Indigenous leaders mourn loss of Grand Chief Cathy Merrick [Video]

Indigenous leaders came together Saturday to honour the life and legacy of Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) Grand Chief Cathy Merrick.

Merrick died suddenly Friday after she collapsed outside a Winnipeg courthouse while speaking to reporters. At the time, Merrick was discussing the not-guilty verdict for Robert Jeffrey Morden in the death of William Ahmo, along with other matters related to the Indigenous community.

“She died doing what she does best,” said Pimicikamak Cree Nation Chief David Monias. “I am grateful for what she did that day, speaking to the media about what happens to our people.”

Merrick was appointed as the first female Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs in 2022. She was re-elected this past July. Prior to that, she served as the Chief of Pimicikamak Cree Nation.

“Our nation mourns today because we have lost one of the greatest warriors we’ve ever had to come out of our …