Mile Morrisseau
ICT
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Canada — In a moment that shocked and saddened First Nations and allies across Canada, Chief Cathy Merrick died suddenly on Friday, September 6, after collapsing during a press conference outside a Winnipeg courthouse.
Merrick – who in 2022 became the first woman elected Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs – was a history-maker who worked tirelessly and fearlessly to defend the rights of her people and the most vulnerable.
She had been speaking to reporters about the acquittal of a prison guard in the death of a First Nations prisoner and another case when she collapsed.
“It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of our beloved Grand Chief Cathy Merrick,” the meeting 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 the community, on behalf of the assembly’s staff and on behalf of the dozens of First Nations the assembly represents.
“We share in their grief, feeling the immense loss of a remarkable leader whose voice and tireless advocacy touched countless lives,” the statement said. “Grand Chief Merrick’s presence, both powerful and kind, left a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of knowing and working with her.”
Merrick, 62, is survived by her husband Todd, three children and eight grandchildren, the CBC reported.
Her sudden death sent shockwaves through the country, and as the news spread, condolences poured in on social media.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called her death “a shocking and heartbreaking loss” in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
“Grand Chief Cathy Merrick was a tireless and incredibly effective advocate for First Nations peoples, especially the most vulnerable,” Trudeau said in the post. “As the first woman to lead the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, and throughout her career, she inspired so many of us.”
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, the first First Nations provincial premier and a longtime friend and mentor of Merrick, also posted his condolences on X to someone he knew as a leader, Sundancer and Cookum (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 a political conversation was, Cathy Merrick always greeted you and said goodbye with a hug.”
Kinew also cited demands for landfill searches for the remains of victims of a serial killer who 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 of the campaign that propelled Kinew to the province’s highest office.
“By searching the landfill for the remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran, and taking other important steps to improve the lives of First Nations people in our province, we once again dedicate these efforts to the memory of the late Cathy Merrick,” Kinew said in his message. “On behalf of the people of Manitoba, I extend my sincere condolences to Cathy’s husband, family, friends and supporters on the loss of our great chief.”
Champion for her people
Merrick, a member of the Pimicicimik (Cross Lake) Cree Nation, began her political career in her community in northern Manitoba, one of the largest communities on the reserve, with nearly 10,000 members and nearly 6,500 residents.
She was first elected as a councillor and in 2013 as head of the municipal council. She held this position until 2018.
In 2022, she was elected as the first woman grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, and was re-elected to that position in July 2024. The AMC represents 63 First Nations in the province.
In the statement released after her death, the assembly emphasized her leadership as an advocate on critical issues, including missing and murdered indigenous women, girls and two-spirited people.
“She strongly advocated for the urgent need to search the dump, as she believed that our loved ones deserve a decent and respectful resting place. She also raised awareness about the MMIWG2S+ epidemic, stressing the importance of proactive measures,” the statement said.
She was also remembered for her commitment to equitable health care in First Nations communities and as a “true Treaty warrior, who made sure governments knew her position on the role First Nations played in shaping this country.”
Standing strong
As the news spread, condolences poured in.
Cambria Harris, who is leading the fight to search the landfill and advocates in the ongoing MMIP crisis, posted on her Facebook page what it means to have Merrick as an ally in battle.
Harris’ mother, Morgan Harris, was one of the victims of the serial killer who targeted Indigenous women in Manitoba.
“We have been honored to have such a powerful figure by our family’s side,” Harris said. “The gratitude and respect I have for you is immense and your presence will be greatly missed by everyone in the community. You were the purest hearted person I know, who welcomed my family with open arms as you helped fight for my mother Morgan Harris and our loved ones.”
A protest site outside the Brady landfill in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, pictured here in February 2023, has been named Camp Morgan, after one of the Indigenous women targeted by a serial killer. Protesters have demanded that police search the landfill for the bodies of three women, including Morgan Harris. In 2022, the remains of a fourth victim were found at the site. (Photo by Miles Morrisseau, ICT)
Harris remembers the times when Merrick stood up strongly 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+ faced. I will forever hold the mighty ratchet you held in my heart that day.”
She also describes a moment in the nation’s capital, Ottawa, when Merrick threatened a sit-in if a decision was not made to search the landfills. A search is scheduled to begin at the Prairie Green landfill in October.
“I don’t know where this fight for our people would have gone if it wasn’t for your words and guidance and strength every step of the way,” Harris posted. “I am devastated and my heart breaks for your family.
“I love you, Grand Chief, and will never forget the big hugs you gave everyone. Rest in peace.”
Merrick spoke to media outside the courthouse about what she called a “serious miscarriage of justice” following the acquittal of a Manitoba prison guard in the death of a First Nations inmate, the CBC reported.
She collapsed while speaking to reporters, and CPR was immediately initiated. She was rushed to the hospital, but could not be revived.
The assembly held a press conference on Saturday, September 7, attended by chiefs from across the province, as well as Kinew and National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak.
Chief Gordon Clearsky, of the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, was representing the Treaty 1 chiefs when he burst into tears as he recalled the loss of Merrick.
“When I look back over the time that I had, a very short period of time, I feel like I noticed and obviously recognized that our chief was a very, very brave soul,” Clearsky said.
“And unfortunately, I realized today that I took that for granted, the work that she did for our communities. I should have told her more about how much I was inspired by her and her courage and her passion for our people.”
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