Cathy Merrick receives a star blanket after her historic election as the first female grand chief of AMC in 2022. Photo: Sav Jonsa/APTN.
A funeral reserved for top leaders in Manitoba has been announced for Cathy Merrick, the grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), who died suddenly Friday in Winnipeg.
Premier Wab Kinew announced Saturday that Merrick, 62, will lie in state at the Manitoba Legislative Building before she is returned to her Cree Nation of Pimicikamak (Cross Lake) in northern Manitoba for traditional burial.
Mourners will be able to file past Merrick’s casket at the provincial legislature to pay their respects. A moment of silence was held for Merrick at the Winnipeg Blue Bombers football game Saturday.
The grand chief was rushed to hospital after collapsing outside the Winnipeg courthouse where she was denouncing a not-guilty verdict in the trial of a Manitoba jail guard. Robert Morden was acquitted in connection with the 2021 death of Anishinabe inmate William Ahmo of Sagkeeng First Nation.
“The acquittal of the guard for the death of our relative and community member William Ahmo is indeed a ‘gross miscarriage of justice’ to quote the grand chief…,” said Sagkeeng Chief E. J. Fontaine in a statement to APTN News Saturday.
“Her pursuit of justice for our missing and murdered people was brave and instilled confidence and bravery in our people to continue on with our struggle for justice.”
A number of chiefs paid tribute to Merrick at a Saturday morning news conference. Politicians such Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham, Manitoba Lt.-Gov Anita Neville added their respects online, along with the Winnipeg Police Service and the RCMP.
“Grand Chief Cathy Merrick first assumed the leadership of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs at a critical time,” said Cindy Woodhouse, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, in a statement Saturday.
“She honoured the headdress bestowed on her through her fearless advocacy and tireless work. She stood as a role model for all First Nations leadership.”
Tribal organization Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), which represents 26 First Nations in northern Manitoba, described Merrick as a “kind and loving soul who would share her love of life and was graceful in the way she conducted herself as the Grand Chief.”
MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee, who is also from Pimicikamak, called her death “a profound loss.”
Chief Morris Beardy of Fox Lake Cree Nation, a member of MKO, noted Merrick’s time on earth was a gift.
“As First Nations, while this news is difficult to process, we know that she has moved on to the next journey and her spirit will continue on in her legacy,” Beardy said in the release.
Pimicikamak Chief David Monias said Merrick inspired, nurtured and uplifted everyone around her.
“It was my honour to nominate her for Grand Chief – a role in which she made a profound difference,” he said in the release, referring to Merrick’s historic election as the first female leader of AMC in 2022 and her re-election in July.
“She was my leader, and I will deeply miss her leadership, her courage, and her guidance.”
Details of when Merrick’s casket will lie in state are still being worked out, Kinew said.
Some members of Merrick’s staff were with her at the courthouse when she collapsed in front of reporters and went into medical distress. They also accompanied her to hospital.
“Grand Chief Merrick was a trailblazing leader (whose) strength, compassion, and vision inspired many,” said AMC in a statement issued late Friday. “She was not only a devoted advocate for First Nations but also a cherished friend to all who knew her.
“Her unwavering dedication to her people was reflected in her decades-long service, ensuring First Nations voices were heard at all levels.”
