logo

BBC Audio Morgan's Warriors: The matriarch on a mission to protect

BBC News12 hours ago
Melissa Robinson lost her cousin to a serial killer targeting indigenous women in the city of Winnipeg, Canada. When she learned that police didn't plan to search for any of the women's remains, she led her community in protests that swept the nation and forced her government's hand.
In 2024 Jeremy Skibicki was given four life sentences for the murders of Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, Rebecca Contois and Ashlee Shingoose. When the verdict was announced, Melissa swore she would do all she could to stop this happening again. She formed a group called Morgan's Warriors, walking the streets where all these women were preyed upon.
Reporter Brandi Morin has been to Winnipeg for Outlook to tell Melissa's story. This is just one chapter in a life that has always been about holding up those around her, often while surviving blow after blow. Melissa was recently made a Pipe Carrier by indigenous elders - a position honouring wisdom and ongoing spiritual leadership - but her journey here has been long.
Melissa's story includes the impact of suicide and violence. But's not just been about survival, it's the tale of a matriarch finding her power, in her family and her community.
If you'd like to tell us what you think, or share your experiences, please email us at outlook@bbc.com or send a voice note to WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707
Presenter: Asya Fouks
Reporter: Brandi Morin
Producer: Helen Fitzhenry
(Image: Melissa Robinson in front of Brady Landfill at Camp Morgan, Winnipeg, Canada, 27 September 2023. Credit: The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Victim's family will never forgive ‘monster' who killed her as she pushed pram
Victim's family will never forgive ‘monster' who killed her as she pushed pram

The Independent

timean hour ago

  • The Independent

Victim's family will never forgive ‘monster' who killed her as she pushed pram

The family of murder victim Kulsuma Akter have said they will 'never forgive the monster' who mercilessly stabbed her to death in broad daylight. Habibur Masum was jailed for life with a minimum term of 28 years at Bradford Crown Court on Tuesday, but Ms Akter's family said 'no amount of time in prison will change the life sentence he has inflicted upon us all'. The statement read: 'Kulsuma was a much-loved daughter, sister, aunt and mother. 'Her loss has left a gaping hole in the lives of all her family and friends. 'We have been left with a profound sense of emptiness and a deep and painful void in our lives. 'She was a loving, caring and kind soul with a generous nature and touched the lives of everyone she came into contact with. 'As a family we miss her beautiful smile which would light up any room she entered. 'We will miss her humour, her kindness and her love.' Turning to the killer, Ms Akter's family said: 'We will never forgive the monster who took Kulsuma from us and we do not wish to utter his name. It does not deserve to be mentioned. 'The monster who savagely took Kulsuma from not only us, but also from her baby son. 'He will never know her beauty and her kindness. 'He will never know his mother, other than the memories we as a family will share with him as he grows. 'He is the only light in all this darkness and Kulsuma radiates throughout him.' Sentencing judge Mr Justice Cotter told Masum his behaviour had led Ms Akter to predict her own death at his hands. Her family continued: 'Although we are grateful for the judicial process that found him guilty of this crime and for the sentence he has received today, no amount of time in prison will change the life sentence he has inflicted upon us all. 'No family should have to endure the pain and heartache we have had to endure since he took Kulsuma's life so horrifically. 'We can only try and keep her memory alive by continuing to love her and to remember her name.' The statement added: 'This has been an unimaginable time for us as a family, one which will stay with us forever.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store