(Algonquin Unceded Territory, Ontario – April 6, 2023) Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare issued the following statement offering condolences to the loved ones of Linda Mary Beardy of Lake St. Martin, Manitoba, and calls for immediate action to conduct a full-scale and robust search of all Winnipeg-area landfills for human remains.
“On behalf of the Chiefs of Ontario, I offer my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Linda Mary Beardy, a First Nations woman from Lake St. Martin, Manitoba, whose body was discovered at the Brady Road landfill in Winnipeg, Manitoba earlier this week” said Ontario Regional Chief Hare. “It is with extreme sadness to hear of yet another instance of an Indigenous woman’s remains found in a landfill in the city of Winnipeg.”
“A short time ago, in December 2022, we learned of the murders of Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and the unidentified woman, Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe (Buffalo Woman). Now, as we attempt to heal from this tragedy, our communities, and families are re-traumatized by experiencing another loss from senseless gender-based violence.”
Last year, the partial remains of Rebecca Contois were discovered at the Brady Road landfill, and there is a high probability that the remains of Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and Buffalo Woman are in Prairie Green landfill. In February 2023, the Government of Canada committed $500,000 to the conduct a study that will inform the feasibility of launching a full-scale search of the Prairie Green landfill for human remains.
“On behalf of the Chiefs of Ontario, I echo the calls to classify these landfills as active crime scenes, and to conduct full-scale, robust, searches of these areas in Winnipeg to ensure that closure and justice are brought to these women and their families.
Indigenous women and girls are sacred and valued—they deserve justice.
It is essential that immediate action is taken to ensure they are heard and seen. Today, I call on the Government of Canada, to undertake overdue action regarding 231 Calls for Justice in the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
By ignoring the calls to launch full-scale investigations and searches in these landfills, and sidestepping concrete funding commitments to address gender-based violence through necessary resources, support and direct investments, the Government of Canada is sending the message that Indigenous women and girls are not a priority.
Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people deserve justice and dignity. It is our collective responsibility to ensure the Calls for Justice as implemented and Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people are supported, valued, and are able to thrive in safe, healthy spaces.
Today, we send our prayers to family, friends, and loved ones of Linda Mary Beardy. Linda and her family cannot be lost or forgotten as we move forward. I encourage all Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to hold a moment of silence in honour of Linda Mary Beardy, as we mourn this loss together.”
Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare
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The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @ChiefsOfOntario.
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Genna Benson
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