Convocation 2025: Marissa Nakoochee

Marissa Nakoochee is graduating with a master of science from the School of Public Health, bringing forward a research focus deeply rooted in family, identity and community. Her work explores how non-Indigenous people understand and participate in reconciliation within health-science faculties — a topic shaped by her lived experience as a Cree woman and her commitment to transformative change in health systems. Throughout her program, she drew strength from her mother’s legacy and remained dedicated to work that supports meaningful, tangible reconciliation.

Which degree are you receiving? What are your previous degrees and where are they from?
Master of Science. Previous: Bachelor of Education (Secondary); Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies; Certificate in Kinesiology – Indigenous Sport and Recreation. All from the University of Alberta.

Did you receive any financial awards throughout your studies?
Graduate Student Research Fellowship (CIHR/University of Victoria); Indigenous Graduate Student Award (AGES); Future Generations Foundation; Indspire.

What drew you to this area of study?
My family’s lived experience and the work I do as a Cree woman to support reconciliation within the health-care system motivated me to pursue this degree. My thesis explored the experiences of non-Indigenous people and their roles in reconciliation work within health-science faculties. First Nations, Inuit and Métis people often carry emotional and physical labour in these spaces, and I am interested in how non-Indigenous people can partner in this work in tangible ways.

What achievement, accomplishment or moment are you most proud of from your time in the program?
Focusing on the topic that truly interested me without any research funding — choosing to stay committed to what mattered most. My thesis is dedicated to my late mother, a residential school survivor, whose strength and resilience guided me.

How did you stay motivated when things got tough?
I leaned on my mother’s example. She always modelled that we keep going even when things are tough. I also thought about the example I set in my own home and how much I cared about the work I was writing. I wanted people to read these concepts and understand how non-Indigenous people can carry some of the reconciliation work in appropriate ways.

What are your go-to spots on campus? Why?
The Indigenous learning space in the Health Sciences Library. It feels like stepping away from the institution and into a community space. I also appreciate that sage and sweetgrass are always available for student use. I defended my thesis in this space.

What advice would you give to a student considering your area of study?
Continue to focus on the things you care about and stay strong in your path. When I applied, I was encouraged to apply for Native Studies instead, but I knew I wanted to do a master of science. My topic was hard for people to see at first, but now they see it. People don’t know what they don’t know — so trust your values and what you know.

What's next for you in your career and/or academic journey? What do you hope to accomplish?
I hope to continue working collaboratively in First Nations, Inuit and Métis health in Canada to address systemic racism, support self-determination, improve meaningful health outcomes and strengthen reconciliatory action. I am fortunate to be in relationship with many people doing this work, and I hope to continue building meaningful partnerships.