Exploring the Grassroots Effort of #SearchTheLandfill Campaign
In Manitoba, Canada, the search for the remains of Indigenous women murdered by serial killer Jeremy Skibicki has gained momentum under the leadership of the province's new Premier, Wab Kinew.
Kinew, the first Indigenous Premier of a Canadian province, has publicly announced a preliminary search at the Brady Road landfill in Winnipeg, where police believe some of the victims' remains were disposed of. This search involves a small excavation team complemented by ground-penetrating radar tests.
The search is focused on finding the remains of Ashlee Shingoose, one of the four Indigenous women killed by Skibicki. In 2025, DNA evidence finally confirmed Shingoose's identity, years after her murder. Earlier remains of two victims, Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran, were found at Prairie Green Landfill north of Winnipeg.
The involvement and support of Indigenous communities are crucial in this process. Ashlee Shingoose was honoured by receiving the name Mashkode Bizhiki'ikwe ("Buffalo Woman") from Indigenous grassroots groups before her identification. Families of the victims have been given a platform to provide impact statements during court hearings, highlighting ongoing recognition of the victims' lives and ongoing grief.
The movement to search the landfill, #SearchTheLandfill, has gained traction, with supporters pointing to successful retrievals of remains from landfills in Ontario and British Columbia. However, a feasibility study estimates that searching Prairie Green Landfill could take up to three years and cost $184 million.
Across Canada, marches and demonstrations have occurred to bring awareness to the issue and demand justice. Camps have been set up in Winnipeg to honour the women and spread awareness about the call to #SearchTheLandfill.
In the United States, Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native woman to serve as a Cabinet Secretary, has made strides in land conservation, protecting natural resources, and addressing intergenerational trauma caused by boarding schools. Her efforts echo the calls for justice and recognition in Canada.
The refusal of the Manitoba government to search the landfill is seen by some as a reflection of historical mistreatment of Indigenous peoples and a lack of action to address the genocide that has occurred against them in Canada. The search under Premier Kinew's leadership represents a step towards addressing this long-standing issue.
References: 1. CBC News 2. Global News 3. The Globe and Mail
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