(March 26, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak released the following statement today after the confirmed identification of St. Theresa Point First Nation member, Ashlee Shingoose, also known as Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe (Buffalo Woman). Her remains were identified at the Brady Landfill.
“On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), we offer our deepest condolences to Ashlee’s family, friends and community,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “The pain experienced by her parents, Albert and Theresa, is unimaginable. To the entire community of St. Theresa Point First Nation, we extend our prayers and support as you grieve this tragic loss.”
“We call on the Government of Manitoba to provide every possible resource and support to ensure that Ashlee’s remains are recovered with care and returned to her loved ones,” continued National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Our thoughts are also with the families of Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, and Marcedes Myran. We acknowledge their strength and will continue to support them in seeking healing and justice.”
“The identification of Ashlee’s remains is a painful reminder of the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered First Nations women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals,” National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak added. “Beyond the search at Prairie Green Landfill, we call on the Government of Manitoba to commit to searching Brady Landfill to ensure that no other remains are left undiscovered. Every effort must be made to bring closure to families and justice to those taken.”
“In accordance with AFN Resolution 08/2024, Call for Independent Inquiry into the Deaths of Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe, we also call for a public inquiry into how the Winnipeg Police Service has handled the investigations into the deaths of Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and Ashlee Shingoose (Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe), as well as dismissing recovery efforts. Canada is preparing for an election, and I urge all federal party leaders to affirm their intent to support Manitoba with establishing this public inquiry through any means necessary. This must be a turning point for justice. As Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson has stated, Manitoba must demonstrate through action that no woman is left behind,” concluded National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak.
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
For more information, please contact:
Cherish Francis
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]
Jon Adam Chen
Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
(343)-573-2229 (mobile)
[email protected]