A barricade at the entrance to the Brady Landfill, erected on Wednesday evening, was pulled down by Thursday. However, the demonstrators responsible for its construction insist they will return if necessary. This most recent round of protests follows weeks of demonstration in July, resulting in a temporary court order to remove a blockade.
The protesters have been urging the government to conduct a search of the Prairie Green Landfill for the remains of two women, Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran, who are suspected to be buried there.
The recent re-establishment of the blockade was reportedly prompted by disrespectful comments and campaign advertisements from the Progressive Conservatives. The party has openly declared their intentions against excavating the landfill if they come to power in the elections scheduled for October 3rd.
Tre Delaronde, a First Nation Indigenous Warrior, explained their persistence, “We intend to remind the government of the reason for our continued presence and unwavering resolve. We set up the blockade as a reaction to Heather Stefanson’s disrespectful ads.”
The party’s advertisements have stated their intentions to ‘Stand Firm’ against the search operation. Stefanson has previously referenced health and safety concerns noted in a feasibility study for a potential landfill search.
Despite the removal of the blockade, the demonstrators assert that their voices will amplify. John Gonzalez, another demonstrator, insists, “We seek acknowledgment, recognition, and respect for our common humanity. We demand these landfill searches to provide closure to the grieving families.”
Throughout the protest, the city maintains that garbage services continued unhindered. Winnipeg police confirmed their awareness of the situation and ongoing communication with the protesters.
Even beyond the elections, according to Gonzalez, the public will not relent in expressing their opinions on the subject. “Regardless of the outcome on October 3rd, even if promises are made and not kept, we’ll remain here.”
Both the NDP and Liberals have expressed their support for searching the Prairie Green Landfill. A feasibility study suggests the project would span three years and cost approximately $184 million.
