Manitoba grand chief’s death marked with ceremonies, mourners attend legislature
Posted September 11, 2024 11:46 am.
Last Updated September 12, 2024 11:01 am.
Family members, community leaders and dignitaries were on hand to pay tribute to Grand Chief Cathy Merrick, of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, who died last Friday.
Merrick’s casket was brought into the legislature for a closed-door ceremony this morning, and she will lie in state this afternoon to allow the public to pay their respects.
As RCMP carried the casket into the legislature, family members, Premier Wab Kinew and others followed behind in a solemn procession.
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Her death was marked by a vigil outside the Winnipeg courthouse earlier, and a sunrise ceremony.
Merrick collapsed while talking to reporters last Friday and was rushed to hospital.
Merrick the first woman elected to lead the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, became the first woman to be given the honour of lying in state at the legislature Wednesday, a significant moment for Pimicikamak Chief David Monias, who first nominated Merrick as a candidate for AMC Grand Chief.
“She wasn’t there to put anyone down or to kick anyone out, she was there to make sure it was a win-win situation for us. To uplift our people to the same parity of services as everyone else was doing,” said Monias.
MKO Grand Chief, Garrison Settee views the loss of Merrick as one that will time to recover, but stresses the importance of continuing the essential work she dedicated her life to.
“Our nations are mourning because we have lost one of the greatest leaders to ever come out of Manitoba,” said Settee. “It is incumbent on us to carry out those visions she had and those dreams that she had for our people.”
David Ferland was one of the hundreds of people who came to pay their respects to the late Grand Chief, saying while he didn’t know her well, her legacy will not soon be forgotten.
“Just by talking to her, it felt like I knew her a long time. She sang a few songs to me, I sang a few songs to her. It has hit everyone hard, you can tell how much she did for our people and we will continue her legacy,” said Ferland.
Former premier Gary Doer came to the legislature to sign a book of condolences, and said Merrick was a person of integrity and leadership.
“She had it all and she lived it all, and that’s why there’s so many people grieving her passing,” Doer said Wednesday.
Merrick will be taken to the RBC Convention Centre for a wake service from 5:30 p.m. to 1 in the morning. Before returning to her home community of Cross Lake, for a wake service on Thursday and Friday ahead of her funeral on Saturday
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 11, 2024
