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Ethel Cook was an Odawa politician who served as the chief of the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma from May 2011 until her death in September 2023. She had previously served as the second chief of the tribe between 2007 and 2011 and was the first woman elected to both offices.

Early life and family

Ethel Cook was born on August 9, 1951, in Miami, Oklahoma. Her great-grandfather was Chief Joseph Badger King. She spent her career working for telecommunications companies, but returned to Miami when she retired in 2003.

Political career

After returning to Miami, she served on the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma's Gaming Commission before being elected second chief of the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma in 2007. She was elected chief in May 2011, becoming the first woman to hold the office, and won re-election four more times.

During her tenure, she advocated for continuing the practice of the chief's office being unpaid. The tribe also expanded in Miami, Oklahoma, by building two tribal-owned gas stations and a restaurant. She oversaw the tribe during the aftermath of the McGirt v. Oklahoma (2020) decision, when the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma's reservation was found to have never been disestablished. She died in office on September 17, 2023.

References

1. "Chief Ethel Cook - View Obituary & Service Information". Chief Ethel Cook Obituary. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
2. ^ Young, Molly (September 22, 2023). "'She wanted everyone to thrive': Leader of Ottawa Tribe dies after 12 years in office". The Oklahoman. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
3. ^ Stogsdill, Sheila (21 September 2023). "Services set for Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma Chief Ethel Cook". KSNF. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
4. Casteel, Chris (May 11, 2023). "Oklahoma court affirms Ottawa, Peoria reservations still exist". The Oklahoman. Retrieved 12 November 2023.

• 21st-century American women politicians
• 21st-century Oklahoma politicians
• 21st-century Native American politicians
• 1951 births
• 2023 deaths
• Native American women in politics
• Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma politicians
• People from Miami, Oklahoma
• 21st-century Native American women