August 10, 1978 –July 14, 2023
Mass of Christian Burial for Nicole Ducheneaux, 44, of Omaha, NE, was held Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at La Plant School Gymnasium. Burial was in the Ducheneaux Family Cemetery.
Nicole passed away July 14, 2023 at her home in Omaha. Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge is in charge of arrangements.
Nicole “Nikki” Elise Ducheneaux was born at Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, VA on August 10, 1978 to Franklin and Ernestine “Ernie” Ducheneaux completing their blended family that included daughters Patricia, Pamela, and Joni Jollie and Frank and Chris Ducheneaux. She worked tirelessly in the service of Indian Country to protect indigenous interests. She was a proud member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, and a first-generation descendant of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation.
Growing up in the Nation’s capital, Nikki attended Lake Ann Elementary, Oakcrest School for Girls and the Field School. In her youth she enjoyed reading, writing poetry, and music, especially her vinyl records. Growing up she played the viola and attended the Interlochen Music Camp.
Nikki met Theo Moennig; he was the father of Sidney and Esther (Sassy). They were married in August of 2006.
Nikki finished her collegiate career at Ft. Lewis College in Durango, CO where she earned a bachelor’s degree in US History. Her next stop was at the University of Montana School of Law, where she was an editor for the Law Review, before earning her Juris Doctorate in 2007.
After she finished law school, she was selected for a clerkship with the Montana State Supreme Court. Nikki then began her advocacy career by representing folks in Montana as a public defender, where she was known to be the “biggest and brightest star.” She then moved on to her true calling: defending tribal sovereignty and jurisdiction, as a formidable and innovative litigator. Nikki advocated for tribes and tribal entities in courts across the United States, including state, tribal, and federal courts, and appellate courts of all varieties, including the United States Supreme Court. She joined Fredericks, Peebles & Morgan as an associate in 2012, where she quickly rose in the ranks to become a litigation partner by 2015. In 2016, Nikki was honored by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development as one of the 2016 Native American “40 under 40” awardees.
In 2019, she was one of the founding equity partners of Big Fire Law and Policy Group as the head of litigation, where she established a reputation for tireless and passionate advocacy. As a founding equity partner, Nikki was constantly focused on the best interests of the firm. But beyond her work, she was also a devoted and loving mother who always made time for her children, to support them in their activities, and passions.
Nikki was a staunch advocate, friend, partner, and mother. While she was known for aggressively representing her clients’ interests, she also championed young Native lawyers by providing mentorship and guidance to the next generation. Nikki loved working for her people and fighting the U.S. Government to preserve and protect treaty and tribal rights.
Nikki is survived by her children, Sidney Moennig, Esther Moennig, and Reneé Ducheneaux; her parents, Franklin and Ernestine Ducheneaux; and her siblings, Patricia Jollie, Pamela Herring, Joan Doring, Frank Ducheneaux, and Christopher Ducheneaux; along with many uncles, aunts, and cousins.