Search,for…

Filed under: Canada, Lifestyle, Public safety by Kevin Griffiths — Leave a comment

October 25, 2025

Personal Safety is worth its weight in gold.

Manitoba context

The “search the landfills” controversy in Manitoba, Canada, is a significant and painful issue surrounding the missing remains of murdered Indigenous women.

The Manitoba Landfill Search Controversy

The controversy centers on the Prairie Green Landfill north of Winnipeg, where the remains of several Indigenous women, victims of serial killer Jeremy Skibicki, are believed to have been dumped. * The Victims: The remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran are believed to be in the landfill. A third victim, Rebecca Contois, had partial remains found at a different landfill, and the remains of a fourth victim, an unidentified woman known as Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe (Buffalo Woman), have not been found. * Initial Refusal: Family members and Indigenous leaders advocated strongly and publicly for a search of the Prairie Green Landfill. However, the provincial government at the time, and the Winnipeg police, initially refused to conduct a full search, citing safety concerns due to hazardous materials (like asbestos) and the high cost and complexity of sifting through massive amounts of toxic debris. * Political Shift and Search: The refusal was met with outrage and became a major issue in the 2023 Manitoba provincial election. The New Democratic Party, led by Wab Kinew, campaigned on a promise to fund the search if elected. After winning, the new provincial government, along with the federal government, committed tens of millions of dollars to the search effort. * The Search Begins: The humanitarian search began in December 2024. In the following months, possible human remains were found and one set was identified as belonging to Morgan Harris. The search for Marcedes Myran continues. This development, while bringing grief, provided validation for the families’ tireless fight.

* Broader Context:

The entire controversy is a microcosm of the systemic issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People (MMIWG2S+) in Canada, and the perceived systemic failure by police and government to adequately investigate and prioritize these cases.

Personal Safety Advice

Feeling safe is a fundamental right. While no single set of tips can guarantee safety, practicing situational awareness and setting boundaries are key.Increase Awareness and Trust Your Intuition * Be Alert: Limit distractions like excessive phone use. Keep your head up, remain alert, and pay attention to your surroundings—who is around you, and what behavior seems out of place? * Trust Your Gut: Your “sixth sense” or intuition is a powerful self-defense tool. If a person, place, or situation feels wrong or unsafe, leave immediately. It is never rude to prioritize your safety. * Project Confidence: Walk with purpose and confidence, and make eye contact. Predators often target those who appear distracted or vulnerable.Planning and Technology *

Have a Plan:

When going out, let a trusted person know your itinerary, including who you’re with, where you are going, and approximately when you expect to be home. Check in with them when you arrive and leave. * Share Your Location: Use your smartphone’s features to ping or share your real-time location with trusted friends or family. * Self-Defense Tools: Consider carrying a personal safety alarm or whistle. The sound is disorienting to an attacker and draws attention. * In Transit: When walking, stick to well-lit, busy streets. If driving, keep your doors locked and look inside your car, especially the back seat, before getting in.

Setting and Defending Boundaries

* Clearly Say “No”:

Practice asserting your boundaries with firm body language and a clear voice. You have the right to refuse anything that makes you uncomfortable, whether it’s unwanted attention or pressure to go somewhere.

* Socializing:

If you’re out with friends, stick together. Watch your drinks at all times, or use protective covers. If you feel unsafe or notice an escalation, immediately seek help from a bartender, bouncer, or staff member.