Achimowina Newsletter September 2024

Read the September 2024 issue of Achimowina – NCN’s community, government, business, arts and events news.

Featured Story

Sudden Passing of AMC Grand Chief Cathy Ann Merrick

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Cathy Ann Merrick died suddenly on September 6. She was speaking to media outside at the law courts building in Winnipeg when she collapsed, and was taken to hospital, where her passing was confirmed.

Merrick was from Pimicikamak Cree Nation (Cross Lake), where she served as councillor for 12 years, and then as Chief from 2013 to 2018. During her leadership there, she negotiated with the federal government for the construction of its new healthcare centre, declared a state of emergency due to several youth suicides, and advocated for Indigenous rights in the Manitoba Hydro Northern Flood Agreement.

She became Grand Chief of the AMC in 2022. She was the first woman to lead the AMC in its 35-year history, and had been re-elected in July of this year.

“Throughout her leadership, Grand Chief Merrick championed crucial causes. She fiercely advocated for the urgent need to Search the Landfill, believing that our loved ones deserve a proper and respectful resting place. She also brought attention to the MMIWG2S+ epidemic, stressing the importance of proactive measures. Her commitment to equitable healthcare in First Nations communities never wavered, as she pushed for accessible, high-quality care no matter the obstacles. She was a true Treaty warrior and made sure that governments knew her position of the role First Nations played in shaping this country,” the AMC said in a statement on its website. “Grand Chief Merrick’s presence, both powerful and kind, left a lasting impact on those privileged to know and work alongside her. Her strength, compassion and vision inspired many. As we move forward, we will honour her legacy and continue the work she began. Today, we mourn the loss of an irreplaceable leader, advocate, and dear friend.”

Merrick was 62 years old. She was married to her husband, Todd, and had three children and eight grandchildren. She has been called an accomplished sun dancer and pipe carrier.

The flags outside the Manitoba Legislature were lowered to half-mast in response to her death.

NCN Chief Angela Levasseur’s thoughts on the passing of Grand Chief Merrick:

You have left a gigantic hole in our hearts. We love you, we honour you, and we will miss you dearly for the rest of our lives.

Your hard work and the sacrifices you’ve made are appreciated more than words could ever express. Thank you for being a fierce advocate for our Nations and for defending and upholding the rights of our First Nations people!

Your legacy will continue to inspire our young women into becoming great leaders and your fire will continue to light other fires!

Kinanaskomitin, our beautiful and fierce Grand Chief, kisahkitin Kapi Kapi!

Deepest and heartfelt condolences to your husband, children, grandchildren, your entire family, your Nation, and all of your Chiefs.

Read the September Newsletter for the complete story.

KITITAHWINAOW ACHIMOWIN COMMUNITY