Prominent northern chief hopes to run in next federal election

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A northern Saskatchewan chief recently announced her candidacy in the 2019

federal government election

. Chief Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB)

Chief Tammy Cook-Searson

plans to seek nomination for a seat in the Liberal Party in the federal riding of Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River. Cook-Searson has served her community as a leader in the roles of a chief and councillor for over 20 years.

She was raised in the north and continues to practice hunting, trapping, fishing, and the harvesting of foods and medicines. She is fluently bilingual in Cree and English.

As chief, she serves as President of Kitsaki Management Limited Partnership, one of the highly successful Indigenous businesses in Canada. In 2017, she was awarded the ABEX Community Leader award in business excellence from the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

“Over the past two decades, I have been honoured to serve in many capacities, raising issues through countless discussions and negotiations with the provincial and federal government, as well as the resource industries, on issues that matter the most to northerners,” said Cook-Searson. “I am a strong believer in the importance of economic development that is balanced with social development. Northerners need jobs, contracts and access to health and education. For sustainable development we need the highest standards of environmental protection.”

Gerald Ratt, a LLRIB band member, said he is ecstatic for Chief Cook-Searson running for the Liberal government to represent the people in northern Saskatchewan.

“If she got a seat with the Liberals, she would be such a great asset to northern and remote communities because she understands the people and her intentions are ensuring the people’s voices are heard,” said Ratt. “She is community driven and wants what’s best for northerners and she’s a great example of true leadership. She’s such a great role model being the first woman to be chief in our community. She has great leadership skills, has many accomplishments, and continues to listen to the needs of our communities. She lives and breathes the Woodland Cree culture of northern Saskatchewan.”

Ratt added her voice on a national level would be impactful for those living in northern Saskatchewan.

She’s set the bar high. I am nervous for the person who will replace her in LLRIB because they will have big moccasins to fill,” he said. “[If elected], she’ll be missed in that leadership role for sure.”

Cook-Searson vows a commitment to work hard in the riding to be a strong voice for all the people of the Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, the rural areas, the north and the far north.