On a day dedicated to honoring missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, loved ones of Dory Cook were grieving deeply. Cook, a 77-year-old Métis woman, was tragically killed on Sunday. However, her death was not made public until Tuesday, coinciding with Red Dress Day, a significant event for many who cherished her.
Kathie Pruden, a Métis activist who collaborated with Cook, expressed the heightened sorrow felt by many upon learning of Cook’s violent death. Rachel Jessica Smallboy, 42, has been charged with second-degree murder after Cook was found deceased in her residence on Avenue R South. Smallboy appeared in Saskatoon provincial court on Tuesday and was remanded in custody until Thursday.
Described as a respected Indigenous matriarch, Cook was a social worker, mental health advocate, and talented musician. She was known for advocating for marginalized individuals and integrating Indigenous cultural elements into her therapeutic work.
According to Pruden, Cook used music to convey messages of hope and forgiveness, drawing from her own healing experiences. Amy Cook Isbister, one of Cook’s many nieces and nephews, praised her aunt’s selflessness and dedication to helping those in need, regardless of their circumstances.
In the wake of her son’s passing, Cook had been grappling with her mental health. Her family was shocked and devastated by her death, emphasizing her frailty and advanced age as factors that made the tragedy even more incomprehensible.
Cook’s impact extended beyond her family, as she had worked at the Family Support Centre in Saskatoon during the 1980s and 1990s, providing valuable parenting support. Colleagues and friends remembered her as a kind-hearted individual who always encouraged understanding and empathy towards others.
Betty Nippi-Albright, MLA for Saskatoon Centre, expressed her devastation over Cook’s untimely death, highlighting Cook’s compassionate nature and dedication to helping others. Nippi-Albright, formerly the Opposition NDP’s mental health critic, shared a heartfelt tribute to Cook on social media, mourning the loss of a dear friend.
The community mourns the loss of a remarkable individual, especially on a day dedicated to honoring missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.