Avi Lewis

I am deeply saddened to share that Amanda Lathlin, the first First Nations woman elected to the Manitoba Legislature and MLA for The Pas-Kameesack, has begun her final journey. In a 2015 by-election, Amanda made history in Manitoba: though Indigenous women have been here since time immemorial, she became the first to serve in the provincial legislature. The barrier she broke helped pave the way for other Indigenous women to serve as MLA and Minister. It also contributed to my eventual election as Premier. Amanda was a one of a kind voice for the north, The Pas, and her community of Opaskwayak Cree Nation, where she’d previously served as councillor. Amanda was a great retail politician who loved to visit and laugh with her constituents. The first time I visited Trappers’ Fest in The Pas she blew me away by greeting every single person we met by their first name. Amanda was very proud of legislation she passed to provide stronger services for sexual assault survivors in the north and compassionate leave for those who miscarry. Amanda also fought for Oscar’s Place, a homeless shelter in The Pas, which was her late father’s legacy. Amanda’s dad, Oscar Lathlin, was an NDP Cabinet Minister who served in the Doer government before his passing in 2008. Amanda was proud of the Cree language. She began incorporating it into her remarks in the legislature starting when we were in Opposition. Amanda and I had a relationship like no other. I had her back through the many challenges she faced in the last few years. And she kept speaking to me in a way that few people do these days: we laughed, we argued, and sometimes she’d just tell me “awas!” Through these ups and downs she became a sister. The last time I spoke to her she made fun of me for wearing a suit to visit her in the hospital. Amanda was a devoted mother who, in the months before her passing, became a grandmother. Above all else, she loved her family deeply and devoted her life to her girls. My prayers are with Amanda’s loved ones in The Pas, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, and across Manitoba, as well as all who were touched by her leadership and friendship. Kinanaskomitin Amanda, for all you have done for Manitoba. Your girls are healthy and strong. Tell Oscar we miss him too.

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