Anisikwa, as many of you know my name is Judge Cote.

I grew up on Cote First Nation raised by my grandparents Garry Cote and Ella Cote. I first moved to the Nation in 1999 where I started grade 1 at Chief Gabriel Cote Education Complex. I and a number of classmates had the opportunity to learn jigging and square dancing taught by Brunella Whitehawk and we danced in many competitions throughout Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta. A couple of our photos are still on display at the school. My first job was for Cote First Nation at the “Star Café” in Badgerville. I was a server and had a couple of chances to cook taught by the late Doreen Cote. My next job was as a gas jockey and cashier at the former Cote Band Store. In 2012 we received our land claim settlement and I moved to Yorkton SK, where I started a family while there, I learned many skills and experiences. I have since moved back to Kamsack in 2021 and fortunately received my first band house in September of 2022. I am so happy to be home again.

Growing up in the Nation I was able to experience and feel our community grow and struggle and hurt. Our Nation in recent years has been able to display its willingness to build a better future for our people. I have always been proud to be from Cote First Nation, but a new level of pride has been instilled in me. I am very fortunate and thankful for the opportunity to assist in bringing our nation’s goals and dreams to fruition, using the Cote Comprehensive Community Plan as a guiding document. I have received the Economic Development portfolio and will use this opportunity to seek out meaningful ventures for Cote First Nation to continue to generate revenue to apply to various projects and programs for both on and off-reserve members.

Thank you to all of my family for the love and support, and to Cote First Nation for all of their overwhelming support and confidence in choosing me to sit with the Chief and Council. I hope to give the Nation a continued sense of Pride for our Nation.

Mikwec