It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Grand Chief Cathy Merrick. Cathy Merrick had a profound impact on the community in Manitoba during her career, and conducted her work with tremendous strength, leadership, and determination to advocate for and improve the lives of Indigenous People and our province. She always met that determination with warmth and kindness, which all leaders strive to possess.

Flags are lowered to half-mast to observe the Grand Chief’s passing and to celebrate her life and her accomplishments. Services will be held throughout the city and the province to mourn the loss of the Grand Chief, and we want to be conscious of and support the needs of the community.

The Indigenous Support Centres at Notre Dame Campus and Exchange District Campus will be staffed by Indigenous Counsellors, Elders, and Navigation Coaches to offer support to students throughout the week. Staff will be accommodated with paid time to attend services off-campus in honour of the Grand Chief. Homewood Health is available for employees and their families to use if they need additional support.

Grand Chief Cathy Merrick will lie in state at the Manitoba Legislature Building for the public to pay their respects. Her family is inviting the community to attend a Candlelight Vigil tonight, Tuesday, September 10, at 7:00pm. The vigil will take place outside the Law Courts Building, 408 York Ave. in Winnipeg.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs will be holding a Sunrise Ceremony on Wednesday, September 11 at 7:00am in Oodena Circle at The Forks. A fire will be lit at 6:00am and all bundle carriers and community members are invited to arrive at 6:30am to prepare for the Ceremony.

At this year’s Fall Equinox celebration, we invite you to offer Tobacco ties to honour the Grand Chief. The Indigenous Support Centre will host sessions in the coming days for the College community to learn how to make Tobacco ties – supplies and Tobacco will be provided.

Elder Belinda Vandenbroeck will facilitate a Sharing Circle on Wednesday, September 18, in F209 Indigenous Support Centre at Notre Dame Campus. Staff are invited to join at 12:30pm and students are invited to join at 2pm.

• Staff: 12:30 PM
• Students: 2:00 PM
• Notre Dame Campus, F209 Indigenous Support Centre
• Wednesday, September 18

The School of Indigenous Education and Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement are working to coordinate more opportunities to honour Grand Chief Cathy Merrick, and we will update the College community as more information becomes available.

View Fred Meier’s message of condolence to the community on Grand Chief Cathy Merrick’s passing here.

Thank you and take care.