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.  

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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.

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Our Story 

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).

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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. 

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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.

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Gila River/Pima/Mexican

GOVERNANCE