Cathy Merrick

Catherine Ann Merrick (née McKay; ; May 31, 1961 – September 6, 2024) While speaking to the media on a separate issue regarding the Children's Special Allowance, announced the previous day, she suddenly collapsed. Merrick was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to St. Boniface Hospital. Her death elicited responses from Indigenous and political leaders across Manitoba, Canada, and internationally.

Early life and education Catherine Ann McKay was born on May 31, 1961.

Career Following her graduation from university, Merrick worked in various capacities for her First Nation. She initially worked as the Associate Health Director for the Cross Lake Band, and then as the executive director. She served 12 years as a councillor for the First Nation until she ran for the position of chief in 2013, becoming the second woman to serve in the position in the First Nation's history. During the Manitoba Hydro Northern Flood Agreement, she was an advocate for Indigenous rights. after serving as chief of the Pimicikamak Cree Nation. In the first round, Merrick and Kemp received 17 and 13 votes respectively, with candidates requiring 11 votes to advance to the second round of voting. She succeeded Arlen Dumas, who had vacated the position following allegations of workplace sexual harassment. Merrick campaigned on addressing affordability for elders, giving First Nations control of child and family services, tackling addiction and homelessness, addressing violence among First Nations communities, and seeking justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous people. against two other challengers: George Kemp and Darrell N. Shorting, a member of the Little Saskatchewan First Nation. She won with 65 percent of the vote.

In response to her death, Premier of Manitoba Wab Kinew stated: "She approached her work with joy, compassion, thoughtfulness and a spirituality that was grounded in the belief that we are all equal in the eyes of the Creator and that we all deserve to live a good life".

In response to her death, the flags outside the Manitoba Legislative Building were lowered to half mast. She was interred in the Cross Lake Cemetery in the Pimicikamak Cree Nation.