10:11:10 PM
theguardian.com2 days ago

A Daughter's Resolve: Remains of Murdered Indigenous Woman Identified After Tireless Fight

After a relentless battle led by the victim's daughter, police identify the remains of Morgan Harris, an Indigenous woman murdered in 2022. This discovery marks a bittersweet victory amidst a larger tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women.

A Daughter's Resolve: Remains of Murdered Indigenous Woman Identified After Tireless Fight

"I believe both our families will bring both of our loved ones home." - Cambria, daughter of Morgan Harris

Canadian police have made a significant breakthrough in a haunting case that has gripped the nation. After months of searching, they've identified the remains of Morgan Harris, a 39-year-old Indigenous woman, at the Prairie Green Landfill. This discovery comes after a relentless campaign led by Harris's daughter, Cambria, and other families of victims targeted by serial killer Jeremy Skibicki.

Who Was Morgan Harris and Why Did Her Case Spark a National Movement?

Morgan Harris was one of four women tragically murdered in 2022 by Jeremy Skibicki. Skibicki received a life sentence in July 2024. The other victims include Rebecca Contois, Marcedes Myran, and an unidentified woman known as Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe (Buffalo Woman).

  • The discovery of Contois's remains in a dumpster near Skibicki's home in 2022 sparked the initial investigation.
  • Harris and Myran were believed to be buried in the Prairie Green landfill.
  • Details regarding Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe remain scarce.

The police initially hesitated to search the landfill, citing a lack of resources. This decision ignited outrage and spurred the families and Indigenous groups to take action.

How Did a Daughter's Love Turn Grief Into Action?

Cambria, Morgan Harris's daughter, became a leading voice in the fight for justice. She tirelessly advocated for a search of the landfill, demanding that her mother be brought home.

Driven by unwavering determination, Cambria and other advocates:

  • Organized marches and demonstrations in Winnipeg
  • Orchestrated road blockades to pressure authorities
  • Refused to let the issue fade from public consciousness

After immense public pressure, authorities finally committed C$20m ($14.7m) to fund the search.

The Bittersweet Discovery: What Does It Mean for the Families?

On March 10, 2025, police confirmed that remains found in the Prairie Green Landfill were those of Morgan Harris. They also found additional remains belonging to another unidentified individual.

Cambria shared her feelings on Facebook, calling it "a very bittersweet moment." Her words reflect the complex emotions of a family finally finding closure while still grappling with profound loss.

A Darker Truth: What Does This Case Reveal About the Crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls?

Harris's case is not an isolated incident. It highlights a systemic crisis of violence against Indigenous women and girls in Canada.

  • A landmark 2019 report estimated that at least 4,000 Indigenous women and girls have been murdered or gone missing in recent decades.
  • The report described this crisis as a "genocide," pointing to systemic inequity, neglectful policies, and state indifference.

In a society marred by inequity and injustice, Indigenous women remain disproportionately vulnerable to violence and neglect.

The identification of Morgan Harris's remains represents a crucial step towards justice for her and her family. It also serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic change to protect Indigenous women and girls and address the root causes of this ongoing tragedy.