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Tammy Cook-Searson has been part of elected leadership with the Lac La Ronge Indian Band for 23 years. (submitted photo/Tammy Cook-Searson)
band election

Cook-Searson seeking sixth term as LLRIB chief

Mar 10, 2020 | 12:36 PM

Tammy Cook-Searson, the incumbent chief of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB), is looking for voters to return her to office for a sixth term.

She believes there’s still more work to be done and said she has the experience and commitment to do it. Cook-Searson was first elected chief in 2005 at the age of 33 and she mentioned there was a lot of accomplishments done during that time. One major reality currently coming together for the LLRIB and northern Saskatchewan, she added, is the upcoming construction of a $16.1 million wellness, treatment and recovery centre. Work is expected to begin next month.

“That’s something we have been able to achieve together,” Cook-Searson said. “It’s a huge accomplishment for all of us.”

If elected to another term, Cook-Searson said she’ll work hard to continue to lobby for more on-reserve housing, as well as for hemodialysis treatment at the La Ronge Health Centre. She noted both of those commitments involve working with partners or finding different ways to make it happen.

“Housing is always a high need, so we continue to lobby for housing and we continue to build housing as a band,” Cook-Searson said. “We know there’s a high need and we have people who are living in overcrowded homes who need renovations. We have a waiting list of people wanting housing.”

Cook-Searson believes being a good chief includes being there for band members in their times of need and at community events. She noted it also means being available during a state of emergency and listening to members about what their needs are. Up until election day, Cook-Searson will be visiting all six LLRIB communities, as well as urban centres such as Prince Albert and Saskatoon, looking to hear questions, comments and concerns from members.

Aside from serving the LLRIB for 23 years, including three terms as councillor, Cook-Searson has some university education. She’s also received an honourary Doctors of Law degree from the University of Regina and an honourary business administration diploma from the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies.

“At the end of the day, we’re all putting our names forward to be able to serve our community,” Cook-Searson said. “When you put your name out there to be elected, you’re saying you’ll be able to serve the community and to do what it is the community wants.”

Other candidates seeking the three-year term as chief are Natalie Aldridge, Bruce Mckenzie, James Mckenzie, Eugene Mirasty and Jude Ratt. Advanced polls are March 19 between noon and 7 p.m. Election day is March 30 with polls open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

larongeNOW is reaching out to all LLRIB candidates for chief and more articles will appear highlight each one throughout the week.

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno