Premier says Manitoba grand chief to lie in state at provincial legislature

From left to right: Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation Chief Gordon Bluesky, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse on Sept. 7, 2024. (Alexandra Holyk/CTV News Winnipeg)

Grand Chief Cathy Merrick of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs will lie in state at the provincial legislature following her sudden death.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew made the announcement during a news conference Saturday morning where the province's Indigenous leaders paid tribute to the late leader.

Merrick was outside the Winnipeg Law Courts building on Friday talking to reporters about two court cases when she said she felt dizzy and fell to the ground.

Fire and paramedic crews arrived, performed chest compressions and carried Merrick away on a stretcher to an ambulance, but she did not survive.

Kinew says the decision to have Merrick lie in state at the legislature was made in consultation with her family as well as the leadership of Pimicikamak Cree Nation, where Merrick was a former chief.

He says Merrick did a tremendous service to all people in Manitoba, and he wants all Manitobans to appreciate that.

"She moved the needle in the direction of righteousness and justice and kindness, and also reconciliation," Kinew told the news conference at the headquarters of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, which represents more than two dozen northern Manitoba First Nation communities.

Kinew said the decision would also mean people who won't be able to travel to Pimicikamak will be able to pay their respects to Merrick in Winnipeg.

He said details on when Merrick will lie in state are being worked out, and an announcement will come later.

Merrick took over the helm of the chiefs assembly in 2022 and was the first woman elected to the role.

She supported families of the victims of serial killer Jeremy Skibicki, pushing long and hard for authorities to search a landfill where the remains of two of the four Indigenous women are believed to be.

She also championed reform of the child welfare system, and called for better transportation, health care and other services in First Nation communities.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 7, 2024.