Igniting sparks in others, George Couchie inducted to Walk of Fame
By Kelly Anne Smith
NIPISSING FIRST NATION— George Couchie is to be inducted into the The Kiwanis Downtown North Bay Walk of Fame.
A sidewalk induction ceremony will be held Nov. 8, followed by a dinner celebration at the Grande Event Centre. Other inductees are Ralph Diegel, Mort Fellman, Dr. Murray Leatherdale, and Jack Lockhart.
Couchie is a retired Ontario Provincial Police officer with over 33 years of service, with 12 of those years delivering award-winning Native Awareness Training Programs and Initiatives. Couchie belongs to the Red-tailed Hawk Clan and his spirit name is Zoongiday, which means ‘strong heart’ in Anishinaabemowin.
Couchie created Walking the Path, a program with strategies linked to the Ontario curriculum for Grades 1 through 12, designed to provide youth of all backgrounds an understanding of Indigenous culture and history, and intended to build skills in youth to drive social change. When asked about the longevity of the program, now in its 24th year of operation, he replies, “I’ve been very fortunate. I was in the right place at the right time.”
The Niigan Mosewak (Walking Forward) program, also created by Couchie, is a mentorship program geared towards youth aged 12 to 17, which encourages positive and healthy lifestyle choices and celebrates cultural pride and wellness.
“The program is still running. There is one in Peterborough and one in Trout Creek. The school board up in Thunder Bay runs their own. They had lots of kids at the camp this summer.”
Couchie has received many accolades in his continued efforts in cultural training. Also a published author, he wrote the book, Raised on an Eagle Feather, to educate people on Anishinaabe ways. Another book is currently underway that focusses on the spark we have within us.
“It’s called, The Spark. We talk about that spark that the Creator put in the sky to heat the earth. That spark goes into the earth to heat the earth. Then that spark, it’s put into everyone’s hearts. We all carry that spark in life.”
Couchie is writing his message as a kid’s book that will appeal to everyone.
“When we are talking with the people, we say that everybody carries a spark,” explains Couchie. “Especially with our youth, we say, ‘If you put alcohol or drugs onto it or you talk down to it, eventually it might go out.’ You always have to look after that spark.”
Couchie says we must respect the spark in others.
“My friend has a spark, so I can’t talk down or abuse his spark. You have to look after everybody else’s spark also. Even when I do training, I always say that everybody’s been gifted with a spark. The message is to everyone. Not just kids, but also adults. Caring for your spark makes the whole world brighter.”
Couchie is working with local publisher Tom Ricci on The Spark.
“He’s excited about it. It will be for local schools and cultural training.”
Reflecting on the Kiwanis North Bay Walk of Fame, Couchie was told his name was put forward for his work on cultural awareness for Truth and Reconciliation.
“I’m so fortunate to be selected and involved with people in the city.”
He plans to work with St. Joseph-Scollard Hall Secondary School, which has an Indigenous group, on Truth and Reconciliation activities. Couchie was included in the Orange Shirt Day event in September.
“We showed the video Cultural Mindfulness. My little granddaughter got up and talked on the book, I Am Not A Number, [by Jenny Kay Dupuis]. It was her great-grandfather— my dad— that is in that book. She talked and then some youth that we work with, Migwan and McKenzie Ottereyes, brought their regalia. They came out and started dancing. The kids at Scollard were amazed. It was good for the youth also. They were all excited about it.”
Couchie has enlisted the help of North Bay Mayor Al McDonald.
“I asked if he would like to talk to the kids at Scollard and get all the other schools involved; he said he’d love to do that,” notes Couchie. “We are planning on doing more for Truth and Reconciliation. For us, it’s not going to end. I know some people might be asking what Truth and Reconciliation is because it’s been a few years, but Indigenous people need to teach about our history and culture…it’s about validating our history. Before, our history wasn’t validated. They say that prior to Cartier and Champlain there was no history. But there was a strong history here.”