Family of Tanya Nepinak calls on Premier Wab Kinew to fulfill his promise

Back on April 4th, Sue Caribou, the aunt of Tanya Nepinak, marched to the Legislature demanding a search of the Brady Road Landfill for her beloved niece, who went missing 14 years ago.

In a meeting with Premier Wab Kinew, she was assured that the province would act to find Tanya.

However, over three months later, Sue has returned, saying that since that meeting, little has been done to fulfill the premier’s promise.

“We asked for confirmation in writing, he said he was the premier and he said it.  So we have to take his word from it,” said Robyn Leanne on April 4, 2025.

In the weeks that followed that initial meeting, Caribou says things were off to a promising start. She was promised meetings every two weeks, and at first had several follow-ups with representatives from the province, the city, and the Brady Road Landfill. But since early May, she’s had her last five meetings cancelled. 

”He hasn’t reached out, he’s been ignoring, and now his staff are doing the same thing. I call them, I text them, and they keep telling me soon,” said Caribou.

Caribou says she understands that the devastating wildfire season has taken up much of the Premier’s attention over the past two months, nevertheless, her patience is wearing thin.

”If Wab would think this is his own daughter, he would do anything, he would use all his power to bring his loved one home,” said Caribou.

Earlier this week, the province released a statement regarding the conclusion of the Prairie Green Landfill search for the remains of Marcedes Myron and Morgan Harris.

“Relevant specialized equipment and personnel will soon transition to the Brady Road landfill to continue the search for Ashlee Shingoose (Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe or Buffalo Woman),” read the statement.

The statement, however, does not mention Tanya Nepinak. CityNews reached out to the province asking if Tanya would also be included in this search, but did not get a response in time for broadcast.

”Ashlee, but no Tanya, that just breaks my heart, doesn’t Tanya matter? Why are they sweeping Tanya under the rug so much?” said Caribou.

Despite her frustrations, Caribou says she is still giving Premier Kinew the benefit of the doubt. Her next scheduled meeting falls on Monday, where she hopes he will hear her plea once again.

”I’m not going to be quiet, I’m going to be here every week if I have to playing my drum until they search the Brady Landfill,” said Caribou. “I want the premier to keep his promise and meet me. Continue meeting me, please.”