In alternate reality, Manitoba takes a stand

Opinion

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This article was published 06/07/2023 (827 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Meanwhile, in a fictional, alternate Manitoba universe…

“Bozhoo, Tansi, tawnshi, háŋ, bonjour, greetings,” Premier Heather Stefanson says, reading a prepared statement at a podium surrounded by reporters.

“On behalf of our government and all Manitobans, our deepest condolences continue to go out to the families and loved ones mourning the tragic loss of Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and Rebecca Contois. We also honour the life of Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe, also known as Buffalo Woman, who we continue to search for so we can honour her valuable life.

“Today, we met with a number of family members and Indigenous leadership. In that meeting, we stressed the Manitoba government is prepared to prevent these types of tragedies from happening so I am here today to demonstrate that.

“As we begin though, I want to commend the work of Winnipeg police who, last June, acted swiftly when notified that the remains of Rebecca Contois were located at the Brady Road landfill and searched a large area wearing respirators, protective suits, and used methane-detection equipment to find her. It was this crucial combination of acting quickly and using the resources available we were able to help the Contois family and this province is committed to supporting everyone impacted by this tragedy in the best way possible.

“Too often our community has turned a blind eye to the issue of violence against our relations and we have all been shaken to the core by the heinous crimes against Indigenous women in Manitoba. We all have to do more as a community to ensure that these horrific acts of violence stop happening in our communities.

“So, today I am here to announce that our government is committing legislatively to implementing all 231 of the calls for justice of the murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls national inquiry. I am also going to recruit and hire an Indigenous leader to direct this province’s efforts as a Special Interlocutor on Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit peoples. Change will not be easy, but this government is committed to doing this work regardless of politics and past government failings on this issue.

“We are also working with the City of Winnipeg to ensure no human remains ever appear again at landfills — and, in particular, Indigenous women and girls and LGBTTQ+ people. We must immediately install GPS and video technology on all garbage trucks, for instance, but we must also provide safe housing, institutions, and continue our collaboration and investments in mental health supports and to address homelessness. It must be the goal of all governments, politicians and Manitobans to never allow this moment to be repeated.”

The premier pauses. A quiet falls upon the room.

“This brings me to the remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran, whose remains police believe are currently at the Prairie Green Landfill. Last December, I supported the call for a feasibility study of the site and accept the findings from the report in May.

“As it states, searching for the remains of these two women will be complex and come with health and safety concerns, but — and let me say this unequivocally and clearly — we cannot and will not leave no stone unturned. These are human beings and loved ones and we are all committed to doing everything possible to bring them home, as we would do for anyone in our community. We can never let cost, fear, or a lack of will and resources be in the way of searching for all relations in this province.

“I also understand that federal Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller is in the process of reviewing the recommendations surrounding Prairie Green. Regardless of this federal decision, we cannot wait. As leader of this province, I am here to lead and this issue is too important.

“At the same time, we have to face the reality that much time has passed and due to circumstances beyond our control we may not find the remains of these women. There may also be health and safety concerns that delay the search and this will come with emotional costs. At the same time, I am undeterred in my resolve to join with Indigenous families in ensuring they know we stand with them now, here, and from this point forward.

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“If we cannot find the remains of these two women, we all are lesser as a result. But, we must, at all times, try.”

The premier looks up from her written statement.

“Before I take questions I also want to say the Manitoba government is committed to never forgetting the lives of these four women by creating a committee — led by the families — on how best to memorialize their lives so that our community never forgets them.

“Our hearts go out to everyone, and we will continue our efforts to create a Manitoba where everyone feels safe and valued.”

niigaan.sinclair@freepress.mb.ca

Niigaan Sinclair
Columnist

Niigaan Sinclair is Anishinaabe and is a columnist at the Winnipeg Free Press.

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