Tony Cote facts for kids

Tony Cote (born Antoine Cote; 1935–2019) was an important leader for First Nations people in Saskatchewan. He was the first elected Chief of the Cote First Nation. He also created the Saskatchewan First Nations Summer and Winter Games. Tony Cote was born on the Cote Reserve in Kamsack, Saskatchewan. He was known for helping First Nations people in Saskatchewan and Alberta. He also served in the Royal Canadian Artillery as a bombardier from 1952 to 1958.

Tony Cote's Early Life

Tony Cote was born in 1935 on the Cote Reserve in Kamsack, Saskatchewan. He was the youngest child of Frank and Ellen Cote. His great-grandfather was Chief Gabriel Cote. Chief Gabriel Cote was a spokesperson for the Saulteaux people during the signing of Treaty 4.

Tony Cote attended St. Phillips Residential School. In 1952, at age 17, he joined the Canadian Army. In 1953, he married Sadie Friday. They had seven children together.

Tony Cote served for almost six years in the Royal Canadian Artillery. He was a bombardier in the 81st Field Regiment. He also served 14 months in the Korean War. He left the army in 1958. He received a UN Korea Special Services Medal for his service. Tony Cote passed away on July 31, 2019, at 84 years old.

Tony Cote's Political Work

From 1967 to 1995, Tony Cote held many important jobs. These jobs were in politics in Alberta and Saskatchewan. He worked as a welfare administrator and recreation director for the Cote First Nations. In 1970, he was elected Chief of the Cote First Nations reserve.

He also worked for the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians. This group is now called the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. He was an education officer, recreation director, and treasurer. From 1978 to 1995, he was a political advisor for this group.

Tony Cote also helped with housing. From 1990 to 1995, he was the executive director of the Saskatchewan Indian Housing Commission. He also served twice as chief of the Yorkton Tribal Council. This was from 1973 to 1976 and again from 1995 to 2000.

In 2001 and 2002, he worked for the Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association. He worked hard to get benefits for First Nations soldiers. This led to special benefit packages for these veterans.

Tony Cote also helped create the First Nations University of Canada. He worked there until 2015. He was known for helping First Nations people and communities. He started many projects to improve housing and create jobs.

Tony Cote's Impact on Sports

Tony Cote loved sports and recreation. In 1969, he became the recreation sports director. He started many sports programs and built new facilities. He helped build an outdoor ice rink in the Cote First Nations. He also helped build the Cote Recreational Complex. This complex had the first artificial ice surface in Saskatchewan First Nations.

Tony Cote also created and managed many First Nations sports teams. After the Cote Recreational Complex opened, he started the first all-Native Junior "B" hockey team in Saskatchewan. He was also its president.

He then created and managed the "Wagonburners." This was Saskatchewan's first all-Native Old-timers hockey team. They won the Saskatchewan East Division in 1977. He also managed the Cote Selects women's fastball team. This team played in many tournaments across North America.

Tony Cote is most famous for creating the Saskatchewan First Nations Summer Games. These games now also have a Winter edition. They are known as the Tony Cote Summer and Winter Games. These games happen every two years. Teams from Saskatchewan and Alberta compete in them.

Awards and Special Recognition

Tony Cote received many awards for his work. He was recognized for his contributions to sports and First Nations communities.

In 1974, he received the Tom Longboat Award. This award honors Indigenous people for their sports achievements in Canada. In 2008, he received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit. This award recognizes people who have made great contributions to Saskatchewan.

On June 18, 2011, Tony Cote was added to the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame.