NAN Mourns Sudden Passing of AMC Grand Chief

THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Executive Council members Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler and Deputy Grand Chiefs Anna Betty Achneepineskum, Bobby Narcisse, and Mike Metatawabin, share heartfelt condolences following the sudden passing of Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) Grand Chief Cathy Merrick: 

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Grand Chief Cathy Merrick, who passed away suddenly today while fighting for justice for her people. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and leaders in Manitoba and across Turtle Island. 

Grand Chief Merrick will forever be remembered as a fierce advocate for her home community and strong representative for all First Nations across Manitoba. She was a tireless champion and powerful voice for all the people and communities that she represented. 

She had many accomplishments as Chief and as Grand Chief. Most recently, her strength and determination was pivotal in convincing the Government of Manitoba to repatriate the remains of Marcedes Myran and Morgan Harris from the Prairie Green Landfill. 

Grand Chief Merrick’s life of leadership was an inspiration to everyone who worked with her, and we join our colleagues as we all mourn this great loss. We will honour her legacy by continuing her work and advocacy in the many priorities she held close to her heart.” 

A former chief of Pimicikamak Cree Nation (Cross Lake) in northern Manitoba, Merrick was elected as the first-ever female Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs in 2022. She was re-elected in July 2024. 

For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca