Kathy Merrick Grand Chief Death – Member of Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Cathy Merrick has sadly passed away. She died on Friday 6th September 2024.
She was confirmed dead through a post that reads “We are deeply saddened by Grand Chief Kathy Merrick’s sudden passing. Her leadership and dedication to advancing the rights and well-being of Indigenous communities in Manitoba were truly remarkable.”
Cindy Merrick, the esteemed Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), tragically passed away following a press conference on the recent acquittal of a corrections officer involved in the death of William Ahmo.
Merrick, who had been a prominent figure in Indigenous leadership, collapsed shortly after the event and was pronounced dead, sending shockwaves through Manitoba and across Canada.
Merrick’s career in public service began in 2001 when she took on the role of councillor for the Pimicikamak Cree Nation. Over the course of 12 years, she played a vital role in her community, demonstrating unwavering commitment to her people. In 2013, she transitioned to the role of chief of the Pimicikamak Cree Nation, a position she held until 2018.
During her tenure as chief, Merrick was instrumental in advancing several key initiatives, including the establishment of a new healthcare centre and declaring a state of emergency in response to a troubling number of suicides within the community.
In 2022, Merrick ran for the position of Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, succeeding Arlen Dumas. Her leadership was marked by significant efforts to restore the reputation of the AMC and address pressing issues facing Manitoba’s First Nations.
She was pivotal in negotiating water and land claims, advocating for the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation’s return to the AMC, and leading calls for a thorough search of a landfill for victims of the 2022 Winnipeg serial killings.
Merrick’s re-election in 2024 reaffirmed her strong leadership and the trust placed in her by the communities she served. Her work, however, was abruptly cut short. At a press conference addressing the acquittal of a corrections officer involved in the controversial death of William Ahmo, Merrick, known for her resilience and dedication, suddenly collapsed. The circumstances of her death have left many in mourning and grappling with the loss of a pivotal leader.