First Nations Group Begins Recruiting Workers for Landfill Search for Human Remains

The Manitoba government, in collaboration with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, has initiated the recruitment process to hire workers for a landfill search aimed at recovering the remains of two Indigenous women, victims of a serial killer. The search will take place at the Prairie Green landfill, located north of Winnipeg, where the remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran are believed to have been taken in the spring of 2022.

The province, along with the Assembly, is looking to hire full- and part-time technicians to assist forensic anthropologists in the search. Family members and community members are encouraged to apply, and preference will be given to Indigenous candidates. Extensive experience is not required, and specialized training will be provided to all successful applicants.

“This work will not be easy, and these jobs will require emotional intelligence and compassion,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “I encourage Manitobans to apply to help the search and bring Morgan and Marcedes home.”

Jeremy Skibicki was convicted of first-degree murder in the deaths of Harris and Myran, as well as two other Indigenous women. The remains of Rebecca Contois, another of Skibicki’s victims, were found in a different landfill. The fourth victim, identified by the Indigenous community as Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe, or Buffalo Woman, has not yet been located.

Initially, police declined to search the landfill, citing concerns over toxic materials. However, a First Nations-led committee, which included the victims’ families, released feasibility studies detailing safe search options. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, under the leadership of the late Grand Chief Cathy Merrick, led the push for a landfill search.

In a statement provided before her passing, Merrick highlighted the importance of this work: “The significance of this work cannot be overstated, as it marks a vital step towards healing for the affected families, nations, and communities.”

The application process for these positions is open until October 6 on the province’s website.