Join us in celebrating International Women’s Day with a special evening event. There will be a speaker, activites, and a silent auction. Doors will open at 6:30pm with the speaker starting at 7:30pm. Food will be available for purchase.

MEET OUR SPEAKER:

Nicole Cook is the Interim CEO at Chief Red Bear Children's Lodge, where she is leading a dedicated team in Cowessess First Nation’s journey to reclaim its inherent right to care for its children and families. As a proud Cowessess First Nation member, Nicole is deeply committed to supporting the revitalization and transformation of child and family services for her people, working alongside her team to reimagine and redefine what these services should look like for Cowessess First Nation.

Growing up in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Nicole faced numerous challenges, including a childhood marked by abuse and trauma. Despite these hardships, she was determined to break the cycle and became the first in her family to graduate high school and pursue post-secondary education. She earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) designation and later a Master’s in Innovation & Entrepreneurship/Business from Queen’s University in 2023.

Nicole’s personal journey took a transformative turn after the birth of her son, who was born with complex medical needs. Struggling to find the care and support he required, Nicole connected with Jacqueline Tisher, who shared her passion for making the world a better place. This partnership led to the creation of Hope’s Home, where Nicole became the Chief Operating Officer for 14 years. She began as an LPN and gradually moved into leadership roles, contributing significantly to the organization's growth. Under her leadership, Hope’s Home expanded from a modest daycare to a provincial corporation, with Nicole overseeing key operations such as finance, human resources, nursing, and early childhood education.

Nicole’s unwavering commitment to children and families drives her work at Chief Red Bear Children’s Lodge, where she collaborates with her team to develop innovative models of care that emphasize prevention, intervention, and community-centered support. Her goal is to create a sustainable, cultural framework that uplifts families in Cowessess and beyond.

In addition to her role at Chief Red Bear Children’s Lodge, Nicole has received numerous accolades, including the CBC Future 40 Under 40 Award for Saskatchewan in 2016. She holds a certificate in Early Childhood Education from SaskPoly and is a certified coach through Destination Leadership Inc. She also completed the Saskatchewan Institute of Health Leaders program in 2011 and is a certified facilitator for Colour Spectrums Personality Styles.

Nicole’s blend of lived experience, educational achievements, and leadership in both health and education makes her a powerful advocate for children, families, and communities, especially in the context of First Nations' sovereignty and self-determination.