First Nations leaders are gathering in Winnipeg to remember Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Cathy Merrick, who died suddenly on Friday.
Merrick, 62, was rushed to hospital and pronounced dead after she collapsed while speaking to reporters outside of Winnipeg’s law courts on Friday afternoon.
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, the organization that represents northern Manitoba First Nations, is holding a news conference on Saturday at 11 a.m. CT, where First Nations leaders will pay tribute to Merrick.
Those slated to speak at the news conference include Assembly of First Nations Grand Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, Pimicikamak Chief David Monias, MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee and Anisininew Okimawin Grand Chief Michael Birch.
CBC will livestream the conference here.
Merrick’s election as grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs in October 2022 made history, as she was the first woman to lead the advocacy group in its nearly 35-year history. She was re-elected to the post in July 2024.
Merrick spent over a decade as a band councillor at Pimicikamak Cree Nation (also known as Cross Lake) in northern Manitoba. She later became chief of Pimicikamak in 2013, and was the second woman to do so.
Tributes for Merrick poured in from across the country Friday, including from Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Merrick is survived by her husband, Todd, three children and eight grandchildren.