the late Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, and Marcedes Myran. Those who have experienced profound loss stood together and fought for justice, despite the many barriers they faced.

SCO also recognizes the many advocates for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse people (MMIWG2S+) who continued to advocate for Ashlee Shingoose, even though they didn’t know who she was. There are many advocates who work behind the scenes and do not receive recognition. I want to let you know that we see you, and we appreciate your dedication to advocating for our relatives.

To Ashlee’s family: We stand with you. Our hearts are with you as you grieve the loss of your beloved Ashlee. We offer prayers for healing and strength. We support your call to search the landfill.”

If you need immediate emotional support, please call the national, independent toll-free MMIWG2S+ support line at 1-844-413-6649 to speak to a counsellor. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Services are available in English, Anishnaabemowin (Ojibway), Cree, Inuktitut, and French.

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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 32 First Nations and more than 87,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.

For media inquiries:

Email: media@scoinc.mb.ca

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