Groundbreaking Manitoba Grand Chief Cathy Merrick dies suddenly

Miles Morrisseau
ICT

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Canada — In a moment that shocked and saddened First Nations and allies across Canada, Grand Chief Cathy Merrick died abruptly Friday, Sept. 6, after collapsing outside a Winnipeg courthouse during a press conference.

Merrick – who became the first woman elected as grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs in 2022 – was a history-maker who worked tirelessly and fearlessly to defend the rights of her people and those most vulnerable.

She had been speaking to reporters about the acquittal of a corrections officer in the death of a First Nations inmate and another case when she collapsed.

“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of our beloved Grand Chief Cathy Merrick,” the assembly said in a statement. “After experiencing a medical emergency outside the courthouse earlier today, she was rushed to the hospital, where her passing was confirmed, marking the beginning of her final journey home.”

The statement offered condolences to family, friends and community and from the assembly staff, as well as from the dozens of the First Nations represented by the assembly.

“We share in their grief, feeling the immense loss of a remarkable leader whose voice and tireless advocacy touched countless lives,” the release stated. “Grand Chief Merrick’s presence, both powerful and kind, left a lasting impact on those privileged to know and work alongside her.”

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, the first First Nations provincial premier and a longtime friend and mentor to Merrick, announced Saturday that Merrick would lie in state at the provincial legislature in what could be a first for a First Nations leader.

Merrick, 62, is survived by her husband, Todd, three children and eight grandchildren, according to the CBC.

Her sudden death sent waves of shock across the country, with condolences flooding social media as the news spread.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called her death “a shocking and heartbreaking loss,” in a post to X, formerly Twitter.

“Grand Chief Cathy Merrick was a relentless and incredibly effective advocate for First Nations peoples, especially for those most vulnerable,” Trudeau said in the post. “As the first woman to lead the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, and throughout her entire career, she inspired so many of us.”

Kinew also posted to X his condolences to someone he knew as a leader, Sundancer and Kookum (grandmother).

“I will miss her wise counsel, her drive to get things done and most of all – her hugs,” Kinew said. “No matter how challenging or difficult any political conversation was, Cathy Merrick always greeted you and said farewell by hugging you.”

Kinew also referenced demands for landfill searches for the remains of the victims of a serial killer that targeted Indigenous women in the provincial capital of Winnipeg. Merrick had been active in calling for the government to search the landfills in what became a defining issue in the campaign that propelled Kinew to the highest office in the province.

“Searching the landfill for the remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran, and other important steps to improve the lives of First Nations people in our province, we rededicate these efforts to the memory of the late Cathy Merrick,” Kinew stated in his post. “On behalf of the people of Manitoba, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Cathy’s husband, family, friends and supporters on the loss of our grand chief.”

Champion for her people

Merrick, a member of Pimicicimik (Cross Lake) Cree Nation, began her political career in her northern Manitoba community, which is one of the largest with nearly 10,000 members and nearly 6,500 living on reserve.

She was first elected to council and then in 2013 she was elected to chief, a position she held until 2018.

In 2022, she was elected as the first women to be grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, and in July 2024 she was re-elected to the position. The AMC represents 63 First Nations in the province.

In the statement released after her death, the assembly noted her leadership as a champion on crucial causes, including missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people.

“She fiercely advocated for the urgent need to search the landfill, believing that our loved ones deserve a proper and respectful resting place. She also brought attention to the MMIWG2S+ epidemic, stressing the importance of proactive measures,” the statement said.

She was also remembered for her commitment to equitable healthcare in First Nations communities and as a “true Treaty warrior and made sure that governments knew her position of the role First Nations played in shaping this country.”

Standing strong

Condolences poured in as the news spread.

Cambria Harris, who has been leading the fight to have the landfill searched and as advocate in the ongoing MMIP crisis, posted on her Facebook page what it has meant to have Merrick as an ally in the fight.

Harris’ mother, Morgan Harris, was one of the victims of the serial killer who preyed on Indigenous women in Manitoba.

“We have had the honor to have such a powerful figure stand by our families side,” Harris said. “The gratitude and respect I hold for you is immense and your presence will be greatly missed by all in the community. You were someone with the purest heart I know, who welcomed my family in with open arms as you helped fight for my mom Morgan Harris and our loved ones.”

Harris recalled times when Merrick stood strong for the people.

“Our Warrior Grand Chief, you were so deadly,” she posted. “I will never forget standing at the Winnipeg Police Fire Games last year as we painted red handprints on our faces in response to the injustices our MMIWG2S+ face. I’ll forever hold the powerful rattle you held that day, close to my heart.”

She also describes a point in the nation’s capital of Ottawa when Merrick threatened a sit-in if a decision was not made to search the landfills. A search is scheduled to begin at Prairie Green landfill in October.

“I don’t know where this fight towards searching, and the fight for our people, could have gone if it weren’t for your words and guidance, and strength every step of the way,” Harris posted. “I’m devastated, and my heart breaks for your family.

“I love you Grand Chief and will never forget those big hugs you gave to all. Rest in power.”

Merrick had been speaking to the media outside the courthouse about what she called “a gross miscarriage of justice” after the acquittal of a Manitoba corrections officer in the death of a First Nations inmate, according to the CBC.

She collapsed while speaking to reporters, and CPR was immediately begun. She was rushed to the hospital but could not be revived.

The assembly held a press conference on Saturday, Sept. 7, with chiefs in attendance from across the province as well as Kinew and National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak.

Chief Gordon Clearsky, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, was representing the Chiefs of Treaty 1 when he broke down into tears as he reflected on the loss of Merrick.

“When I look back on the time that I had, a very short period, it feels like you know what I did notice and obviously acknowledge, was that our grand chief was a very, very brave soul,” Clearsky said.

“And unfortunately, today, I realized that I took that for granted, the work that she did for our communities. I should have told her more how truly inspired I was by her and by her bravery and her passion for our people.”

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