Province, AMC begin recruiting for help with landfill search

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This article was published 25/09/2024 (347 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The province and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs have begun to recruit people to search Prairie Green Landfill for two of serial killer Jeremy Skibicki’s victims.

Premier Wab Kinew provided the update Wednesday.

Winnipeg police suspect the remains of Morgan Harris, 39, and Marcedes Myran, 26 — two of Skibicki’s four Indigenous victims — were disposed of and ended up in the landfill north of the city following their 2022 slayings.

“With the posting of these positions, we are continuing our work to search the Prairie Green Landfill for the remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran, who deserve a dignified final resting place,” Kinew, who is also the minister for reconciliation, in a statement.

“This work will not be easy, and these jobs will require emotional intelligence and compassion. I encourage Manitobans to apply to help the search and bring Morgan and Marcedes home.”

A provincial job posting went up Tuesday seeking applications for two different positions — forensic anthropology search technicians and forensic search assistants.

The AMC will oversee recruitment for general search technician positions, the province said, with funding from the government.

Those technicians, who are not expected to have extensive experience, will report to forensic anthropology search team leaders.

The 37-year-old Skibicki was found guilty of four counts of first-degree murder for killing Rebecca Contois, 24, Harris and Myran, and an unidentified woman known as Buffalo Woman (Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe) in July. He met the vulnerable women at shelters in early 2022.

Skibicki was sentenced to life with no ability to apply for parole for 25 years in August.

“The humanitarian search… is one that their families have been working towards for almost two years. The work requires trained personnel, sensitivity, attention to detail, a willingness to work hard and respect and consideration for everyone involved, which includes Morgan and Marcedes,” reads the provincial job posting.

The posting notes the search team will also work closely with family and friends of the two victims.

“The work will not be easy; it will be physically and mentally taxing and can also take an emotional toll. It is important that all of this is considered in the process of applying for a position to work as part of the search team,” it said.

“Resources for emotional supports will be available for team members.”

First priority for hiring will go to Indigenous people.

In its news release, the government said it was including a statement by grand chief Cathy Merrick, which she had provided before she died Sept. 6, as a way to honour her.

“We are deeply committed to working in partnership with the families of Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe, alongside the province, in securing skilled search technicians to ensure the safe and respectful return of their loved ones,” said Merrick.

“The significance of this work cannot be overstated, as it marks a vital step towards healing for the affected families, nations, and communities. Our efforts will continue to be guided by a First Nations-led approach, ensuring their loved ones are brought home and honoured in ceremony with the respect and dignity they so rightfully deserve.”

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca