“The trauma and grief endured by our relatives at the hand of this admitted serial killer is unimaginable. We hope this sentencing helps the families and loved ones of the victims with the grieving and healing process as they continue to endure these immeasurable losses.” – Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 28, 2024
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB —The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) supports our relatives as they deliver impact statements in court today, at the sentencing of a serial killer. The serial killer was found guilty in four cases of first-degree murder in the deaths of Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and an unidentified woman, Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe (Buffalo Woman). Court heard 14 victim impact statements today before sentencing the killer to four concurrent life sentences with no chance of parole for 25 years.
“The trauma and grief endured by our relatives at the hand of this admitted serial killer is unimaginable. The bravery of our relatives to stand up in court in the face of such trauma shows remarkable resilience,” stated SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “We hope today’s sentencing helps the families and loved ones of the victims and all who are grieving and will help in the healing process”.
This sentencing is a stark reminder of the work still to be done to address systemic failures contributing to violence against First Nations citizens. SCO continues to advocate for change for all those impacted by this ongoing national epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse people (MMIWG2S+).
SCO is a founding member of Giganawenimaanaanig, formerly known as the Manitoba MMIWG2S+ Implementation Committee. The collective table of leading Indigenous organizations travelled to speak to the victims’ families and others including the unsheltered, service providers, and community leaders from across Manitoba and the country. The group met with most vulnerable in Winnipeg, Brandon, The Pas, and Thompson to hear how the death of these four women has impacted them, their sense of safety, and personal well-being. The information was then compiled into a community impact statement to be delivered in court.
In its community impact statement, Giganawenimaanaanig spokesperson Sandra Delaronde told court, “The impact of this trial goes far beyond the courtroom. It encapsulates the collective trauma, fear, and resilience of Indigenous communities in Manitoba and across Canada. The community’s call for systemic change, justice, and reconciliation is clear and urgent. Many community members expressed that concurrent sentencing will never address the loss of life of four loved family members.”
SCO commends the families for their unwavering commitment, advocacy, and strength in seeking justice for their loved ones. SCO continues to advocate for change for all those impacted by this ongoing national epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse people (MMIWG2S+), including supporting a Red Dress Alert in Manitoba, and the creation of Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudspersons.
SCO offers support for traditional healing for those impacted by the epidemic of MMIWG2S+. Please contact traditionalhealers@scoinc.mb.ca or call 431.277.8608.
SCO’s Mobile Crisis Response Team is also available to assist Nations and citizens who are struggling. To reach out please contact toll free 1.877.SCO.2880 (1.877.726.2880) or crisisresponse@scoinc.mb.ca
For anyone who requires immediate emotional support, please call the national, independent toll free 24/7 support line at 1-844-413-6649to speak to a counsellor. This service is available in English, Anishnaabemowin, and Cree.
Or please contact the Hope for Wellness toll free help line: 1.855.242.3310 or online chat at hopeforwellness.ca
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 34 First Nations and more than 87,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
For media inquiries:
Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca