22-07-2025
BBC Audio Morgan's Warriors: The matriarch on a mission to protect
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.
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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)
