Doctor of Letters
(honoris causa) DLitt
Mr. George Couchie lives on Nipissing First Nation with his wife Carolyn and three children. He is a former national powerlifting champion. Mr. Couchie’s spirit name is Zoongiday which means ‘strong heart’ in Ojibway. He is a member of the Red-tailed Hawk (Gibwanasii) Clan.
Mr. Couchie has over 33 years of policing experience, including 12 years designing and delivering award winning Native Awareness Training Programs and Initiatives to youth and to members of the Ontario Provincial Police, as well as to other government employees and teachers. A gifted communicator, Mr. Couchie speaks from the heart and uses personal stories and humour to broach difficult issues. He has been honoured with many awards for his commitment to educating adults and working with youth, including: An Eagle Feather from the Community of Nipissing First Nation for youth programs and volunteerism in 2005 and again in 2013, the Order of Merit of the Police Forces of Canada in 2013, the Queens Jubilee Award in 2012, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Union of Ontario Indians in 2007, an Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner’s Citation for Community Service in October 1999 for developing the school program, Walking the Path, an Organizational Award for Anti-racism Initiatives for the Walking the Path program in 1999, a nomination for National Native Role Model in 1997 by Nipissing Federal Member of Parliament, Bob Wood, an Ovation Award from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services 2008.