Honouring Elder Dave Courchene
December 9, 2021
Photo: Turtle Lodge, Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba
The passing of Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Elder Dave Courchene) has brought sadness to hearts across the country and around the world. Elder Courchene was a knowledge keeper of the Anishinabe Nation and a visionary leader who encouraged people to honour the responsibility to the land and to each other.
Edler Courchene founded the Turtle Lodge International Centre for Indigenous Education and Wellness, a sacred lodge recognized as a vitally important gathering place for Indigenous Peoples, intergenerational knowledge sharing, and youth leadership training.
Elder Courchene was a champion for Guardians. He reminded us that the land is a living entity and called on us to take better care of our homelands. “The land wants to talk to us, to remind us of the original instructions we were given by our Great Creator,” he said. “We have a rare opportunity to develop a model in the spirit of our Nationhood, a model that defines our duties and responsibilities of taking care of the land.
“Nii Gaani Aki Innini, Elder Dave Courchene was always inviting people back to the land,” said Chief Heidi Cook of Misipawistik Cree Nation. “He welcomed all ages and walks to share, learn and reconnect with the land. He reminded us that at the heart of this relationship is the responsibility to care for the land. I am deeply grateful for all Elder Courchene shared with us.”
Ed Primrose (Night Speaker), the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Land Guardian Manager, asked what many of us are wondering: “How will we fill the void left by Elder Courchene? He's made such giant footprints for us to follow in. He was our spiritual warrior for First Nations and for all nations around the world. He had a huge energy and it will take a large group of people to step up into his shoes, but he helped prepare us with his teachings and his example. He had a vision of Turtle Lodges–teaching lodges all across Turtle Island. It is such a beautiful vision that I still hold in my heart today. He will continue inspiring so many of us for years to come.”
Elder Courchene’s example has prepared us to carry on his legacy. “NiikaNISKA means to lead. This is what a true leader is, one who empowers people for them to take the lead as well,” said Gordon Walker, Muhigan Awasis (Wolf Child), Sundace Chief, traditional teacher and Knowledge Keeper. “NISKA is the goose and he let’s the other geese lead, taking turns. This is what Dave Chourchene had done. He allowed all people from all races to lead. Such a beautiful man will be missed by many.”
To hear Elder Courchene speak about Guardians and the sacred responsibility to the land, watch this video he shared with the 2018 National Indigenous Guardians Workshop.