Indigenous leader.
Born at Winnipegosis on 9 March 1949 to Eva Guiboche and John Robert Simpson, she was the third of eleven siblings. Her first years were spent on the family’s farm at Camperville. In 1954, the family relocated to Winnipeg. She lived at Birch River, Alberta for a time, and eventually settled back in Winnipeg, where she married Alfred James “Jim” Cook (1944-2010) with whom she went to have six children. She raised her family between Winnipeg and Bloodvein First Nation, her husband’s home community located on the Bloodvein River on the east side of Lake Winnipeg.
She was honoured by those who knew her for spending her life in service to others. Joining her husband in politics and leadership, she became the Chief of Bloodvein First Nation and served in that capacity for many years, continuing to work with and advocate for the community after her retirement, up until her last days. Devoted to her siblings, children, and grandchildren, she was described as “the soul of her family.”
She died at Winnipeg on 10 June 2012.
Obituary [Alfred James cook Jr.], Winnipeg Sun, 31 December 2010.
Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 14 June 2012.
This page was prepared by Lois Braun.
Page revised: 10 February 2026
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