Tragic Discovery of Ms. Linda Mary Beardy’s Remains in Brady Landfill Adds to MMIWG Crisis

Winnipeg, The discovery of the remains of Linda Mary Beardy in the Brady Landfill is yet another tragic and heartbreaking development in the ongoing issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two spirits, and gender-diverse people in Canada. Ms. Beardy, a mother and member of the Lake St. Martin First Nation, was found deceased in the landfill, adding to the growing list of victims that will not make it home to their families.

In December of 2022, The Winnipeg Police Service believed that the remains of two victims of alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki might be located in the Prairie Green Landfill but have been unable to search the area. This has led to calls from the community for both landfills to be searched thoroughly to find the missing victims and bring them home to their families.

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) has set up a community gathering space with a sacred fire to will be lit at 445 King Street in Winnipeg from 4 to 8 PM tonight for anyone needing support during this difficult time. Members of the SCO’s Mobile Crisis Response Team, Survivors’ Healing Program, and Traditional Healers Program will be in attendance to provide emotional support for those affected by this tragedy.

Grand Chief Jerry Daniels of the SCO has expressed his condolences to Ms. Beardy’s family and is calling on all levels of government to work towards implementing the 231 Calls for Justice resulting from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The classification of the Brady Landfill as an active crime scene was requested in December of 2022, and the discovery of Ms. Beardy’s remains has further emphasized the need for increased efforts to protect Indigenous women and girls.

This national travesty must be addressed, and justice must be served for all those impacted by these senseless crimes. We must work towards creating a safer society for all women, girls, two-spirit, and gender-diverse people, and the discovery of Ms. Beardy’s remains only underscores the urgency of this mission.

For anyone who requires immediate emotional support, please call the national, independent toll free 24/7 support line at 1-844-413-6649 to speak to a counsellor. This service is available in English, Anishnaabemowin, and Cree.