AMC Stands with the Family of Melinda Lynxleg as Charges Are Laid

Press Release

October 21, 2025

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) acknowledges yesterday’s announcement by the Manitoba RCMP that charges have been laid in connection with the death of Melinda Lynxleg, a 40-year-old mother of six from Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve who was reported missing in April 2020.

More than five years have passed since Melinda was last seen. This news brings a small step toward justice, but it also reminds us of the deep pain caused by years of unanswered questions and delayed action. The lack of urgency in responding when First Nations women go missing continues to show the systemic failures that put our women, girls, and Two-Spirit people at risk.

“The pain carried by Melinda’s loved ones and Nation is beyond measure,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “Our hearts are with her family, her children, and her community who have had to live with this unbearable grief and uncertainty for far too long.”

The AMC continues to call for urgent changes in how missing persons cases involving First Nations women, girls, and Two-Spirit people are handled; from the first call for help to the final stages of investigation. Families deserve timely responses, compassionate communication, and accountability at every level. Every delay is another wound to families and Nations already carrying the weight of intergenerational trauma and colonial violence.

We honour Melinda’s life and memory. We stand beside her family and Nation as they continue their path toward truth and justice. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs reaffirms its commitment to fight for the safety, dignity, and justice of all First Nations women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

For more information, please contact:

Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email:  media@manitobachiefs.com

About The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs:

The AMC was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is an authorized representative of all 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 172,000 First Nations citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe, Nehetho / Ininew, Anisininew, Denesuline, and Dakota Oyate peoples.

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