Cathy Merrick

Cathy Merrick, born on May 31, 1961, was a prominent Cree leader from the Pimicikamak Cree Nation and made history as the Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. Her political journey began in 2001 when she was elected as a Councillor for her home Nation, a role she held for twelve years. In recognition of her leadership, she became the second female Chief of Pimicikamak, serving until 2018. During her tenure, Merrick championed significant community projects, including the establishment of a healthcare centre valued at fifty-five million dollars.

In October 2022, Merrick achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first woman elected as Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, succeeding Arlen Dumas. Her leadership was marked by a commitment to addressing the challenges faced by Manitoba First Nations, including negotiating water and land claims and advocating for the return of the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation to the AMC. She also took a stand on pressing social issues, such as the search for victims of the 2022 Winnipeg serial killings.

Tragically, on September 6, 2024, while addressing a press conference outside the Manitoba Law Courts in Winnipeg, Merrick collapsed after discussing the Children's Special Allowance. Despite immediate medical attention, she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at St. Boniface Hospital. Her untimely passing resonated deeply, eliciting heartfelt responses from Indigenous and political leaders across Manitoba, Canada, and beyond.