08/29/2023
Rest in Power Earl Cook. Condolences to all his loved ones.
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Dr Earl Cook. Earl was one of the early leaders who helped to form the Local 126 at the University of Saskatchewan and helped with some key projects, including the successful lobbying to establish the Native Studies Department (which is now the Department of Indigenous Studies, University of Saskatchewan). He also helped to advocate for the establishment of the Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research. His contributions to Local 126 and Métis Nation—Saskatchewan will long be remembered, and we are truly grateful for the time he gave to our Métis Nation. Our sincerest condolences to his family. He will be sincerely missed.
Earl Cook served on the Provincial Métis Council of Métis Nation—Saskatchewan for several years, including as the Regional Director representing Northern Region I, interim Treasurer, and Minister of Education. Earl attended high school in Prince Albert and received his Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan in 1980 and a Post-Graduate Diploma in 1985. He worked for 14 years for the Northern Teacher Education Program (NORTEP) as faculty, consultant, and director, Regional Director of Post-Secondary Education in northern Saskatchewan with the province, Regional Director of Health in northern Saskatchewan with the province, Northern Health Strategy Coordinator, Manager of the Northern Industrial Career Centre in La Ronge with the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, and Indian, Métis Education Consultant with the Northern Lights School Division 113, founding member of the Saskatchewan Métis Veterans Association, and served on the Kikinahk Friendship Centre board in La Ronge. In recognition of his contributions to the community and to Indigenous student success, the University of Saskatchewan honoured him with an honorary Doctor of Laws in 2017.
