LLRIB Chief Tammy Cook-Searson at a ceremony celebrating the construction of the wellness, treatment and recovery centre. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

special honour

Cook-Searson recipient of national Indigenous leadership award

Mar 16, 2021 | 8:57 AM

Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) Chief Tammy Cook-Searson is the recipient of the 2021 Indigenous Women in Leadership Award.

The honour was announced Monday by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) and it marks the fifth time the award has been bestowed. Cook-Searson, who has been chief of the LLRIB since 2005, said she was grateful to be this year’s recipient.

“It’s a national award and there were many other deserving recipients who were also nominated,” she said. “I give credit to everyone who I had the privilege to work with over the years. Nobody does anything by their self and it’s always a team effort and a collective effort collaborating with others to make things better for our communities.”

In a news release, there were several examples outlining why Cook-Searson was chosen for the award. They include playing a key role in lobbying for funds for the construction of a wellness, treatment and recovery centre, as well as her leadership during the 2015 northern wildfire crisis.

It also notes Cook-Searson is the president of band-owned Kitaski Management Ltd., which employs nearly 1,000 people in more than a dozen business such as Athabasca Catering, Canada North Environmental Services, First Nations Insurance Services, Kitsaki Vegetation Services and more.

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“Chief Tammy Cook-Searson’s strength, tenacity, and commitment to her community is an inspiration to us all,” said Tabatha Bull, president and CEO of CCAB. “Through relentless determination and hard work, she is bringing to life a vision of economic empowerment for Lac La Ronge that will be felt for generations to come.”

Cook-Searson mentioned it was last week when she first found out she would be receiving the award. She added she was nominated more than one year ago by her friend Shannon Loutitt of Saskatoon and several others sent in letters of support.

Cook-Searson also had some advice for future leaders.

“Follow your heart and have faith that your teachings, supporters and instincts will guide you,” she said.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno