AMC and AFN Express Condolences for Four First Nations Women Whose Lives Were Lost to Violence

December 2, 2022

Treaty One Territory, Manitoba

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Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Regional Office is saddened by the announcement that accused serial killer Jeremy Skibicki is being charged for the murder of two more First Nations women and one yet unidentified woman.

In May 2022, the body of Rebecca Contois was discovered in Winnipeg’s East End, and police arrested Jeremy Skibicki, a 35-year-old white male, after they investigated his home. Skibicki is suspected of having more victims and described himself as an “official member of ‘Holy Europe,'” which is a small faction of a broader far-right movement group. Earlier this year, a Facebook page linked to Skibicki, which dated before his arrest, stated violent sentiments and shared antisemitic, misogynistic, and white supremacist material.

“On behalf of the AMC, we send our deepest condolence to the families who have lost their loved ones,” said Grand Chief Cathy Merrick. “Canada, the Province of Manitoba, and the Winnipeg Police Services must implement more measures to protect First Nations women from the murderers who target them. We must work together to honour the MMIWG’s 231 Calls to Justice and act immediately.”

As of May 1st, 2022, Morgan Beatrice Harris, 39, of Long Plain First Nation, was last seen in Winnipeg’s North End near Main Street and Henry Avenue. Police suspect Skibicki in her murder along with the murder of 26-year-old Marcedes Myran, who is also from Long Plain First Nation. Police believe the fourth unidentified victim of Skibicki, is a young Indigenous woman in her 20s.

“First Nations women are failed so outrageously. As a partner at N’Dinawemak, we continue to witness the vulnerability of our unsheltered women,” said Cora Morgan, First Nations Family Advocate. “They feel their voices do not matter, or their lives do not matter. Our women deserve more. We all have the right to live on Turtle Island without fear of losing our lives to violence. We will continue to support impacted families and survivors of MMIWG by acting as a resource to curb this crisis. However, Canada continues to drag its feet, allowing more lives to be lost.”

“As life-givers, women are sacred and deserve to be treated with honour and respect. This violence needs to stop, and more than ever, we need to protect our women. First Nations lives matter, and we deserve respect, safety from violence, and justice.” said AFN Manitoba Regional Chief Cindy Woodhouse.

If you need support or someone to talk to regarding this manner, please call the national, independent toll-free, 24/7 support line at 1-844-413-6649 to speak to a counsellor. The service is available in multiple languages, including English, Anishnaabemowin, Cree, Inuktitut, and French.

For more information, please contact:
Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email:  media@manitobachiefs.com

About the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

The AMC was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is an authorized representative of 62 of the 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 151,000 First Nation citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe (Ojibway), Nehetho / Ininew (Cree), Anishininew (Ojibwe-Cree), Denesuline (Dene) and Dakota Oyate (Dakota) people.