'It can be done safely': Experts say method for landfill search has been successful in the past

A panel of forensic experts brought together by Manitoba's Indigenous leaders say a search of a landfill near Winnipeg for the remains of two Indigenous women can be done safely.

A panel of forensic experts brought together by Manitoba's Indigenous leaders say a search of a landfill near Winnipeg for the remains of two Indigenous women can be done safely.

It's been more than two months since the results of an Indigenous-led feasibility study were made public, saying a search of the Prairie Green Landfill for the remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran is feasible. The study says a search could take up to three years and cost approximately $184 million. While it warns there are risks due to exposure to toxic chemicals, it says forgoing a search could be harmful to the families of the victims.

In the months since the study's release, families have been waiting for a commitment from all levels of government to get a search started.

"There are always these excuses that you hear from the provincial government about health and safety risks, and that is why we are here today," said Chief Kyra Wilson of Long Plain First Nations. "It can be done, it should be done, and it needs to be done."

This comes after Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson said her government won't support the landfill search, saying the province won't knowingly risk the health and safety of Manitoba workers without a guarantee.

In response to the comments, on Monday the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs brought together a panel of experts who had helped with the creation of the feasibility study.

Emily Holland, a forensic anthropologist, said the proposed method of searching Prairie Green Landfill for the remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran would be focused on one area of the landfill. The material would move through a conveyer belt system with trained individuals on either side looking for any possible evidence of the two women.