AMC Establishes Late Grand Chief Cathy Merrick Holistic Wellness Fund

May 6, 2025

Treaty 1 Territory, Winnipeg, MB – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) has passed a resolution establishing the Late Grand Chief Cathy Merrick Holistic Wellness Fund to directly support the well-being of First Nations leadership, staff, and personnel across AMC and Manitoba First Nations.

The resolution was moved by Chief Angela Levasseur of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, seconded by Chief Jason Daniels of Swan Lake First Nation, and passed unanimously by all Chiefs and Proxies present at this week’s AMC Special Chiefs Assembly.

“Grand Chief Merrick led with integrity and deeply cared for our people,” said Chief Angela Levasseur. “We carry her legacy forward with action. This fund honours her vision by supporting the health and wellness of First Nations leadership and staff. It reflects our shared responsibility to care for those who serve our Nation.”

The fund is grounded in First Nations law, teachings, and responsibility. Wellness is a collective right and a condition for strong governance.

Grand Chief Kyra Wilson added, “The Late Grand Chief Cathy Merrick reminded us that rest is decolonizing. She challenged us to make space for healing in the heart of our governance, grounded in balance and ceremony. She reminded us that leadership must never come at the cost of our well-being. This fund is a promise to carry that vision forward. It is a reminder that our leaders deserve the same healing they fight for every day.”

The resolution calls on all levels of government to fulfill their obligations under the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by providing core funding. AMC will also seek long-term support from corporate and philanthropic sources, including annual contributions from media entities.

To carry this momentum into motion, AMC invites all staff, leadership and community members to join the Movement is Medicine 5KM Walk/Run at Kildonan Park on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Led by Chief Levasseur and partnered with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Southern Chiefs Organization, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. and Keewatin Tribal Council Inc., this event brings the spirit of the fund to life, through movement, ceremony and community connection.

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For more information, please contact:

Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email:  media@manitobachiefs.com

NT5