The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) has expressed deep sorrow following the sudden passing of Dr. Barry Lavallee, a highly respected physician, educator, and advocate whose work had a lasting impact on health care in Manitoba and across First Nations communities.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Jerry Daniels, Grand Chief of SCO, said the organization was saddened to learn of Dr. Lavallee’s death, describing him as an extraordinary leader whose influence extended well beyond the medical profession. Dr. Lavallee was widely recognized as an award-winning doctor, teacher, and mentor who helped shape more equitable approaches to health care delivery.
A proud member of the Métis community of St. Laurent, Dr. Lavallee also had family roots in Duck Bay and Lake Manitoba First Nation. His identity and lived experience informed much of his work, particularly his advocacy for culturally safe and respectful care for Indigenous peoples.
At the time of his passing, Dr. Lavallee served as Chief Executive Officer of Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc., where he played a leading role in transforming health services for First Nations in northern Manitoba. His leadership focused on system-level change, with particular attention to harm reduction and the elimination of anti-Indigenous racism in health care settings.
Dr. Lavallee was also one of five members of the Brian Sinclair Working Group, which examined the death of Brian Sinclair, a 45-year-old Indigenous man who died after waiting more than 30 hours for care at Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre in 2008. The group’s work became a pivotal moment in ongoing conversations about systemic racism in Canadian health care.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Lavallee emerged as a key voice for First Nations health. He provided guidance to communities on safety measures and was a strong advocate for prioritizing First Nations citizens for access to life-saving vaccines.
SCO said Dr. Lavallee’s contributions were far-reaching and enduring. His leadership, powerful advocacy, and distinctive sense of humour left a profound impression on colleagues, students, and the many communities he served.
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization extended its condolences to Dr. Lavallee’s family, friends, colleagues, and students, joining them in mourning the loss of what it described as an exceptional Manitoban whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
