Robert Cote

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Okimā Mahkwa Robert Guy Cote, who began his journey to the Spirit World on October 31, 2025.

Robert was welcomed home by his loving parents A. Tony (Mahkaw) and Sadie Cote; his maternal grandparents John and Rose Friday; paternal grandparents Frank and Ellen Cote; his grandson Quinton (Quinnie) Cote; and his brothers Edward Cote, Laurie Cote, and Ronald Tourangeau, special nephew Dallas Cote, and Justin Bear his favorite brother-in-law Eugene McNab.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved children Kelly Shingoose, Raven Shingoose, Robert (Hannah) Cote Jr., and Kiauna (Phillip) Sutherland,  Celeste Bird, Chris Bird, Blair Bird, Novalee Fox and Anthony aka Dollar (Dani) Fox; his precious grandchildren Misty Lee (Jamey) Bird and Aaron Bird, Emmit Bird, and Destiny Bird, Xavier Shingoose, Kelly Shingoose, Jr., Lorraine Shingoose, Norinne Shingoose, Shirleen Shingoose and Phillistine Shingoose, Jasper Cote, Andros Fox and Mark Fox, Tristan Fox, Tasheena Fox, Leighton Fox and Lucious  Fox.  He was blessed with great grandchildren Cali, Jamison, Weston, Serenity, Haisley, Bryson and Bowie and Djay.  He was a loving grandfather to his grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sisters Beverley Whitehawk, Denise Cote, Faye Cote, Joan Cote, Sadie Friday (Delbert), and Lavonne Secretan (Kent), his brothers Johnny Cote and Willett Tourangeau (Jennifer), along with his brother-in-law James Whitehawk and sister-in-law Sheryl Cote. Also, nephews: John Ketchemonia, Tony Cote, Tony Whitehawk and nieces: Valerie Cote, Camilla Whitehawk, Jaime Keshane, (Glen), Berni Cote, Jody Cote, Daneen Cote, Jasmine McNab (Justin), Jenna McNab (Colby).  Also his special friends the Badger boys – Clayton, David and Victor. Many other nieces and nephews. 

Robbie, as he was affectionately known, was a natural joker—always laughing, teasing, and bringing smiles wherever he went. In his younger years, he was an avid sportsman who loved playing hockey, men’s softball, and volleyball. He was also an avid horseman; he would spend whole days down the pasture with his horses and always invited his friends to come ride horses with him.

Robert worked many jobs during his lifetime. He worked as a labourer in Regina when he first entered the employment field. He was customer service representative at the Royal Bank of Canada in Regina for numerous years in which he won the Royal Bank Royal Performance Top Customer Rep in 1994. Robert decided to pursue higher education and returned to university, where he proudly earned his Bachelor of Indigenous Education and Indian Communication Arts Program in 2006 at the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv).

He was the Student Association representative when His Royal Highness, Duke of Edinburgh Prince Edward came to the Grand Opening for FNUniv in 2003. He presented a speech on the importance of implementing our treaty rights with the Crown mainly the importance of education which was the cunning of the white man. He also mentioned that he was the great, great, great, great grandson of Chief Gabriel Cote who signed our treaty rights in 1874 on behalf of the Saulteaux people.

His commitment to lifelong learning and his passion for his community were a true inspiration to those who knew him. He worked at various first nation’s schools – Kakisiwew-Ochapowace, Cowessess, Peepeekisis, and at his home community of Cote First Nation. He also won Volunteer of the Year in Sports for Cote First Nation in 2007 and in Ochapowace in 2005-2006.  He also produced many video projects such as on anti-smoking, crystal meth awareness, on the SK First Nations’ Korean veterans, gang awareness, and many others.

Some of his other employment through the years  were at Human Resources Development Canada, Regina, SK, Marketing Manager at the Bannock Shack, Regina, SK, Marketing Manager Moose Mountain Rangers Junior Hockey Team, Project Manager, Mino-Kisigat Place/Kamsack Urban Wellness, Assistant Health Director, Yorkton Tribal Council, Guidance Counsellor at Chief Gabriel Cote Education Complex, Cote First Nation Community Navigator and the Regina Science Centre.  While employed at the Science Centre, there was a contest for the employee who sold the most memberships every one of his family members and friends purchased memberships and he won the contest. 

Robert was also an avid photographer. He attended many sporting events in which he took action shots and sold them to the athletes on the spot.  He also took pictures at conferences, gatherings, weddings and many family and community events. He was avidly known as “Robert Harrington.”

Robert will be remembered for his humor, his strength, and his deep love “for his family and community.” His spirit will continue to live on in all who were fortunate to know him.

Family and friends are invited to join to celebrate Robert’s life at Chief Gabriel Cote Education Complex on Cote First Nation, SK on November 5, 2025, at 5:00 pm until 9:00pm. 

The funeral will begin at 10:00 am at Chief Gabriel Cote Education Complex.  Internment will be at the Cote Family Cemetery, next to late father, Elder and Korean War Veteran Tony (Antoine) E. Cote. 

His laughter, love, and kindness will forever remain in our hearts. The family wishes to thank everyone for their support, prayers, and love during this difficult time.

Kika Wapimin Minawa – we will meet again

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