Vigil held for Marcedes Myran ahead of Skibicki trial
Family, friends and Indigenous leaders came together on Sunday night to honour the life and memory of Marcedes Myran.
A vigil was held for Myran in downtown Winnipeg, with those in attendance also providing support to each other ahead of Jeremy Skibicki’s trial.
Skibicki has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Myran, Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris and an unidentified victim who has been given the name Mashkode Bizhiki'ikwe or Buffalo Woman. None of the charges have been proven in court.
Cathy Merrick, Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), said she wanted to show her support for Myran’s family as the trial is set to begin.
“It’s very important that we be here, to support, to be able to pray with them, to be able to ensure that everything moves forward as good as it can,” she said in an interview at the vigil. “We have to rely on prayer moving forward.”
In order to help the grieving families, Merrick noted that the province has allocated funds to help them get through the trial with cultural and emotional supports. The government will also cover lodging expenses for family members who want to stay in Winnipeg to attend the trial.
“It’s much needed in all our communities, in all our nations that we are able to provide that mental support, that spiritual support and that cultural support,” Merrick said.
“To be able to go into ceremony and to be able to sit there and just be able to pray to Creator for a good outcome.”
The remains of Myran and Harris are believed to be in the Prairie Green Landfill, which has prompted nationwide calls for a landfill search.
Skibicki’s trial begins on Monday in Winnipeg.
- With files from CTV’s Alexandra Holyk.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton dead following prison attack
Convicted B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton, who preyed on women he lured from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside to his rural pig farm, has died.
'We will go with the majority': Liberals slammed by opposition over proposal to delay next election
The federal Liberal government learned Friday it might have to retreat on a proposal within its electoral reform legislation to delay the next vote by one week, after all opposition parties came out to say they can't support it.
Ex-husband charged with murder in death of Lumby, B.C., woman
The ex-husband of Tatjana Stefanski – the woman whose disappearance and death set the small town of Lumby, B.C., on edge last month – has been charged with her murder.
Oilers beat Stars, one win away from Stanley Cup berth
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored two power-play goals as Edmonton smothered the Dallas Stars 3-1 to take a 3-2 lead in the NHL's Western Conference final on Friday.
Baby dead after being delivered via emergency C-section to woman who was in police custody
A newborn is dead after being delivered via emergency C-section to a woman in police custody.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'
Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.
This Calgary home has a giant tree in the middle, and it's for sale
There's a luxury 'tree home' for sale in Calgary.
DND moving 1,000 employees out of Ottawa office building due to safety concerns
The Department of National Defence is moving approximately 1,000 employees out of an office building in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood, citing safety concerns for its employees.
Man convicted of killing Toronto cop in 1980 granted day parole
A man convicted of murdering a Toronto police officer more than four decades ago has been granted day parole for six months.