By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Human remains found at the Prairie Green Landfill have been identified as those of Morgan Harris, a victim of serial killer Jeremy Skibicki, who is serving a life sentence. A second set of remains was also discovered during the search, which was initiated at the request of Harris’ and Marcedes Myran’s families. The search, conducted in conjunction with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the federal government, began in December 2024. Harris’ family has been notified, and the province requests their privacy be respected.
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The discovery of Morgan Harris’s remains at a Winnipeg-area landfill has brought a tragic chapter to a close, allowing her family to begin the process of grieving and laying her to rest. It’s a devastating conclusion, a stark reminder of the violence she endured and the systemic failures that allowed it to happen. This should never have happened.
The sheer horror of the situation is amplified by the knowledge that her alleged killer, Jeremy Skibicki, had a documented history of violence against his partners, a history that included assault, threats, and even claims of rape and suffocation. This extensive record paints a chilling picture of escalating abuse, highlighting the need for more robust interventions and protections for victims of domestic violence.
Even more disturbing is the fact that Skibicki’s previous partners were also Indigenous, a detail that brings into sharp focus the disproportionate impact of violence on Indigenous women. It underscores the tragic reality of systemic racism within the justice system and raises questions about the effectiveness of protection orders and the handling of domestic violence cases, particularly those involving Indigenous victims.
The political context adds another layer of outrage. A recent election campaign, infamous for its billboard advertising campaign specifically stating that a vote for a certain party would result in no landfill search for missing indigenous women, now seems like a cruel, callous, and deeply disturbing foreshadowing of this tragedy. The fact that this stance was taken by a political party is nothing short of horrific.
This campaign, widely seen as a racist dog whistle, demonstrates a shocking disregard for the lives and well-being of Indigenous women and a blatant willingness to exploit their vulnerability for political gain. The party’s subsequent, half-hearted apology rings hollow, failing to address the profound ethical lapse and the immense suffering inflicted on the families of the victims. Their actions expose a culture of apathy and indifference towards violence against Indigenous women.
The failure to adequately investigate and address the violence against Morgan Harris and other Indigenous women is a devastating indictment of law enforcement and the justice system. The assertion that if the victims were white women, the response would have been different, points to a profound and deeply disturbing bias. A systemic failure to adequately address violence towards indigenous peoples means we’re not even talking about the potential failure of individuals within the system. This isn’t just a failure of individual officers or judges; it’s a systemic failure rooted in racism and historical injustices.
The case shines a harsh light on the inadequate support systems for victims of domestic violence and the need for urgent reforms. Stories of police dismissing complaints, failing to provide adequate protection, and even minimizing the severity of the abuse are all too common. The fact that there was a serial killer operating openly, with a trail of known victims and evidence, yet no action was taken speaks volumes about the systemic failures.
Beyond this particular tragedy, Morgan Harris’s story should serve as a catalyst for broader societal change. It demands a serious reckoning with the systemic racism that pervades law enforcement and the justice system. It calls for comprehensive reforms to protect Indigenous women and ensure that future generations are not subjected to similar horrors. It’s not enough to express sorrow; we must demand accountability and action.
This is not just about Morgan Harris; it’s about all Indigenous women and girls who have been victims of violence. It’s about recognizing the systemic issues that perpetuate this violence and demanding real change. Morgan Harris deserves justice. Her family deserves closure. And Indigenous women deserve to live in safety and security, free from fear of violence and betrayal by the very systems meant to protect them. The silence must end, and the actions must follow. The people responsible need to be held accountable.