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2mo ago

Kyra Wilson Elected Grand Chief of Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

Wilson, former Long Plain First Nation chief, succeeds Cathy Merrick following her sudden passing and pledges support for First Nations communities.

Kyra Wilson takes part in a ceremony after the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) select her as grand chief in Winnipeg, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. First Nations leaders selected a new head for the AMC after the sudden death of Cathy Merrick last year. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

Overview

  • Kyra Wilson secured 37 out of 61 votes in a by-election to become the new grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, succeeding the late Cathy Merrick.
  • Wilson, 38, previously led Long Plain First Nation and was a prominent advocate for searching a Winnipeg-area landfill for the remains of two slain Indigenous women.
  • Her election follows a period of mourning and transition for the Assembly after Merrick's unexpected death in 2024.
  • Wilson has pledged to prioritize issues such as economic sovereignty, resource opportunities, and mental health support for First Nations communities in Manitoba.
  • Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew congratulated Wilson, emphasizing the importance of collaboration to improve living conditions and opportunities for Indigenous peoples in the province.