Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Member Recognized as Resident Physician in Psychiatry at UW Health

University of Wisconsin

Health Department Article

Dr. Mariah Star Cooper (enrolled tribal member at Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa) grew up on the Lac Courte Oreille Ojibwe reservation in rural Wisconsin and had an early interest in becoming a physician. As a resident physician in Psychiatry at UW Health, she sees patients of all ages and backgrounds, with a career goal of working more intensively with children and adolescents, and athletes.

“I was inspired to become a psychiatrist, in part because of the culture and community in which I was raised.” One of the most important lessons she learned growing up involved the Ojibwe philosophy of “minobimaadiziwiin,” an Ojibwe word which describes “living life in a good way” through balance in intellectual, physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and community health. “I hope to work with patients to not only treat mental health, but to treat the whole person. Physical health through taking care of their body through diet and exercise. Mental health through psychotherapy and medications. Emotional health through developing connections with their chosen family and support system. Community health from their participation in activities and interests that increase fulfillment and meaningfully connect them with people.”

Dr. Cooper follows minobimaadiziwiin through education, mentoring Native scholars pursing higher education and health professions, training in Nordic skiing, supporting athletic programming for Native youth, and being involved with her tribal community and culture. Dr. Cooper grew up skiing on the American Birkebeiner trails of Hayward, Wisconsin, and shares her love of skiing through the Native American Olympic Team Foundation with Olympian Suzy Chaffee and Olympian Billy Kidd. Dr. Cooper says “Nordic skiing strengthened my body while teaching my mind endurance.”

When asked what Native American Heritage month means to her, Dr. Cooper says, “It’s a time for recognizing and celebrating the many cultures of Indigenous peoples of the Americas who have contributed and shaped the United States and World. It is a time to remember and reflect on the sacrifices and hardships that Native Americans have endured and continue to experience. I find daily appreciation that Indigenous People continue to learn and pass on our cultural teachings and values in our communities and beyond."

We are proud to celebrate the contributions of our Native American community during Native American Heritage Month. We recognize our Native American employees and the important role they play in caring for patients and families; we celebrate our Native American patients and reaffirm our commitment to providing inclusive care; and we celebrate and support the work of our community partners who serve the Native American community.

Dr. Cooper with her father, Dale Cooper of Lac Courte Oreilles.