Statement
March 18, 2025

UBCIC Stands with Families of Marcedes Myran and Morgan Harris and Sends Sincere Condolences

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – March 18, 2025) A second set of human remains found in the Prairie Green Landfill have been identified as Marcedes Myran, 26, alongside those of Morgan Harris, 39, which were identified earlier this month. Marcedes and Morgan were members of Long Plain First Nation.

Our hearts and spirits are heavy with the confirmation of Marcedes and Morgan as the victims found in Prairie Green Landfill. UBCIC shares our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones who have endured the unimaginable, and to Long Plain First Nation. We acknowledge the immense efforts of the families, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ (MMIWG2S+) advocates and First Nations whose collective calls for action gave rise to the International Day of Action to Search the Landfills and ultimately to the government-funded investigation into the Prairie Green Landfill. We commend Premier Kinew of Manitoba for following through on his election promise to Search the Landfill.

The cases of Rebecca Contois and Linda Mary Beardy, whose remains were found at the nearby Brady Landfill, and Mashkode Bizhiki'ikwe, or Buffalo Woman, whose remains have not been found, were also at the heart of renewed attention on the MMIWG2S+ crisis. Their memories and the efforts of those who loved them resulted in a nation-wide movement and strengthened calls for dignity and justice for Indigenous women, girls and two-sprit+ people targeted by perpetrators of gender-based violence.

We share our prayers for comfort and closure for the families and stand firmly by them in their journey for justice and healing.

Mental health supports listed below.

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Media inquiries:

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, 250-490-5314
Chief Don Tom, Vice-President, 604-290-6083
Chief Marilyn Slett, Secretary-Treasurer, 250-957-7721

UBCIC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

For more information, please visit www.ubcic.bc.ca

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Mental and Emotional Support Services:

• First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Helpline. If you're experiencing emotional distress and want to talk, contact the toll-free number at 1-855-242-3310, or the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or use the chat box on their website.
• KUU Crisis Line Society is a First Nations and Indigenous specific crisis line available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, toll-free from anywhere in British Columbia. KUU-US Crisis Line can be reached toll-free at 1-800-588-8717. Alternatively, individuals can call direct into the Youth Line at 250-723-2040 or the Adult Line at 250-723-4050.
• National 24/7 MMIWG2S+ Support Line 1-844-413-6649 An independent, national, toll-free support call line is available to provide support for anyone who requires assistance. This line is available free of charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Battered Women’s Support Services (BC): BWSS offers immediate, short-term help to survivors of violence in intimate relationships, childhood sexual abuse and adult sexual assault. CRISIS LINE 604-687-1867 Toll Free 1-855-687-1868