By Connor McDowell, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A candlelight vigil was held Tuesday evening to commemorate the late Cathy Merrick, grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, who died suddenly on Friday. The vigil took place at Brandon’s Riverbank Discovery Centre at sunset, as dignitaries and community members gathered to mark her passing. The event included drumming and a smudging ceremony. “She inspired people. Everybody,” said Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett. “She did really want the best for the people she was leading.” Fawcett described Merrick as charismatic and great at uniting people. “She had the ability to make everyone comfortable,” he said. “Her humour was contagious. She really was of the people. She could walk with anybody and talk with anybody.” Lola Thunderchild, a friend and former colleague of…
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