Tammy Cook-Searson is seeking her seventh term as Lac La Ronge Indian Band chief. (Submitted photo/Tammy Cook-Searson)

By Derek Cornet

band election

Cook-Searson supports fair cows and plows settlement, increase to $5 annuity payment

Mar 22, 2023 | 5:29 PM

After almost two decades at the helm, Tammy Cook-Searson believes she still has what it takes to be Chief of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB).

First elected as chief in 2005 at the age of 33, she has consecutively served 18 years in the role and is seeking a seventh term. Prior to becoming Chief, she served several terms as a band councillor.

“I am committed and I am experienced,” Cook-Searson said. “I work hard with the staff, membership and management within all of our communities. I am fluent in Cree and I am compassionate.”

Cook-Searson is proud of her work to open the Woodland Wellness Centre, which is now operating a day program out of the $16.1 million space. There has yet to be any 24-hour treatment and recovery occurring, but she said the band will continue actively recruiting enough in-patient staff to do so.

The building of mini-lodges with an off-grid, trapline setting to assist with healing and support is also an upcoming project. They will be built in all LLRIB communities.

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Another popular topic as Cook-Searson has campaigned door-to-door has been the Treaty 6 Agricultural Benefits Specific Claim, otherwise known as cows and plows. In-person negotiation meetings were held with the federal government in December 2022 and, at that time, it was indicated they were ready to begin substantive negotiations which would resolve the band’s outstanding claim.

The band has since learned Canada is not ready for talks, which could delay the process by weeks, if not months.

“We will ensure the LLRIB gets a fair settlement with the cows and plows Treaty Six claim, and any settlement offer and distribution of money will be presented and voted on by the LLRIB membership,” she said.

Before the former LLRIB council members finished their terms, they passed a resolution and retained lawyers to pursue a claim to increase the Treaty annuity payment. The rate has been $5 per year since Feb. 11, 1889, when Treaty Six was signed in Molanosa.

Cook-Searson mentioned another loss of use claim in regards to Canada not fulfilling its obligations under Treaty Six to set aside sufficient reserve land is in its final stages.

Cook-Searson is also proud of her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted the band ensured members had access to information, vaccines, masks and sanitizer.

“I provided updates, information and made sure community members were given the latest information daily,” Cook-Searson said. “I continue to work hard any time there is a state of emergency. I tend to the emergency right away and I stay there until everyone is back home safely.”

Cook-Searson also supports continuing the Northern Saskatchewan Indigenous Teacher Education Program, as well as advocating for a long-term solution for providing drinking water to Little Red residents.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno