Amanda Lathlin

             It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Amanda Gail Lathlin on Saturday, March 21st, 2026, at the Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she made her journey peacefully, surrounded by her friends and family. She was 49 years old at the time of her passing. Amanda was born Saturday, July 17th, 1976, at the St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba, to the late Matilda Jane Daniels and the late Oscar Lathlin.

When Amanda was young, she lived in Winnipeg, the Yukon, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Clearwater Lake, Saskatoon and The Pas, but she always considered O.C.N to be her home community. She attended and graduated from the Balmoral Hall School, a private all-girls boarding school in Winnipeg, Manitoba. After graduating she attended the University of Manitoba and received her Bachelor’s Degree.

In Amanda’s last year of university, she found out she was pregnant. Amanda was absolutely elated to finally give her dad his first grandchild. The first person she called was her dad, Oscar, to tell him the news; he was driving through a car wash when she called him. Amanda told Oscar she was pregnant, he chuckled and said, “Good job!” because he always wanted to be a papa.

On October 30th, 2003, Amanda gave birth to her lil’ buddy, Elyse Lathlin. Amanda believed she was having a boy throughout her whole pregnancy, so having Elyse was a surprise! She always shared that once Elyse was born, she/Amanda was “kicked to the curb” and Elyse became papa’s princess.

Elyse loved entertaining her mom with their shared sense of humour. She would cut her up any chance she got, especially when Amanda would be speaking seriously! Throwing snapchat filters on without her knowing or saying, “your party name!”

Amanda would always throw her head back, followed by a hit on the shoulder and say “mahhti Elyse!” Elyse was Amanda’s wingman, when things were tough, Elyse supported her mom and helped her get through it. They depended on each other for advice and opinions as Elyse grew older.

Amanda held many job positions during her lifetime such as Northern Indian Affairs, Swampy Cree Tribal Council, Councillor for O.C.N, Representative Workforce Coordinator at University College of the North.

In 2015, Amanda Lathlin became the first, First Nations woman elected to the Manitoba Legislative Assembly during a by-election tie that determined her nomination by a coin toss.

Even though Amanda’s position kept her busy with many responsibilities, she always made sure her first priority was her children. Amanda protected her girls fiercely; they were the greatest loves of her life! She taught the girls how to be strong women, to conquer whatever life challenges they face with dignity and respect. She reminded the girls how important their education is, “Your high school diploma is your weapon against poverty!!” she always said.

In 2022, Amanda attended a graduation in Pinaymootang First Nation, where she met Charles “Chuck” Fontaine. They became friends, and soon inseparable lifelong partners, they enjoyed each other’s company and shared many laughs. She adored his smile, she always told people that’s what she admired first about him, especially his dimples. She would tell him, “Stop being cheap with your dimples!!”

Amanda made Charles feel okay to be himself, she didn’t judge him. They shared a lot in common, especially the importance of education, and hard work. Amanda and Charles shared unconditional love for each other, she took him home to her community numerous times. When Amanda was well enough, they took trips around Alberta, Saskatchewan, Calgary, Lethbridge, and Saskatoon. Amanda and Charles had plans to go to New York City for New Year’s. 

Amanda leaves to mourn her partner, Charles; children Elyse (Sam), Natanis, Nikkita, Caitlin; grandchildren Anissia, Amelia; brothers John, Curtis, Arthur, Dougie; and numerous Lathlin, Ballantyne, Turner, Jebb, family members. The NDP caucus, her campaign team Gordon Landriault, Yessica Garcia Luce, Niki Ashton; stepbrothers Rick, Vince and BJ; stepmother Leona Lathlin; also, her very close friends Olivia Smith, Melissa Constant, Ginger Sinclair-Martin, Melanie Turner.

  Amanda was predeceased by her parents Matilda Daniels and Oscar Lathlin; sister Marla Pascal; grandparents Arthur and Lillian Lathlin; uncles and aunties from the Ballantyne and Lathlin families; nephew Austin Lathlin-Bercier; cousin Bradley Lathlin.

If we have left anyone out, it is not intentional.

We Gather To Celebrate The Life Of

Amanda Gail Lathlin

Saturday, April 11, 2026    1:00 pm

Veteran’s Hall, Opaskwayak, Manitoba

Presiders:  Rev. Flora Young and Rev. Gloria Lavallee

Music Ministry:  Russell Cook Memorial Singers

Order of Service

Opening Sentences: page 589 Rev. Flora Young

Greeting and Welcome: Rev. Gloria Lavallee

HYMN:

Memories of the Heart: Elyse Lathlin, Wab Kinew,

Niki Ashton, Gordon Landriault, Yessica Garcia-Luce

Gathering of the Community: page 591

The Proclamation of the Holy Scriptures

First Reading: Isaiah 61:1-3 DeeDee, Joyce, Lorette

Psalm 23 Reading: Lori

Second Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Ballantyne Girls

HYMN:

Gospel Reading: St. Matthew 11: 25-30 Annette Niven

Reflection/Homily: Rev. Gloria Lavallee

HYMN:

The Apostles Creed: Page 592

Prayers of the People: Page 593

Lord’s Prayer: Page 594

HYMN:

Commendation and the Blessing: page 595 and 683

HYMN:

The Committal:  page 596 - 597

Immediately following interment prayers at Emmanuel Cemetery, Opaskwayak, everyone is invited to join Amanda’s family for a reception at the OCN Veteran’s Hall.

WAKE SERVICE

Friday, April 10, 2026

Veteran’s Hall,

 Opaskwayak, Manitoba

PALLBEARERS

Charles Fontaine

Arthur Lathlin

Samuel Chartier

Javin Turner

Terrance “Mikey” Lathlin

Kenneth Horn

Eric Redhead

Antonio Jebb

Chris Halcrow

HONORARY PALLBEARERS

Douglas Marles

Gordon Landriault

Curtis Lathlin

All of Amanda’s Supporters.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association,

401 – 1 Wesley Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 4C6, would be appreciated by Amanda’s family.

The funeral service can be viewed live on Facebook on the Opaskwayak Comms site.