Charles Cook
Our Founder - Turning Passion Into Action
Cook Native American Ministries Foundation (CNAMF) is the result of a legacy rooted in the 1870’s by Reverend Charles H. Cook who lived and worked amongst the Akimel O’odham in Sacaton, Gila River Indian Community.
Reverend Cook was ordained by the Presbyterian Church and served as a teacher to the Akimel O’odham people. It was important to Cook to offer quality educational opportunities for Native people to train to serve their communities through the ministry.
In the early 1900’s he first established the Cook Bible School, located in Phoenix and later, moving to a campus in Tempe, Arizona. He gained respect for his many years of service to Native people and is most recognized for establishing the Cook College and Theological School in Tempe, Arizona.
Our Story
CNAMF TODAY
Cook School for Christian Leadership closed in 2008 and the land on which the campus once stood was sold. The proceeds from the land sale enabled the formation of Cook Native American Ministries Foundation (CNAMF).
Today, Cook Native American Ministries Foundation is a flourishing 501(c)3 non-profit public charity that provides grants to small and emerging community-based organizations, churches, tribal communities, and Native urban centers across the country.
By working collectively, CNAMF envisions a strong, promising, and secure future for Native communities, focused on the faith, spirituality, and well-being of our people.
OUR TEAM
Our Mission
"EQUIPPING NATIVE LEADERS TO BETTER SERVE THEIR CHURCHES AND COMMUNITIES"
Treasurer
Navajo/Hopi
Administrative Manager/
Board Liaison
Gila River Pima/Hopi
DELLA PENA
Executive Director, CEO
Navajo
WENDY WESTON
Program Manager
Xicana
DINA LOPEZ
Social Media Manager
Gila River/Pima/Mexican
ADELITA RODRIGUEZ
MEET OUR BOARD
SANDRA PATTEA
Chair
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation/Hopi
THERESA PRICE
Treasurer
Navajo/Hopi
VANCE HOME GUN
Vice Chair
Confederated Salish/Kootenai Tribes
ANNETTE STEWART
Secretary
Gila River Pima
Life Trustee
REV. DR. STEVEN MARSH
DR. DAVID MARTINEZ
Director
Akimel O'odham/Hia Ced O'odham/Mexican
Director
Shinnecock