Doris Cooke was born and raised on her traditonal land at Rocklea Station, near Paraburdoo; her parents also grew up on Rocklea Station. Cooke's birth date was not recorded, but she was born around 1949. Cooke's parents moved around for work in Onslow and then to Kooline Station. Cooke's father died in a horse breaking accident after which her mother, who was pregnant at the time, took the children to Ashburton Station where she found work as a cook. When Cooke was about seven years old, she and her brother Nick were sent to live at the Carnarvon mission run by the Church of Christ in order to attend school which was, by now, compulsory. They returned home for school holidays at which time they helped their mother and stepfather with their fencing work. Cooke was badly treated by staff at the mission and was eventually expelled.
Cooke learned much culture and Kurrama language from her grandmother Diana Johnny. At the age of eleven, Cooke attended school in Onslow and boarded at the home of an English school teacher until a hostel was built. After this she went to Gilliamia hostel where she was again mistreated, before returning to Mrs Rooney's home to board. Cooke finished primary school and then attended Derby High School, living at the United Aboriginal Mission. Cooke was the first child from Onslow to attend Derby High School and was only able to return home for the Christmas holidays.
Cooke had a son with a man in Derby; when this relationship broke up she went to live at Halls Creek before going to Nanturra Station where she had another child named Vivian. Cooke was a 'give-away bride' to her promised husband but this did not last as she fled after a visit to Port Hedland hospital.
Cooke had three more sons and eventually moved to Onslow and started working at the Women's Safe House. She has also worked as a Teacher's Aid as an Aboriginal Education Worker and with the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) in Roebourne where she also served as a committee member of the Mawarnkarra Aboriginal Medical Service.
Cooke is a strong believer in her law and continues to maintain her culture. She is a passionate advocate for Aboriginal land rights. Her daughter is Vivian Cooke.
