INDIGENOUS BAR ASSOCIATION RESPONDS TO DISCOVERY OF POTENTIAL HUMAN REMAINS AT PRAIRIE GREEN LANDFILL

The Indigenous Bar Association in Canada (IBA) sends their support and prayers to the families of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Murano following the discovery of potential human remains at the Prairie Green Landfill in Manitoba on February 26, 2025. This development underscores the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2S+ people (MMIWG2S+) and the systemic failures that continue to deny families justice and closure.

For three years, alongside Indigenous advocates, the families of Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran and Rebecca Contois have called for a thorough search of the Winnipeg landfills—a call that was dismissed by the Winnipeg Police Service, the RCMP, and the former Conservative Manitoba provincial government. It is only through the determined advocacy of these families, Indigenous leaders, and grassroots organizations that this critical search has moved forward. Harris, Murano, and at least two other Indigenous women were victims of now-convicted serial killer, Jeremy Skibicki. The IBA commends the NDP Government of Manitoba, under the leadership of Premier Wab Kinew, for taking decisive action in initiating its own search efforts and in initiating Giganawenimaanaanig (the Red Dress Alert) Program in response to the critical situation which is a lived experience for Indigenous women and girls. The commitment of this government to upholding justice and human dignity for Indigenous women and girls stands in stark contrast to the previous government's blatant disregard.

The IBA amplifies the call for full accountability and systemic change in how authorities respond to cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2S+ people. This includes ensuring that resources, government mandates, and law enforcement commitments align with the principles of justice and reconciliation. The IBA reiterates its support for the urgent implementation of the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, particularly those that demand law enforcement reform, community-led justice initiatives, and equitable access to supports for victims' families.

"The ongoing crisis of MMIWG2S+ demands more than words—it requires action," added President of the IBA, Drew Lafond.. "We urge all levels of government, including law enforcement agencies, to ensure that Indigenous families no longer have to beg for justice. We stand with the families, the communities, and all those who continue to push for the dignity and humanity of Indigenous women, girls, and 2S+ people."

The IBA is the national non-profit organization representing Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, and Inuit) lawyers (practicing and non-practicing), judges, legal academics and scholars, articling clerks and law students, including graduate and post-graduate law students and paralegals in Canada. The IBA’s mandate includes, inter alia, advocating for the recognition of Indigenous laws, legal traditions, protocols and processes; promoting the reform of policies and laws affecting Indigenous peoples in Canada; and fostering public awareness within the legal community in respect of legal and social issues of concern to Indigenous peoples in Canada. For more information, please visit www.indigenousbar.ca.