(Ottawa, ON) – September 12, 2024 – It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the sudden passing of Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Cathy Merrick. Grand Chief Cathy Merrick was the first woman to lead the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and will forever be remembered as a remarkable woman, a protector, and matriarch to her family, her community of Pimicikamak First Nation, to Manitobans, and all those whose lives she touched through her work. Our thoughts are with her family, husband Todd, three children, and eight grandchildren.

Her unexpected passing came at a time when she was speaking with the press regarding the acquittal of a corrections officer in the death of a First Nations inmate. She departed this life doing what she was most recognized for, standing with and for her people along with the most vulnerable populations. Grand Chief Cathy Merrick was beloved by all who had the privilege to know her as a passionate and dedicated leader.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of such a strong and passionate leader. Grand Chief Merrick embodied strength and resilience and an unending dedication to fighting for justice. Her spirit will live on through her extraordinary contributions to both her community and Indigenous leadership.” said Adam North Peigan, Board President of the Legacy of Hope Foundation.

“Grand Chief Cathy Merrick was an innovative leader who worked tirelessly to promote justice and healing for Indigenous Peoples,” said Teresa Edwards, Executive Director and In-House Legal Counsel at LHF. “Her commitment to advancing Indigenous rights will leave behind a legacy of positive change that will reverberate for generations. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, her community, and all those who were touched by her leadership.”

The Hope For Wellness Help Line is available 24//7 for all Indigenous Peoples across Canada who may be seeking emotional support during these times. Their phone number is 1-855-242-3310. Support is available in English and French, and upon request, in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.

The LHF is a national, Indigenous-led, charitable organization that has been working to promote healing and Reconciliation in Canada for over 24 years. The LHF’s goal is to educate Canadians about the history of impacts on 7 generations of Indigenous Peoples from their time in the Residential and/or Day School and/or the Child Welfare System.We address discrimination against Indigenous Peoples and promote hope and healing. The LHF works to encourage Canadians to address discrimination and injustice to promote equity, dignity, and respectful treatment of all.

The LHF has 30 educational exhibitions that promote awareness of Indigenous history that are free to borrow and is working on making exhibitions available online. LHF also has curriculums for K-12 and for adults, along with Activity Guides, Workshops, and Training, two Podcast series, all aimed at educating Canadians about Indigenous history and the shared history of Residential and Day Schools, the Child Welfare System, and other colonial acts of oppression. The LHF works to develop empathy and understanding to eliminate ongoing racism against Indigenous Peoples and to foster Reconciliation in Canada.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Teresa Edwards, B.A., LL.B / J.D.
Directrice générale et conseillère juridique interne
Fondation autochtone de l’espoir
tedwards@legacyofhope.ca