GWENDOLYN DORIS MERRICK

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GWENDOLYN DORIS MERRICK Peacefully on February 14, 2018 Gwendolyn Doris Merrick (Seewaskosi Iskwew - Sweetgrass Woman), 69, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, with her loving husband, family and close friends by her side, passed away at the St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg. She was born in Fisher River Cree Nation, and is one of seven siblings. She was predeceased by her father Walter Kirkness and her mother Annie Kirkness; sisters Lena Murdock, Betty Murdock and Mary Valiquette, her brother Walter (Sonny) Kirkness, and daughter Cynthia Elk. She is survived by her beloved husband Russell (Rusty) Merrick from Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, married in 1966 on Fisher River Cree Nation, and her three beloved children: son Russell Todd Merrick and his wife Cathy of Cross Lake Band of Indians; and two daughters, Cheryl Ann Merrick and her fiancé Brian Saulnier of Winnipeg, and Melanie Rose Merrick and her partner Terrence of Fisher River Cree Nation; her grandchildren Kyle, Chad and Cayden, Raine-Skye, DewDrop Shaye, Turtle, Crowe and Samara; great-grandchildren Tiger, Kingston, Chanse, Thomas and Kaleb, and many nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and special friends. Gwen attended Brandon University, where she completed her Bachelor of Teaching and Bachelor of Education. She graduated with her Master of Education from the University of Manitoba. She began her teaching career in Fisher River Cree Nation and continued teaching in Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. She lived and resided in Sioux Valley for over 10 years. She was a South Zone Director for Medical Services Branch. She was the Education Director of Fisher River Cree Nation. She was one of the Founding Pioneers to create the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre (MFNERC) where she served as the Director of Research and Development and became the Associate Executive Director. A true visionary, she was passionate about lifelong learning and holistic well-being of First Nations children and students. A strong believer in First Nations tradition and ceremonies, she ensured that Elders and knowledge keepers were involved in providing guidance for the ongoing development of the organization, regionally and nationally. Traditional Dakota Wake Services and Feast will be taking place at Fisher River Community Hall on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Funeral services will be at the Fisher River United Church, February 18, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements Entrusted To: Anderson Family Funeral Home Ashern, Manitoba 1-866-293-4951

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 16, 2018