Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRB) Chief Tammy Cook-Searson is being recognized.
In a media release sent out Monday The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) announced the LLRB chief had won the 2021 Indigenous Women in Leadership Award.
The CCAB said chief Cook-Searson was given the award for a range of accomplishments. One of those accomplishments being her work to build a $16 million treatment and recovery centre in La Ronge to help serve northerners.
CCAB also recognized Cook-Searson’s work as president of Kitsaki Management LTD, which employs almost 1,000 people and is involved in a range of businesses from catering to insurance.
Cook-Searson’s leadership during the 2015 northern wildfires was also acknowledged by CCAB, specifically for her work to keep community members informed about the situation and helping to evacuate community members.
Accepting the award Cook-Searson thanked all those who helped her get to where she is today and expressed her overall gratitude.
“I am grateful to have had the privilege and honour serving the Lac La Ronge Indian Band for the past 16 years as chief and 8 years as a band councillor, said Chief Cook-Searson. Any success I have had, including this award, is shared with all those who have inspired, mentored, and motivated me all through the years to help shape the person I am today. My message to all the young leaders is to follow your heart and have faith that your teachings, supporters, and instincts will guide you,” she said.
CCAB will honour Chief Cook-Searson with a virtual ceremony May 13.