In a pivotal development in the hunt for the remains of two Indigenous women, search teams in Manitoba, Canada, have officially commenced excavations at a local landfill. This critical search focuses on the missing Marcedes Myran, 26, and Morgan Harris, 39, nearly two years after their families received the devastating news of their deaths.

Both women were tragically murdered in 2022 by Jeremy Skibicki, a serial killer currently serving a life sentence for their murders and the deaths of two other victims: Rebecca Contois, 24, and an unidentified woman referred to as Buffalo Woman. All of Skibicki's victims were Indigenous, and their tragic stories highlight the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women in Canada.

Initially, Manitoba officials were resistant to conducting a landfill search, citing concerns over costs and the health risks to search personnel. However, the determination of Indigenous leaders and the victims' families led to a vigorous campaign advocating for the search to proceed. Their relentless efforts culminated in securing funding, with the province's newly elected premier, Wab Kinew, pledging C$20 million ($14.25 million) for the investigation, matched by the federal government.

The excavation efforts are targeted specifically at the Prairie Green Landfill, located just north of Winnipeg, where the remain of the two women are believed to have been disposed of. Premier Kinew recently confirmed the search's advancement, expressing optimism about locating the remains. 'We found some items which indicate that we are in the right date range and time,' he stated, referencing items like flyers and milk cartons from spring 2022 that have been unearthed.

Search operations are extensive, featuring a newly established facility designed to accommodate the careful sifting of excavated waste. This facility includes a large, heated steel structure to ensure the search teams can operate under safe conditions, as they face potential hazards such as asbestos. Approximately 45 personnel have been employed in this exhaustive search, which may extend over several months.

The search began with solemnity, as Kinew accompanied the families of Ms. Myran and Ms. Harris to the site, where they witnessed the arrival of the first truck loaded with excavated landfill material. The emotional weight of the moment was palpable, with Kinew acknowledging, 'It is an intense emotion that you feel standing on that site with those families.'

As excavations continue, the hope is that families of the victims will find some measure of closure. 'No matter what lies ahead, we can say we tried,' Kinew concluded in a hopeful yet somber tone.

This ongoing investigation not only aims to bring justice for the victims and their families but also underscores a broader imperative for addressing and preventing violence against Indigenous women, a crisis that demands urgent attention and action in Canada.

Stay tuned as this poignant search for truth and justice unfolds. Can the search teams finally bring closure to the grieving families?