(March 8, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak shared her heartfelt condolences following the identification and recovery of remains of Morgan Harris from the Prairie Green Landfill in Winnipeg, Manitoba:
“On behalf of First Nations across Turtle Island, the AFN sends our respect, love, and heartfelt condolences to the family of Morgan Beatrice Harris of Long Plain First Nation. We continue to stand with the families of Morgan, Marcedes Myran, Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe (Buffalo Woman), and Rebecca Contois as this recovery process continues. Their loved ones were entitled to live—free of violence—and they deserved respect and dignity in death. For the three long years, these families have carried an unimaginable burden, fighting for the recovery of their loved ones. They should never have had to fight this hard.
The AFN stands with the loved ones of all Murdered and Missing First Nations Women and Girls. We continue to push for action at all levels of government for the full implementation of the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls to prevent these crimes and hold perpetrators accountable. We all have responsibilities to make Canada a safe place for all First Nations women and girls. A place to start is by ending discrimination in the justice and policing systems across Canada.
We lift up Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew for his leadership in authorizing these searches. We also honour the leadership of former Grand Chief Cathy Merrick, who tragically passed away while fighting for justice in this case. We acknowledge the Government of Canada for its support, including funding for these efforts.
As the world marks International Women’s Day today, my family and I will be praying for Morgan, Marcedes, Buffalo Woman, Rebecca, and all of our missing sisters across Turtle Island. We join Manitoba Grand Chief Kyra Wilson and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs in asking that everyone respect the privacy of Morgan’s family.”
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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:
Jon Adam Chen
Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
(343)-573-2229 (mobile)
[email protected]