“Search for Indigenous Woman’s Remains in Landfill”

CONTENT WARNING: The following article discusses cases of missing and murdered Indigenous individuals. Resources for support can be accessed at the end of this article.

The family of Deborah Anishinabie is still awaiting closure as the investigation into her tragic death in Thunder Bay, Ontario, remains ongoing despite an extensive search at the city’s landfill.

Anishinabie, a 42-year-old member of Sandy Lake First Nation, was last seen leaving New Newfie’s Pub on the south side of the city on December 5, 2024. Her body was discovered on December 14, 2024, less than two kilometers away from the pub, at the intersection of Finlayson Street and McKellar Street North.

While a suspect, Levi Michael Lawson, 25, faces charges of second-degree murder and indignity to a human body in connection with the case, authorities are still looking for additional remains related to the investigation.

The search at the Thunder Bay Solid Waste and Recycling Facility spanned from September 22 to November 21, concluding with the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) stating that no new evidence had been found.

According to TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury, the search was a necessary step to provide closure to the family, regardless of the outcome.

The Thunder Bay landfill search comes following similar efforts in Manitoba, where searches for missing Indigenous women were conducted at landfills in the region.

In Manitoba, an $18 million search at the Prairie Green landfill uncovered the remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran, both hailing from Long Plain First Nation. Additionally, a search at the Brady Road landfill in Winnipeg aimed to locate the remains of Ashlee Shingoose from St. Theresa Point Anisininew Nation.

Anna Betty Achneepineskum, deputy grand chief with Nishnawbe Aski Nation, highlighted the need for continued efforts and support in addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse individuals.

‘We need to do a lot more work’

The Thunder Bay landfill search was a collaborative effort involving various police services and organizations, including the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Lac Seul Police Service, and the City of Thunder Bay.

Estimates suggest the search cost approximately $700,000, with the majority allocated to equipment rentals and overtime wages. Both provincial and federal assistance is expected to help cover the search expenses.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation has been providing support to Anishinabie’s family throughout the investigative process, underscoring the severity of the case within the Thunder Bay community.

Achneepineskum stressed the importance of policy changes aligned with the 231 Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, emphasizing the need for enhanced support systems and preventative measures.

Described by her family as a compassionate individual working in the healthcare sector, Anishinabie’s untimely death has had a profound impact, with both her parents passing away since the tragic event.