Chief Ethel Cook Obituary
Our beloved friend, Chief of the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma Ethel Cook passed away on Sunday, September 17.
Ethel has long been involved with Ottawa University and played an integral role in the renewing of the treaty between the Tribe and the University in 2008. She served alongside Chief John Ballard, at the time of the renewal, and the late Chief Charles Todd as the Second Chief, the first woman to hold that position for the Ottawa Tribe. In 2011, she was elected as the Chief and again became the first female to hold that position in Tribal history. Ethel faithfully served in that role for 12 years until her passing.
Ethel felt strongly that rebuilding and maintaining the relations with the University and the Tribe was a critical piece of both our legacies. This continues to be solidified today with more than 300 tribal members having obtained their degrees (some multiple) through the renewed treaty with the University.
Under her leadership, the Tribe achieved many successes locally in Miami, Oklahoma, and she was recognized with a number of honors for her leadership and heart of service.
Throughout her time as Chief, Ethel was committed to the partnership with the University. The fire water feature that stands west of the Gangwish Library on the Ottawa, Kansas, campus is a tribute by the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma. She felt having an eternal presence on the campus was important to represent the significant partnership between the University and the Tribe.
Ethel’s leadership, passion, dedication and spirit will be dearly missed. We join her family, friends and the entire Ottawa Tribe as we remember this dedicated woman, leader, partner, and friend.