Remains found at Prairie Green Landfill confirmed as Marcedes Myran

Manitoba RCMP has confirmed the identity of human remains that were found in the Prairie Green Landfill as Marcedes Myran of Long Plain First Nation.

Myran was believed to have been killed in May 2022, however, her remains were only recently recovered as part of a humanitarian search and recovery mission.

The news came after one set of remains found during a search of the Prairie Green landfill was confirmed earlier this month to belong to another victim, Morgan Harris.

Myran’s family has been notified, the government said in a news release announcing the findings.

“Marcedes Myran we honour you,” Premier Wab Kinew said on social media after the announcement.

“We hold our hands up in prayer and love for the Myran family,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “I have witnessed the strength, determination, and relentless love of Marcedes’ family as they fought to bring her home. Their courage is a reflection of the love they carry for her. Our hearts are with them as they grieve and begin the journey of healing.

“For far too long, First Nations women have been treated as though they are disposable. We have always said — our women are sacred. Marcedes deserved to live a full life surrounded by love and possibility. We will continue to honour her spirit and stand firmly with the Myran family as we work to end the violence faced by First Nations women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.”

The search began in early December for both Myran and Harris began, and both were found in late February.

The remains of Rebecca Contois were found in a garbage bin and at a different landfill. Those of an unidentified woman Indigenous grassroots community members named Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe, or Buffalo Woman, have not been found and police have not said where they might be.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) said in a statement Monday that they “continue to uplift and honour the memory of Morgan Beatrice Harris, Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe (Buffalo Woman), Rebecca Contois, and all our women, girls, and Two-Spirit relatives who remain missing or have been taken too soon.”

A trial heard that he targeted them at homeless shelters in Winnipeg and disposed of their bodies in garbage bins.

Police refused to search the Prairie Green landfill over safety concerns. The Progressive Conservative government at the time also said it wouldn’t support a search, and touted that decision during the 2023 provincial election campaign.

Kinew promised a search and, after his NDP was elected, the province and federal government put up $20 million to fund a search.

Wayne Ewasko, interim leader of the Progressive Conservatives, apologized in the legislature earlier this month to the families of Harris and Myran, saying the party had lost its way.

Both the province and the AMC ask that everyone honour the family’s request for privacy.

-With files from the Canadian Press