Gwen Cook Memorial Award
Gwen Cook and Manitoba Moon Voices Inc.
The Gwen Cook Memorial Award was created to honour the memory of Gwen Cook (Bimosekwe) who was a founding Grandmother of the Manitoba Moon Voices Inc.’s (MMVI) Grandmother Advisory Circle.
The Gwen Cook Memorial Award will be presented to an Indigenous woman or gender diverse individual who is enrolled in post-secondary studies in Manitoba, is a member of MMVI, and exemplifies the qualities of the late Gwen Cook.
The $1,000 scholarship is intended for a person who is enrolled in post-secondary studies with a minimum 60% course load (9 credit hours per Fall and Winter term).
How to apply:
Eligible applicants must complete the application and submit it to MMVI
By email:
admin@mmvi.ca
By mail:
Swan Lake First Nation #8A Business Centre
165-200 Alpine Way, Headingly, MB
R4H 0B7
Applications must be received by 4:30pm Friday, January 2, 2026.
Completed applications must include:
- Filled out application
- Essay explaining what traditional leadership means to you and how you put these into practice (500 – 1000 words)
- A copy of most recent transcript
- Proof of Indigenous ancestry
- A letter of recommendation
- A resume
About Gwen Cook
Gwen was a proud Maskgeko Anishibaabe Ikwe who was born in The Pas, MB and grew up in Flin Flon and Cranberry Portage, MB. She was a loving mother, sister, grandmother and friend who had a strong and gentle spirit.
Gwen was a leader in the community who adhered to traditional practices, values and leadership. Education was important to Gwen. She attained her Bachelor and Master of Social Work and was pursuing a Doctoral degree before her passing.
Gwen worked in Winnipeg for forty years at various organizations where she loved working with people. She contributed to the community by volunteering on various boards like Ka Ni Kanichihk and the Grandmothers Working for Good Life Council. Gwen was also a committee member of the Master of Social Work Indigenous Knowledge Program (U of M). She provided expertise in social services and shared her traditional knowledge.
Gwen was an active member of the Three Fires Midewin Lodge for over twenty years and was a fourth degree Midewin woman.
Reclamation of the Anishinaabe traditional way of life was essential to Gwen and she encouraged others in their own healing.