Amanda Lathlin, the first First Nations woman elected to Manitoba's legislature, dies

Amanda Lathlin, the MLA for The Pas-Kameesak riding, has died at age 49.

WINNIPEG — A member of Manitoba’s government caucus and the first First Nations woman elected to the province’s legislature has died.

The Manitoba NDP Caucus says in a statement Saturday that Amanda Lathlin, who represented the northern riding of The Pas—Kameesak, died at 49 after taking a leave of absence last month due to health issues.

The statement says Lathlin was a former band councillor for Opaskwayak Cree Nation and in 2015 became the first First Nations woman ever elected to the legislature.

It says she worked to advance legislation extending paid leave for mothers recovering from miscarriages and improving access to sexual assault care in northern communities.

A cause of death was not given in the statement.

Premier Wab Kinew says Lathlin helped pave the way for other Indigenous women to serve in the legislature, and that it also contributed to his eventual election as premier.

“Amanda and I had a relationship like no other. I had her back through the many challenges she faced in the last few years. And she kept speaking to me in a way that few people do these days: we laughed, we argued, and sometimes she’d just tell me ‘awas!’” Kinew wrote on social media Saturday.

“Through these ups and downs she became a sister. The last time I spoke to her she made fun of me for wearing a suit to visit her in the hospital.”

Lathlin’s father, Oscar Lathlin, was an NDP cabinet minister who served in the government of former premier Gary Doer.

When a fire in 2024 destroyed a historic theatre in The Pas, Lathlin shared her memories of the venue, calling it the “beating heart of our community.”

But she said the Lido Theatre also had a dark side, noting that for decades, Indigenous families were forced to sit in the back, while white families sat up front.

“It was a great triumph when these racist laws and practices were repealed, and we could finally claim the Lido as our own space,” Lathlin told the legislature.

Kinew said Lathlin was a “retail politician” who loved to visit and laugh with her constituents.

“The first time I visited Trappers’ Fest in The Pas she blew me away by greeting every single person we met by their first name,” Kinew said in his post.

“My prayers are with Amanda’s loved ones in The Pas, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, and across Manitoba, as well as all who were touched by her leadership and friendship.”

In a social media post, Manitoba Tory leader Obby Khan described her death as “a profound loss.”

“MLAs knew her as a caring, loving friend, who couldn’t wait to talk about her family and newborn granddaughter, and just as enthusiastically ask about others’ families,” he said on Saturday.

“My colleagues and I will forever cherish our time with her. On behalf of all Progressive Conservative MLAs, we send our condolences to the entire NDP caucus and all those who loved Amanda.”

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs expressed its condolences to Latlin’s family, friends and community, calling her “a trailblazer, a leader, and a strong voice for her people.”

“Rest in power, Amanda. Your voice, your courage, and your legacy will continue to guide our Nations,” the statement said.