Cathy Merrick is a proud Cree woman from the Cross Lake Band of Indians in Northern Manitoba. Merrick's leadership journey began as a Councillor in Pimicikamak, where she served for twelve years. After forty-four years of male leadership, Merrick was the second woman to be elected as Chief of Pimicikamak in 2013 and remained Chief for an impactful five years as per Pimicikamak election law. In October 2022, she made history by becoming the first female Grand Chief elected to the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.