Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Cathy Merrick dies after collapsing outside Winnipeg courthouse

The Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has died after collapsing outside of the Manitoba courthouse Friday afternoon.

Grand Chief Cathy Merrick was speaking to reporters following the not-guilty verdict for Robert Jeffrey Morden in the death of William Ahmo, when she collapsed.

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Police and people on scene performed emergency care before she was taken to hospital.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) confirmed her death in a statement Friday evening.

“We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and community,” the statement said. “We share in their grief, feeling the immense loss of a remarkable leader whose voice and tireless advocacy touched countless lives.”

The AMC said it will honour Merrick’s legacy and continue her work.

Merrick was first elected in a 2022 byelection, becoming the first female chief in the organization's history.

She was re-elected to a second term in July.

'An example to us all': Tributes pour in

Representatives from multiple levels of government have paid tribute to Merrick in the wake of her passing.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted on X Friday evening saying Merrick's death is heartbreaking.

"Grand Chief Cathy Merrick was a relentless and incredibly effective advocate for First Nations peoples, especially for those most vulnerable. As the first woman to lead the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, and throughout her entire career, she inspired so many of us," Trudeau said.

Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree described Merrick as a "fierce advocate."

"My heart is with her family, Manitobans, and all those who knew and admired her leadership," he wrote on X Friday afternoon.

Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal also praised Merrick's ability to advocate for Indigenous people in Manitoba.

"Her spirit and legacy is an example to us all," he wrote.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said the flags outside the legislative building have been lowered to half-mast in honour of Merrick's memory.

"She approached her work with joy, compassion, thoughtfulness and a spirituality that was grounded in the belief that we are all equal in the eyes of the Creator and that we all deserve to live a good life," the premier wrote in a statement.

"I will miss her wise counsel, her drive to get things done and most of all – her hugs. No matter how challenging or difficult any political conversation was, Cathy Merrick always greeted you and said farewell by hugging you."

Federal NDP MP Niki Ashton said Merrick "worked tirelessly" to improve the lives of First Nations people.

"As an Indigenous woman, as a Northerner, as a First Nations leader on the national stage, she was an inspiration. She served with compassion, determination and courage. Her loss is a huge loss for our North, for Manitoba and Canada," said Ashton.

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham said he was "deeply saddened" to learn of Merrick's passing.

"Over the past two years, I had the privilege of working closely with Chief Merrick and always valued her wisdom and the heartfelt conversations we shared. She was not just a colleague but a friend," he said in an emailed statement.

"Her leadership, strength, and compassion touched many lives, and I know she will be deeply missed by her family, friends, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, and Indigenous communities across the country."

David Chartrand, president of the Manitoba Metis Federation, said he was proud to call Merrick a friend.

"There can be no doubt that the people she worked for were fundamental to her principles," he said. "I know from personal experience that she was a consummate professional, a strong communicator and a passionate advocate for her people - she died as she lived, working tirelessly for the causes she cared about. She will be sadly missed by many."

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak expressed its sorrow Friday night, saying Merrick was a true champion of First Nations rights.

“Cathy exemplified the strength and spirit of our people, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many,” said Grand Chief Garrison Settee in a statement. "We have lost one of the greatest warriors in First Nation leadership and our Nations mourn knowing that we have lost a Grand Chief that was there for her people all across Manitoba."The Chiefs of Ontario said Merrick will be remembered for her advocacy for all First Nations in Manitoba, specifically highlighting her efforts to ensure the Prairie Green Landfill will be searched for the remains of Marcedes Myran and Morgan Harris.

"Grand Chief Merrick’s time at the AMC was marked by a persistent drive to ensure that First Nations are represented and at the table when decisions concerning them are made," they said.

Manitoba Hydro President and CEO Allan Danroth offered his condolences to Merrick's family, friends and entire community.

"I had the great honour and privilege of meeting with Grand Chief Merrick for the first time earlier this morning, and we spent our time together discussing issues of mutual interest between Manitoba Hydro, the AMC and the First Nations they represent," said Danroth.

Manitoba RCMP Assistant Commissioner Scott McMurchy said he admired Merrick and her commitment to her community.

"The RCMP has worked very closely with Grand Chief Merrick on extremely important issues. She was a strong champion when it came to the creation of the Joint Action Circle, an Indigenous-led, survivor-centric group to help the RCMP prioritize areas of concern to the Indigenous community and develop more detailed strategies, especially as it relates to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls," he said.

McMurchy also noted he worked closely with her when he was in the North District.

"She was a dedicated community-first voice for her First Nation and provided me with great insight into issues and concerns in Pimicikamak Cree Nation and other northern First Nation communities. Her openness to discuss issues and collaborate on solutions was very much appreciated. I was not surprised that Chief Merrick was elected as Grand Chief and became the first woman to lead the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs."

In a joint statement Friday, Chief Justice Marianne Rivoalen, Chief Justice Glenn Joyal and Chief Judge Ryan Rolston said they were "shocked and saddened" to hear the news about Merrick.

"Grand Chief Merrick was a passionate and caring leader of her people. She brought forward systemic issues and engaged openly with the Courts to carve a new path forward together. We will deeply miss her wisdom and compassion and more importantly we will miss her," they said.

The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) also shared a condolence message in honour of Merrick, noting her willingness to work collaboratively. 

"Grand Chief Merrick generously gave her time and counsel to the WPS, partnering in our shared commitment to justice and community safety and well-being," the message said. 

On Saturday, tributes continued to pour in, with Manitoba Lieutenant Governor Anita Neville stating she was "heartbroken" when she heard of Merrick's sudden passing.

In a written statement, Neville acknowledged Merrick's decision-making and collaboration skills, calling the late Grand Chief "a changemaker." 

"Not only was Cathy a respected leader, but she was also a force, she was a friend and I will miss her," Neville said.