Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe now has a name: Ashlee Shingoose was Winnipeg serial killer’s 1st victim [Video]

WARNING | This story contains details of violence against Indigenous women.

After years of police investigation and community anguish, investigators say they’ve identified the lone unknown victim of a Winnipeg serial killer as Ashlee Christine Shingoose, a missing woman from St. Theresa Point Anisininew Nation who was last confirmed seen in downtown Winnipeg in March 2022.

It was a bittersweet update for a community that for years has known Shingoose as Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe, or Buffalo Woman, a name given to her by Indigenous community members — and that hoped that one day, they would finally be able to say her real name.

“My heart hurts, but I’m happy. I’m happy because of what has transpired,” said Thelma Morrisseau, one of the grandmothers who took part in the late 2022 ceremony to give Shingoose, 30, a name before she was identified.

“We know who she is. She does have a family. We’re still her family, …