Executive Councillor member Jack Cook grew up in Port Alberni. He has resided in Bamfield, Port Alberni, Nanaimo, Victoria and Vancouver.
His experience spans an extensive career in employment outreach and Human Resources Programs for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal People. He has worked as a program coordinator at the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council/NETB (10 years) setting up, delivering and reviewing the Employment and Training Programs for First Nation communities and organizations as a result of the Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agreement (AHRDA) between the Service Canada and North Island/Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Aboriginal Management Society (NI/NTCAMS).
While employed with the Canada Employment Insurance Commission (C.E.I.C) as a project officer for about 14 years, he did consultation, assessment, negotiation and promotion of employment programs within local government and community organizations. He was also required to do site visits, ensure effectiveness, measure impact, give recommendations for programs, negotiate on proposals for funding, as well as make sure that legal requirements were satisfied.
He was the manager of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations band office (Ohiaht) in Bamfield for five months (1993-1994). He has been involved in the drafting of Emergency Preparedness Plans. He has done research, reviewed, developed and drafted education policies and procedures for K to 12 and Post-Secondary Education, Forestry, Terms of Reference for Huu-ay-aht Economic Development, Finance and Treaty Implementation Committees. Elected as a member of the Huu-ay-aht Executive Council in June 2011, his portfolios include: Chair of Nananiiqsu Grandparents society, Finance committee, alternate for Co-operative Management with Parks Canada, Infrastructure committee and Treaty Implementation, Maa-nulth Director.
Jack has taken training in building construction and cooking. Travelling for both business and pleasure is one of his passions. He has been to Japan, Spain, Portugal and the USA. He is also active in sports and as an assistant coach.
He has been married to Deborah Cook for 42 years and has two daughters, one son and four grandchildren.