Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Cathy Merrick has died after she collapsed outside a Winnipeg courthouse Friday afternoon, AMC has confirmed to Global News.
Merrick collapsed while speaking with reporters following the verdict in the case of corrections officer Robert Morden, who was charged in the death of inmate William Ahmo in 2021.
Merrick was elected grand chief of AMC in 2022 and was re-elected in July 2024. She was the first woman to lead the organization. She previously served as chief of Pimicikamak Cree Nation.
Merrick advocated for the search of the Prairie Green Landfill for the remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran, two victims of a serial killer who was convicted in July.
“Over the past two years, I had the privilege of working closely with Chief Merrick and always valued her wisdom and the heartfelt conversations we shared,” Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham said in a statement. “She was not just a colleague but a friend.”
More to come.