Nipissing mourns passing of Dr. Marianna Couchie 

Nipissing University was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a great friend and advocate of the University, former Gimaa (Chief) of Nipissing First Nation, Dr. Marianna Couchie (Honoris Causa).  

A highly respected educator, Dr. Couchie was instrumental in building and supporting Indigenous Education at Nipissing University. Dr. Couchie served as Chair of the Nipissing University Round Table, advising on how to recruit more Indigenous teacher candidates, and lobbying for the establishment of the Aboriginal Teacher Certification Program (Indigenous Teacher Education Program). She assisted in developing and teaching the Teacher of Native Children Additional Qualification course, served on the University’s Aboriginal Council on Education, and took part in developing a First Nations’ Principal’s Certification Program. 

Marianna also played a lead role in the establishment of the Chair in Indigenous Education and continued to share guidance on all matters relating to this role. As an interested community member and member of the Nipissing First Nation Education Committee, she offered support and input on the events and relationship with Nipissing University.  

Marianna was also actively involved in the broader Nipissing University community in areas of Indigenization and decolonization. She led the Lake Nipissing Summit, along with the late Dr. John Long. Dr. Couchie worked with former Director of Enji giigdoyang Laurie Robinson and Dr. John Long to create an Indigenous community-engagment plan - an important milestone in Nipissing University’s Indigenous ethics processes. In this capacity, Dr. Couchie provided leadership in Indigenizing and decolonizing research relationships between the university and Indigenous communities.  

In 2004, Dr. Couchie  was the recipient of an Honorary Degree, Doctor of Education (Honoris Causa), from Nipissing University. She also served on both the Nipissing University Board of Governors and Senate.  

Over the years, Dr. Couchie continued to share her knowledge and guidance with the Nipissing University community in numerous ways, including through roundtables, panel discussions, and other engagements. Earlier this year, she participated in a roundtable discussion as part of the University’s Polishing the Chain treaty learning event series, where she spoke of the importance of supporting Indigenous-led models for ethical research. 

Marianna was born and raised on the Nipissing First Nation. She received her Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude, from the University of North Dakota and was recognized by her professors as one of the ‘who’s who’ of undergraduate students in the United States. Marianna was a graduate of the first Native Teacher Certification program through the Ontario Hamilton Teachers College. She obtained her Master of Education degree from the University of Toronto and her Supervisory Officer Certification from the Ministry of Education. She taught in Northern communities along the James Bay coast and later acted as a consultant for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. There, she initiated the Northern Native Languages Project.  

She was inducted into the Nipissing District Human Rights Hall of Fame in 2005 and received a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for her significant contributions to education in this country, particularly her life-long work to ensure that Indigenous students have access to culturally appropriate and language-centred learning. She was often sought for her leadership, advice and guidance from the province as well as from the Assembly of First Nations National Chief, Shawn Atleo. The late Dr. John Long described Marianna as a powerful role model, highly respected educator, and leader in the region and in the province. 

Nipissing University offers its sincere sympathies to Dr. Marianna Couchie’s family, friends, and community. Our thoughts are with all those who knew, worked with, learned from, and were friends with Marianna.  

Baamaapii Marianna.