Ethel Cook

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. She was elected chief in May 2011, becoming the first woman to hold the office, and won re-election four more times. She died in office on September 17, 2023.