'Like no other leader': Hundreds honour Grand Chief Cathy Merrick

Vigil for Grand Chief Cathy Merrick draws hundreds There was an outpouring of support for the late AMC Grand Chief Cathy Merrick at a vigil held outside the Winnipeg Law Courts.

A large crowd gathered outside the front steps of a Winnipeg law courts to mourn a First Nations leader and matriarch.

As the sun set on downtown Winnipeg Tuesday, hundreds of family members, friends and community member gathered to pay their respects to the late Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) Grand Chief Cathy Merrick at a candlelight vigil.

"Cathy was like no other leader," said friend and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee at the vigil.

Cathy Merrick vigil Mourners hold candles outside the Winnipeg law courts on Sept. 10, 2024 to pay tribute to AMC Grand Chief Cathy Merrick. (Scott Andersson/CTV News Winnipeg)

The head of AMC died suddenly Friday after collapsing outside the courthouse.

Family and friends spoke about Merrick's profound impact across the province.

"She stood up and became a woman of power and strength," Settee said. "She continued that to the very last breath she took. She spoke for you."

Vigils were also held tonight in Thompson and Pimicakamak Cree Nation, where Merrick was from and served as its chief and a councillor.

Cathy Merrick vigil A mourner stands with a candle outside the Winnipeg law courts as hundreds gathered to honour AMC Grand Chief Cathy Merrick on Sept. 10, 2024. (Scott Andersson/CTV News Winnipeg)