A Tribute to Elder Dave Courchene
INDIGENOUS LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE
Ottawa : Thursday, December 9, 2021: The Indigenous Leadership Initiative is greatly saddened by the passing of Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Elder Dave Courchene). As a spiritual leader and knowledge keeper, Elder Courchene dedicated his life to advancing understanding and stewardship of lands and waters and promoting Indigenous-led conservation in keeping with the sacred responsibilities and teachings at the heart of our cultures.
We were fortunate to have the benefit of his service as an ILI Senior Leader, and today we honour his extraordinary leadership and contributions to building relationships, connecting the generations, and teaching respect and love for the land and natural gifts of the creator.
ILI Director Valérie Courtois made the following statement:
“As Elder Dave Courchene journeys to the spirit world, we honour the life and indomitable spirit of this remarkable man who touched the hearts of and inspired so many people across this land and indeed around the world. During his time serving as an advisor to the Indigenous Leadership Initiative and our partners, Elder Courchene led with generosity, kindness, and great wisdom, with an unwavering dedication to connecting people across generations and cultures. His guidance contributed to ILI’s success and ensured our work is rooted in ceremony. We celebrate and are grateful for his outstanding legacy which will continue to inform our work far into the future.”
ILI Senior Leader and Heiltsuk Hereditary Chief Frank Brown offered the following reflections:
“Elder Dave Courchene was a gifted spiritual national and international leader, orator, and knowledge keeper who served as a critical bridge between Indigenous place-based people and mainstream society. He spoke for those relatives that don't have a voice. He was a champion of Indigenous-led conservation, knowing Guardians are imperative for protecting the land, water, and air that sustain our very existence. He served as a spiritual guide upholding ancestral teaching and the sacredness of all life.
“Our spiritual leader has now embarked on the most sacred journey into the great mystery that we all must travel. Our brother, we are glad you don't have to suffer anymore. Rest in Peace for a job well done. We are forever grateful for the prayers and leadership that will echo through the generations.”
ILI Senior Leader Bev Sellars contributed these insights:
“I am so honoured that I was able to meet, listen, and learn from Elder Dave Courchene. I will always remember the powerful, simple way he taught life's lessons about how we need to live on this planet. His teachings extended far beyond his community. He shared easily with people from all walks of life and his knowledge will remain across Canada and beyond. Bill and I are saddened by the death of this great man. Thank you, Dave, for all you did while in the physical world.”
ILI Senior Leader Steven Nitah shared these reflections:
“I first heard Elder Dave Courchene speak at the opening of one of ILI’s Guardians Gatherings. His words gripped me and everyone in the room, and his guidance and inspiration made a huge contribution to the Guardians network. I have great respect for him and will honour him with the work I do on behalf of our peoples. May he rest in power.”
