Calls to search the Prairie Green Landfill north of Winnipeg growing louder

Outside the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, a number of people have gathered, including the Canadian taxation employees union, marching through downtown Winnipeg urging the government to search a Manitoba landfill for the remains of two Indigenous women.

Calls to search the Prairie Green Landfill north of Winnipeg growing louder

“We’re going to push our governments, all three levels, to do the right thing. Regardless of our skin colour, we matter,” said Melissa Robinson, cousin of Morgan Harris.

 

In July, Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson decided not to search the landfill for the remains of Marcedes Myran, Morgan Harris, and an unidentified victim known as Buffalo Woman, citing health and safety hazards. Jordan Myran, Marcedes’ sister says this has taken a huge toll on her family.

“Marcedes was a very powerful, outgoing woman. A mother, who loved her children immensely. Our favourite place to adventure to was The Forks, and now it sucks I have to stand here today, in the same place, fighting to bring her home,” explained Myran.

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Another family who will not stop fighting until a search begins, Melissa Robinson, cousin of – Morgan Harris.

“After today, when all of you get to go home, and have your loved ones, hug them a little tighter,” said Robinson.

A federally funded feasibility report, completed in May, found a search could take up to three years and cost upwards of $184 million – but forensic consultants say it can be done.

“Anyone with a child, a mother, a sister, a brother, anyone with a heart should be there. Women, this is happening to you,” said Robyn Johnston, attended the march.

 

Residential school survivor Susan Caribou knows extreme tragedy, first hand. Around a dozen of her family members have been murdered or are still missing. She says the justice system has failed them.

“I have been advocating for my family for a lot of years because I have so many in my family that have been murdered and are still missing,” said Caribou.

The march on Thursday, organized by the Union of Taxation Employees, was the first non-Indigenous led march. National President, Marc Briere, says it’s time for all levels of government to “wake up.”

“The Premier of Manitoba should be ashamed of herself. Totally agree with the speakers, the City of Winnipeg, the federal government, they should put the money where their mouth is, search the landfill and stop bulls***ting,” said Briere.