Nathaniel Reid Jack-Koochicum

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Nathaniel Reid Jack-Koochicum, a direct descendant great-great-great-grandson of Chief Man Who Takes the Coat a historic leader of the Nakoda/Nakota people of the Cypress Hills and one of the original Chiefs who signed Adhesion to Treaty 4 at Fort Walsh. Nate was born on March 16, 1992, in Regina, Saskatchewan and passed away on December 28, 2025, at the age of 33 years in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Nathaniel was born to Elsie Jack and the late Douglas Koochicum.

He is survived by his loving mother Elsie Jack; brothers Marlyn (Joy) Jack and Elisha Koochicum (Andrea); and his pride and joy, his only son, baby Ayce, whom he loved deeply.

Nathaniel will be lovingly remembered by his grandmother Rena (Jack) Ryder; aunts and uncles: Cherilynn, Marvin (late Darlene), Bernard (Joanne), Katherine (Orval), Sandra (Jeff), Fayrol (Wayne), Mary, Shannon (Dale), Melda (Olu), Susan, Jason, Craig (Angela); along with nieces and nephews: Jaylith, Katie, Harlom, Juelz, Rylee, Rylen, Mario and Marleigh; and his granddaughters Maggie, Alice, and Esther, who brought light and happiness into his life.

He was predeceased by his father Douglas Koochicum; grandparents Frank and Ivy Koochicum and Leonard and Pearl Jack; uncles: Harvey Jack, Terry Jack, and Paul Koochicum Sr. and his cousins who were like brothers and sisters to him: Nikki Jack, Alyssa Jack, Devon Jack, Rance Netmaker, Ryesha Netmaker, Alex O’Watch (Jack) and Drew Jack.

Nathaniel was blessed with strong family bonds and loving guidance throughout his life. He is fondly remembered by his second moms, Aunty Mary and Delia Adams, who cared for him deeply. Nathaniel always made sure to look after and check on his Aunty Mary. He was also lovingly cared for by his big cousins Kristalee and Heather, who played an important role in his upbringing, his uncle Bill (Norma) Koochicum.

Nathaniel is also remembered by Britney Adams, the mother of his beloved son, Ayce, and by his special friend Tegan Chester.

Nate shared a special bond with all his brothers and sisters (cousins), with whom he shared inside jokes, nicknames, and special sayings. His brothers will deeply miss him: Gabe, Mike, Jalon, Zane, Wade, Wray, and Chaince and his sisters will forever miss his messages, humor and laughter: Kristalee, Markenzie, Jessica, Johanna, Skylar, Markelle, Charikee and Kristin.

Nathaniel “Nate” carried a deep love for the Lord Jesus and was raised on strong biblical foundations; a faith he remained loyal to throughout his life. His belief guided him in the way he loved, showed compassion, and cared for others.

Nate was a dedicated hockey player whose love for the game inspired many of his nieces and nephews to play sports, no matter their ability. He began his hockey journey at a young age as a goaltender with Wolseley Minor Hockey, where he formed treasured memories and lifelong friendships. He later played for the Balgonie Storm, transitioning from goaltender to forward. Nate continued to challenge himself, trying out again and being selected to play AA, eventually advancing to AAA and Junior B hockey.

Although Nate spent many years playing in arenas, his true love for the game was most evident when he played for his own Nation, Cegakin and in First Nations hockey tournaments. Some of his most meaningful memories were made playing with his community team, the Carry the Kettle Novice Coyotes, where teamwork, bonding and lifelong friendships were formed. These experiences reflected Nate’s deep pride in his community and his love for playing alongside his own people.

One of the most cherished chapters of Nate’s life was the time he spent playing hockey in Odessa (“Quad Town”) alongside his brothers and cousins Barney and Drew. Those seasons were filled with excitement, brotherhood, and unforgettable moments on and off the ice. Together, the boys carried the Jack name with pride, bringing heart, energy, and determination to every game. When Barney’s time in Odessa came to an end, Jalon joined the following season, continuing the family legacy. The Quad Town years will always be remembered as a time of growth, joy, and brotherhood that helped shape the men they became.

Nate was known for his incredible sense of humour. If you knew him, chances are he had a nickname for you. He had a gift for quoting hilarious movie lines at just the right moment—something he practically turned into an art. Growing up, the boys often communicated through movie quotes alone, creating endless inside jokes that kept everyone laughing. Nate loved classic films and had a way of turning ordinary moments into lasting memories through laughter.

Above all, Nate deeply loved his family, especially his cousins who were like brothers and sisters to him and his nieces and nephews, whom he cared for deeply. His greatest love in life was his son, Ayce. Nate shared a deep, compassionate bond with his boy. Together, they spent time hunting—one of their favorite activities, walking many miles across their community lands. Nate carried a deep love for the Cegakin land, often taking Ayce on picnics and teaching him the beauty of the outdoors. He even named a special area on his grandfather’s land “Elk Ridge.”

Nate loved nature and often rose early in the mornings to hunt, walk, or simply be alone with the land. Those quiet moments in nature reflected his peaceful spirit, deep roots, and love for where he came from.

Nate will be remembered for his love for family, his strong connections, and the way he showed care for those closest to him. He leaves behind a legacy of love that will live on through his son and family.

A prayer service will take place in the Cegakin Nakoda Nation Community Hall on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Cegakin Nakoda Nation Community hall with officiant Rev./Pastor Bernard Jack. The burial will take place in the Cegakin Nakoda Nation South Cemetery.