Portage la Prairie MLA Jeff Bereza met and spoke with Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Cathy Merrick on August 12, almost a month before her passing. He notes that news of her death impacted him significantly, recalling how she welcomed him with open arms, hugged him, and how it was only the second time he had the chance to speak with her. Their first meeting had been during the City of Portage la Prairie's apology in Dakota Plains for the 1910 ruling that ousted Dakota people from Portage la Prairie, and the official overturning of that policy.
"She was very, very passionate about the inequalities faced by many First Nations people," said Bereza. "She was the strongest voice I knew when it came to advocating, but she did it in a way that was warm and helped you understand. Manitoba has lost a tremendous leader."
While in Dakota Plains, Bereza spoke with her about the Portage ruling and Don Smoke's father, Orvil Smoke, former Chief of Dakota Plains First Nation.
"Grand Chief Merrick knew him as well, and we both agreed that Donnie was going to do a great job and make his dad proud."
Following the tragic loss of Grand Chief Merrick, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs held a Sunrise Prayer and Ceremony in her memory at 7 a.m. Wednesday morning of this week at The Forks in Winnipeg.
Bereza last visited her to discuss the MRI issue at the new Portage la Prairie District General Hospital facility.
"A few weeks before, she had spoken very publicly about the MRI situation in Portage in another news outlet. In an article, she and Dakota Plains Chief Don Smoke talked about the importance of bringing the MRI to Portage and the barriers many First Nations people face in accessing healthcare close to home. She highlighted barriers like not having driver’s licence, which makes it difficult to attend appointments. Issues like affordability and long travel distances were also discussed."
He noted that a round trip from Sandy Bay to Morden or Winkler for an MRI is about five hours.
"Chief Merrick and I talked a lot about landing Medevac air flights at the base. I remember she kept saying, 'You have my support. You have my support.' She asked for my briefing notes because she knew I was struggling to get a meeting with the health minister. She wanted the details on missed appointments and related issues. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to follow up with her to see how the meeting went."
Bereza added that while Merrick was a strong advocate for First Nations people, she was also committed to helping all Manitobans.
"I reached out to her, and she immediately responded, ‘Absolutely. Let's meet.’ Her office got back to us within the same week. She was incredibly busy, yet she made time for everyone. We’re going to miss her deeply."