Norman, Okla. — The Native American Journalists Association (NAJA) mourns the loss of journalists Ray Cook and Dave Palermo.
Raymond J. “Wahnitiio” Cook, Akwesasne Mohawk, passed away at age 62. Cook was a co-founder of NAJA.
Dave Palermo passed away at age 71. Palermo was an advocate for tribes who often wrote about American Indian gaming, sovereignty, history, social problems and rebuilding tribal communities.
Both of these men were committed to journalism and passionate about making sure that Indigenous people were represented in the news. We are thankful for their years of service to their communities and their commitment to Indian Country.