I am shocked and heartbroken to learn of the sudden and untimely passing of Assembly of Manitoba First Nation Grand Chief Cathy Merrick.
As the first woman to be elected as grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, she was an inspiration to women and girls, her community, and the greater community throughout our province and beyond.
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from Grand Chief Merrick over the years. She was passionate about her role and responsibility to all First Nations across Manitoba.
Thoughtful, firm and decisive in her decision-making, she was also open, collaborative, and had a genuine warmth and desire to bring people together. She was a true leader, and a changemaker.
Not only was Cathy a respected leader, but she was also a force, she was a friend and I will miss her.
My sincere condolences to those she loved and those who loved her. May we honour her memory by continuing her life’s work – her vision of a fair and just society for all
