Press Releases

Treaty One Territory, Manitoba — The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) stands in solidarity and support of the families of Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe (Buffalo Woman) as the guilty verdict is announced in the trial seeking justice for their murders.

Today, Chief Justice Glenn Joyal delivered a verdict that acknowledges the profound loss experienced by the families, First Nations and communities of Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, and Marcedes Myran. The AMC believes that justice has been served with this verdict, and we hope it will help bring healing and closure to the families of the victims.

“Today’s verdict marks an important step towards justice for Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe (Buffalo Woman),” shared AMC Deputy Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy, “While we recognize that no verdict can fully heal the pain experienced by their families, we hope that it serves as a foundation for their healing journey. This outcome reinforces the necessity for systemic changes to address the ongoing violence against First Nations women, girls, and Two-Spirited individuals. We remain committed to advocating for the rights and protection of our people and to ensuring that justice is served for all.”

The systemic challenges facing First Nations women, girls, and Two-Spirited individuals continue to cause immense harm to First Nations. Despite ongoing discussions about reconciliation, significant gaps remain. To effectively address the violence targeting First Nations people, there must be a fair distribution of resources and easily accessible support services, enabling individuals to access healing and support programs without barriers.

Melissa Robinson, cousin of Morgan Harris, shared, “Today is monumental, a turning point in what has been a very long journey. The verdict delivers justice, but our mission remains unfinished until we bring Morgan, Marcedes, and Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe home. After enduring such a long fight, we are happy to have moved on from ‘We NEED to bring them home’ to a determined promise of ‘We WILL bring them home.’ Today, we take a decisive step forward with the conviction and assurance that ‘We ARE bringing them home.”

The AMC remains resolute in its commitment to tackling these issues head-on, advocating for systemic reforms and concrete measures aimed at protecting the rights and well-being of First Nations women, girls, and Two-Spirited persons. The AMC stands in solidarity with all those affected by this tragedy. Together, we will continue to advocate for justice, healing, and the protection of our First Nations relatives.

We understand that such news can be overwhelmingly triggering. The AMC encourages anyone struggling with intense emotions to seek support. It is vital to remember that help is available, and you are not alone in this. Whether you need to manage overwhelming feelings or prevent a crisis, please consider reaching out to the following resources:

• MMIWG2S+ 24-Hour Crisis Line: MB: 1-866-818-3505 // Canada-wide: 1-844-413-6649
• Hope for Wellness – An Indigenous 24-Hour Helpline: Call 1-855-242-3310 or chat online at hopeforwellness.ca
• Indian Residential School Survivor 24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
• Talk 4 Healing – A Culturally Grounded Helpline for Indigenous Women: Call or text 1-855-554-4325, available in 14 languages
• Kids Help Phone – Indigenous Volunteer Crisis Responder: Text FIRST NATIONS, INUIT, or METIS to 686868 for youth and 741741 for adults
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: Available in over 200 languages. Call 1-833-900-1010 or visit canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca
• Suicide Prevention and Support Line: Call 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645 (3 pm-11 pm)

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 172,000 First Nations citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe (Ojibway), Nehetho / Ininew (Cree), Anisininew (Ojibwe-Cree), Denesuline (Dene) and Dakota Oyate (Dakota) peoples.