Thursday, November 28, 2024 – It is with a heavy heart that Nipissing First Nation learns of the peaceful passing of former Chief Marianna Couchie-Baa on the evening of November 27, 2024. Marianna-Baa served on the Nipissing First Nation Council for a period of 12 years – three as Deputy Chief – before assuming her role as Chief for nine years, from 2006-2015.
Born and raised in Duchesnay, Marianna-Baa graduated from the University of North Dakota and obtained an Ontario Teaching Certificate from the Ontario Hamilton Teacher College. From there, she began her career as an elementary school teacher, working in isolated First Nations communities under Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.
As Marianna-Baa continued her professional studies, earning a Master of Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, she caught the eye of the Ministry of Education, who offered her the position of Education Officer – a title she held for 25 years. During this time, she took on supervisory and managerial responsibilities while working on policy development. A natural leader determined to enact positive change, Marianna-Baa was instrumental in the development of the Ministry’s Native Language Policy as well as the production of the first curriculum guide for teaching Native languages. In 2004, Marianna-Baa received an honorary Doctorate of Education from Nipissing University.
The wealth of knowledge and experience that Marianna-Baa brought back to Nipissing First Nation during her time on Chief and Council allowed her to lead the community with tremendous success. She led NFN during a time when it developed its own constitution, settled a major boundary claim, implemented its fisheries management regime and participated in discussions that would lead NFN to become self-governing in education and more broadly in other areas. Marianna-Baa was an active leader in the community and more broadly in the region. She cared deeply about education and environmental protection, particularly as it related to the Nipissing traditional territory and Lake Nipissing.
Following her retirement from Chief and Council, Marianna continued to serve our Nation as a representative on the Kinoomaadziwin Education Board and on the Nipissing First Nation Education Committee.
Nipissing First Nation extends its deepest condolences to Marianna Couchie’s family, friends, and community. In times like these, we mourn as a collective, not only as we share in the pain of loss, but also as we carry our shared love for a great leader gone to rest.
“Nipissing Nation has lost an incredible lady warrior,” says current Nipissing First Nation Chief Cathy Stevens. “Marianna-Baa was a trailblazer in many aspects. She led with her heart and was a very kind soul. May she have a safe journey to the ancestors. Deepest and sincerest condolences to her family, friends, and Nipissing Nation.”
Sacred Fire Details
A Sacred Fire for Marianna-Baa was lit this morning at Big Medicine Studios and will continue until Monday, December 2. Overflow parking is available at Nbisiing Secondary School and Duchesnay Community Hall. A shuttle service will be provided to bring passengers to Big Medicine Studios. Attendees are encouraged to carpool, if possible.
The daily schedule for Marianna-Baa’s Sacred Fire is as follows:
Thursday, November 28
7:30 -10 a.m. – Sunrise ceremony, lighting of Sacred Fire
5 p.m. – Evening Ceremony with Spirit Journey Teachings
Friday, November 29
7:30 – 10 a.m. – Sunrise Sharing Circle
1:30 – 4:30 p.m. – Visitation at Big Medicine with refreshments
5 p.m. – Evening Ceremony with Spirit Journey Teachings
Saturday, November 30
7:30 – 10 a.m. – Sunrise Sharing Circle
1:30 – 4:30 p.m. – Visitation at Big Medicine with refreshments
5 p.m. – Evening Ceremony with Spirit Journey Teachings
Sunday, December 1
7:30 – 10 a.m. – Sunrise Sharing Circle
1:30 – 4:30 p.m. – Visitation at Big Medicine with refreshments
5 p.m. – Evening Ceremony with Spirit Journey Teachings
Monday, December 2
9 – 11 a.m. – Visitation
11 a.m. – Final Ceremony, followed by feast
