AMC Honours the Life and Legacy of Marion Ironquill Meadmore
February 20, 2025
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) joins First Nations across the country in mourning the passing of Marion Ironquill Meadmore, a legal pioneer and tireless advocate for First Nations rights, sovereignty, and portability of First Nations rights.
A trailblazer in First Nations nationhood, Meadmore founded key institutions that continue to empower First Nations peoples today. As a student at the University of Manitoba, she co-founded the Urban Indian Council of Winnipeg, taking a stand against discrimination. She later helped establish the Indian and Métis Friendship Centre and the National Indian Council of Canada, which proceeded the National Indian Brotherhood—now the Assembly of First Nations.
Committed to First Nations-led solutions, Meadmore co-founded Kinew Housing in 1970, Canada’s first non-profit housing corporation for urban First Nations families. She became the first Indigenous woman called to the bar in Canada, co-founded Winnipeg’s first all-female law firm, and played a pivotal role in the development of the Indigenous Bar Association. Her legacy of advocacy and education strengthened First Nations governance and self-determination.
Her lifetime contributions were recognized with numerous accolades, including the Order of Canada and the University of Manitoba’s Distinguished Alumni Award for Lifetime Achievement.
“Marion was a force for change, a visionary who built institutions that continue to advance First Nations sovereignty, rights, and self-determination,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “Her impact is immeasurable, and her legacy will continue to guide our Nations for generations. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all who were inspired by her work.”
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs honours Marion Ironquill Meadmore’s legacy and the path she paved for First Nations across Canada.
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For more information, please contact:
Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: media@manitobachiefs.com
About the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
The AMC was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is an authorized representative of all 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 172,000 First Nations citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe, Nehetho / Ininew, Anisininew, Denesuline, and Dakota Oyate peoples.