HONOURING LEAH KEEPER

The NICAFV family extends our sincere condolences, with our thoughts and prayers with Leah’s family, friends, and community. Her loss represents yet another tragic example of the ongoing and disproportionate impacts of violence experienced by Indigenous women. At this time, police have shared limited information and have classified Ms. Keeper’s case as suspicious.

Leah Keeper was a member of Sagkeeng First Nation and a mother of two. She was last seen on July 25, 2023, in Winnipeg. Over the following years, community members organized multiple searches but were unable to locate her or uncover meaningful leads. Tragically, Leah’s remains were discovered in late 2025 in a rear lane in Winnipeg. DNA from her children was used to confirm her identity.

Leah was just 32 years old at the time of her disappearance. She was training to become a nursing assistant and, while facing challenges with addiction, was working toward personal growth for herself and her children.

Sagkeeng First Nation continues to feel the deep impacts of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) crisis. Chief E.J. Fontaine shared that “it shakes the foundation of the community,” and that “every time we hear one of our women being impacted by that phenomenon, it hurts even more.”

Family members have expressed concerns regarding how information about the discovery of Leah’s remains has been communicated. Leah mattered. Every Indigenous woman and girl matters.

Leah’s death remains under investigation, and at this time there have been no arrests or further updates. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Winnipeg Police Service at 204-986-6058 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477.

May Leah’s family and community be surrounded with care, support, and strength. May she be remembered as a mother, a daughter, and a loved one who mattered.