Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson will not seek re-election

Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) Chief Tammy Cook-Searson won’t seek re-election at the end of her term in 2026.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the LLRIB membership for the opportunity to serve as your chief for over 20 years, and as a band councillor for eight years, totaling more than 28 years of service on council,” she announced in a public notice issued on Tuesday.

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“Serving the LLRIB membership of over 12,700 both on and off reserve, including the six LLRIB communities of Grandmother’s Bay, Stanley Mission, Sucker River, La Ronge, Hall Lake, and Little Red River, has been the greatest honour of my life.

“After reflection and conversations with my family, I have decided not to seek re-election for chief in March 2026. As difficult as it is to announce that I will not seek another term, the time has come for me to focus on being a wife, mother, and kohkum. I will continue to work hard until the end of my term, which concludes the day before nominations.”

Cook-Searson noted she would like to thank her family for their patience, love, and unwavering support. She also thanked her late parents, Charlie and Miriam Cook, as well as her in-laws George and Josie Searson.

“Reflecting on our progress as a First Nation, I want to highlight that both the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, and the business arm of LLRIB Kitsaki Management Limited Partnership (KMLP), are in strong financial positions with a total workforce of around 2,900 employees, supported by dedicated management and staff. Working together, we have built upon the solid foundation laid by our past leaders and Band membership,” Cook-Searson announced.

“Working together, we have fought for our Treaty and inherent rights, and were able to succeed in one of the biggest claims in Canada with our Agricultural Benefits Claim.

“We have enhanced and promoted our Cree language and culture, including the Colin Charles Dictionary, and embraced our way of life through continuing to live off the land. We have built schools, bridges, established indoor hockey rinks, youth centres, and created valuable partnerships with our neighbors.

“We have fought for clean drinking water in all our communities to ensure everyone has access to proper water and sewer infrastructure. We continue to improve structural fire protection and wildland firefighting equipment, gear, and training.

“We are actively working on new houses and renovating existing housing, infrastructure, and enhancing local services. Our Woodland Wellness Centre stands out as one of the best treatment and recovery centers in Canada, integrating Woodland Cree culture with Western therapies.”

She ended the statement by adding that by working together, the band has faced many challenges as a First Nation, including a global pandemic, forest fires, evacuations, mental health crisis, and many other challenges.

“Together, we have persevered and emerged stronger,” Cook-Searson wrote.