In tribute to late Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Cathy Merrick who passed away suddenly last Friday, it is an honour to share words in Cree that were sung in her honour as her casket was escorted into the Manitoba Legislative Building to lie in state. It must have been deeply emotional for them, but the remarkable strength and grace with which they led the procession was surely a loving and accurate reflection of the aunty they will miss so much. The procession and the song were captured by APTN, and posted on YouTube. The photo of the singers on the grand staircase of the Legislative Building was provided to Kashina by premier Wab Kinew.
The singers included: Sisters Kashina Blacksmith Seenie, Natasha Turner, Creelyn Blacksmith-Lincez and Shashona Blacksmith, along with their aunt, Yolanda Greene, and two sisters from their Sundance family, Crissy and April Slater. The song was made in ceremony many years ago by their uncle Roger Greene.
Kashina writes on FaceBook: “This song we sang was one of her favourites. She had jackets made with the words embroidered on them, how much she loved this song. The words mean “it’s written in heaven, it’s written in the stars, it’s written in stone” and that’s exactly the impact she had on everyone.”
Transcription of the words comes to us from Barbara Scott (also of Pimichikamak Cree Nation), who also shared a photo of herself with her late “forever friend” – the term she and Cathy often called each other.
masinahikâtêyiw (it is written)
kîsikohk, kîsikohk (in heaven)
masinahikâtêyiw (it is written)
asinîhk (in stone)
We send our condolences along with our thanks for helping us to show our respect on the loss of this beloved leader.
