Protesters at Winnipeg landfill hoist flag targeting 'Heartless Heather,' remain steadfast

A new flag with a message for Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson was raised Monday morning by protesters who continue to block access to the Winnipeg landfill in spite of a court injunction.

Across the provincial flag protesters painted the phrase "Heartless Heather" in black letters. It was attached to the top of a makeshift flagpole made from a stripped-down tree.

"The reason for that would be denying these families justice, dignity, the ability to grieve," said protester Melanie Berestin, who stood with other demonstrators blocking the main road to the city's Brady Road Landfill.

Stefanson has said her government won't pay for a search of the Prairie Green landfill, north of Winnipeg, where police believe the remains of two First Nations women — Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran — were taken last year.

On July 6, protesters established a blockade on the main road to Brady in response to her decision. More than a dozen remained there Monday, in spite of an interim court injunction that went into effect at 6 p.m. CT Friday.

Manitoba Court of King's Bench Justice Sheldon Lanchbery said the protest is valid — and can continue — but the roadway can no longer be blocked. The city must be allowed to operate the landfill.

In response, protesters burned a copy of the injunction at the blockade site.

Demonstrator Diane Bousquet says a number of things are planned as the group has no intention of going anywhere. A powwow is set to take place Monday while elders are conducting ceremonies and Bousquet is arranging for some beading lessons, so people can learn to bead red dresses.

"We want our community members to come out and just refocus on our culture, the healing ceremonies that need to take place on this land," she said.

"Lots have taken place here and you can feel the energy shift since Friday."

Bousquet has also heard of other camps possibly being set up around the country in support of the blockage, and she fully supports them.

"[Let's] continue to bring the energy and focus to this until this land gets searched and our girls get the proper burials that they deserve."

The Winnipeg Police Service is authorized to arrest people who are in violation of the injunction. 

Police won't go into details about how they'll enforce the court order, but a spokesperson said in an email Monday that the intent is to achieve a peaceful resolution.