Tammy Cook-Searson has been chief of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band for more than 20 years. (Image Credit: Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

official results

Cook-Searson maintains grip on power after general election

Apr 1, 2026 | 1:41 PM

Tammy Cook-Searson will serve another term as the chief of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band. 

According to the official election results released Wednesday, Cook-Searson earned 2,089 votes out of 3,927 eligible votes cast. Jude Ratt came in second with 926 votes, Larry Roberts came in third with 533 and Bruce McKenzie took fourth with 379.  

Cook-Searson dominated the polls in every community, including the online vote. She received her strongest support in Stanley Mission, where more than 50 per of the votes cast were for her.  

“It feels really amazing and I’m really thankful and grateful for all of the support and encouragement,” she said.  

“I am looking forward to another three years and I’m grateful for another strong mandate and to continue the work that we are doing. There’s a lot of ideas and concerns that were put forward to us as candidates when we went door knocking, but I had such a positive experience and it was so nice to get to the doors and meet people right at their homes and to listen to their concerns, ideas, and hopes and dreams for community members.” 

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official results

Cook-Searson maintains grip on power after general election

1h ago

There was no change to the councillors serving in La Ronge with all four being re-elected. Dean Roberts took the most votes with 1,006, followed by Ann Ratt with 957, Charlene Venne with 737 and Sam (Chox) Roberts with 620. 

The official Lac La Ronge Indian Band election results for chief. (Image Credit: Lac La Ronge Indian Band)

Jimmy Charles received 684 votes in Stanley Mission and Linda Charles received 544. They will be joined by new councillor Cora Ballantyne Roberts who earned 501.  

Keith Mirasty was re-elected in Little Red River with 156 votes and newcomer Tracey Halkett received 96. Nora Charles is new in Grandmother’s Bay with 97 votes, Joseph Ratt is new in Hall Lake with 93 votes, and Korrie Ratt remains as councillor in Sucker River as he won by acclamation. 

“We do have some change in council, so actually history has been made in this election,” Cook-Searson noted.  

“We have the most women band councillors who have been elected since our Treaty was signed 137 years ago. We have six women band councillors and six men, so it’s a balance.” 

Chief and council will participate in a swearing-in ceremony on April 22.   

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com