Tom Cook is a Running Strong field coordinator and founder of Slim Buttes Agricultural Development Program.

Running Strong operates a field office in Chadron, NE, which is in close proximity to the Indian communities on Pine Ridge, Cheyenne River, and Rosebud Indian Reservations.

The Running Strong Nebraska field office is run by Tom Kanatakeniate Cook (Akwesasne Mohawk). Originally from the St. Regis Reservation on the St. Lawrence River in New York, Tom graduated from the City University of New York with a BA in Anthropology and Sociology.

Tom originally came out to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in the early 1970's when he was covering the American Indian Movement’s standoff at Wounded Knee for the national Indian paper, Akwesasne Notes. During that period, he met his wife, Loretta Afraid of Bear, and settled on Pine Ridge.

Tom has been a Running Strong Field Coordinator since 1994, and is Director of both the Slim Buttes Agricultural Development Project (SBAG) and the Timber Project. He brings a wide variety of talents and experience to our organization, including his wide knowledge of Indian issues and extensive background in journalism, agriculture, and iron work.

Tom served as a volunteer and member of Running Strong's Advisory Board for many years before joining the staff. Tom was appointed by Governor Mike Johanns to serve on the Nebraska Commission of Indian Affairs. He is also founding board member of the Chadron Native American Center's Board of Directors and a Chair of the Chadron Community Development Corporation.