Remains of Marcedes Myran, Indigenous Woman, Found in Canadian Landfill After Extensive Search
The agonizing search for Marcedes Myran, a 26-year-old Indigenous woman from Long Plain First Nation in Manitoba, Canada, has reached a sorrowful conclusion. Her remains have been positively identified among those discovered at the Prairie Green Landfill, a site approximately 20 miles northwest of Winnipeg. This confirmation, announced by Manitoba officials on Monday, comes just ten days after the identification of another victim of convicted serial killer Jeremy Anthony Michael Skibicki, 39-year-old Morgan Beatrice Harris, also from Long Plain First Nation.
Police believe Skibicki murdered Myran around May 4, 2022, and Harris just days prior. The discovery of their remains at the landfill is the result of a dedicated humanitarian search that commenced on December 2 of the previous year. Search teams painstakingly combed through piles of waste deposited between May 9 and May 21, 2022, a period identified as potentially containing the victims’ remains. The sheer scale and grim nature of the search underscore the lengths to which authorities and community members went to bring closure to the families of these missing women.
Skibicki, 35, has been linked to the deaths of multiple women in the Winnipeg area. His reign of terror began to unravel in May 2022. On May 16, partial remains identified as those of 24-year-old Rebecca Contois of Crane River First Nation were found in a collection receptacle. The Winnipeg Police Service immediately launched an investigation, leading to Skibicki’s arrest just two days later, on May 18. He was initially charged with first-degree murder in connection to Contois’ death.
The investigation quickly expanded as authorities uncovered evidence suggesting that some of Contois’ remains may have been transported to the Brady Road Resource Management Facility during routine residential waste collection. In early June 2022, investigators halted operations at the facility and initiated a search. Their efforts proved fruitful on June 14, when additional remains were discovered.
Fueled by the suspicion that there were more victims, investigators continued their pursuit. Ultimately, Skibicki was linked to the killings of four different women between March and May 2022. These women include Rebecca Contois, Morgan Beatrice Harris, Marcedes Myran, and an unidentified woman known as Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe, or Buffalo Woman. The victims, all Indigenous women, were allegedly targeted due to their vulnerability.
Reports indicate that Skibicki preyed on these women at homeless shelters, luring them to his home before committing the heinous acts. On December 1, 2022, he was charged with three additional counts of first-degree murder, reflecting the full scope of his crimes.
In July 2024, Skibicki faced justice for his unspeakable actions. He was found guilty on all four counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to four life sentences without the possibility of parole for 25 years. While the verdict brings a sense of accountability, it cannot undo the devastation he inflicted on the victims’ families and communities.
The disproportionate violence faced by Indigenous women is a stark reality in both Canada and the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native females experienced the second highest rate of homicide in 2020. In the same year, homicide was reported to be among the top 10 leading causes of death for American Indian and Alaska Native females between the ages of 1 and 45. These statistics underscore the urgent need for systemic change and increased awareness to protect Indigenous women from violence.
The issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women is often symbolized by red dresses, a powerful visual representation of the lives lost and the ongoing crisis. This symbol originated with the REDress Project, an art installation created by artist Jaime Black. Red dresses are frequently placed in public spaces as a reminder of the missing and murdered women and girls, demanding action and justice.
In April 2023, community members placed red dresses at the Brady Road Resource Management Facility, the same landfill where Contois’ remains were found, to honor Linda Beardy, another Indigenous woman whose remains were discovered at the site. This act served as a poignant tribute to the lives lost and a call for greater protection for Indigenous women.
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs expressed their profound sorrow and solidarity with the family of Marcedes Myran following the confirmation of her remains. They emphasized that returning her to her family is a sacred act for the organization and the entire community. In a news release, the Assembly described Marcedes as a beloved young woman from Long Plain First Nation who was deeply cherished by her children, her family, and her community.
Grand Chief Kyra Wilson acknowledged the unwavering determination of Myran’s family, stating that their courage and love were instrumental in the discovery of her remains. "Our hearts are with them as they grieve and begin the journey of healing," Wilson said. She emphasized the disrespect that First Nations women have historically faced and asserted that Myran deserved to live a full life with her loved ones.
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs pledged to continue honoring the memory of Marcedes Myran, Morgan Beatrice Harris, Rebecca Contois, Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe (Buffalo Woman), and all other Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit relatives who remain missing or have been taken too soon. Their commitment to justice and healing reflects the enduring strength and resilience of Indigenous communities in the face of adversity. The discovery of Myran’s remains, while heartbreaking, serves as a reminder of the importance of continued efforts to address the systemic issues that contribute to the disproportionate violence faced by Indigenous women and girls. It is a call to action for governments, law enforcement, and communities to work together to ensure the safety and well-being of all Indigenous people.
