(Ottawa, ON) – November 12, 2025 – It is with profound sadness that we mourn the sudden passing of Dr. Cathy Martin. Dr. Martin was a revered matriarch and community leader whose lifelong dedication to advancing the rights and well-being of Indigenous Peoples has left a lasting impact for future generations. She was a true trailblazer and a fierce defender of Mi’gmaq rights, a champion for education and a compassionate mentor who believed that nobody should be left behind.

Throughout her life, she made extraordinary contributions to leadership, education and community well-being. She served as an elected Councillor in her community, Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation for over 20 years and earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Dr. Martin ran for the role of Chief and National Chief because she wanted to ensure that the rights of our people were always advanced and protected. She was a notably respected Speech-Language Pathologist, educator and author. She was always working to uplift her community and promote Mi’gmaq values, inspiring generations to walk proudly in their identity. The lasting impact of her work is reflected in her deep compassion and commitment to improving the lives of others.

Dr. Martin will be remembered as a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend whose love, wisdom and strength touched everyone who knew her. Her family was the heart of her world, she loved them unconditionally and nurtured them with pride and guidance. Our hearts are with them during this difficult time.

As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate her life; a life defined by courage, compassion and community service. The world is a better place for all that she gave to it. We want to extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends. May her spirit continue to soar and her compassion guide us.

The LHF is a national, Indigenous-led, charitable organization that has been working to promote healing and Reconciliation in Canada for over 25 years. The LHF’s goal is to educate Canadians about the history and existing intergenerational impacts of the Residential and Day School Systems and subsequent Child Welfare System on Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) Survivors, their descendants, and their communities to promote hope and healing in Canada. The LHF works to encourage Canadians to address discrimination and injustice in order to contribute to the equity, dignity, and respectful treatment of Indigenous Peoples and to foster Reconciliation.

The LHF has close to 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 curriculum 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 so as to eliminate ongoing racism against Indigenous Peoples.

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