ELDERS JO-ANN AND JERRY SADDLEBACK

BIOGRAPHY

Jo-Ann Saddleback

Jo-Ann Saddleback started out her career as a television/film producer, script writer and host for Alberta Native Communications Society, ITV, CTV and Access Alberta. She was also an Associate Producer on 2 projects with National Film Board, community coordinator on Aboriginal films (small contract) and Production Manager for independent film. When her Father, Stan Daniels, died she took up his political legacy and won the vice-presidency as the first women executive for the Metis Nation of Alberta. She forced the government to change the Native Child Welfare Act: for the first time giving Aboriginal peoples a say in the future of their own children. She has since worked as a Policy Analyst/Researcher for women’s organizations and Executive Director for Metis Settlements General Council heading up Legal and Governmental Affairs. She also worked as a community developer for 25 years, travelling across North America developing and delivering workshops on Culture, Health, Aboriginal research processes, Roles and Rights of Aboriginal Women; and cross-cultural workshops for RCMP, Corrections Canada, Alberta Health, Healthcare workers across Canada and Alberta Justice judges and crown prosecutors. She also works with various Aboriginal organizations and government departments on strategic and tactical plans for policy, research and program delivery. She is invited to make presentations at major conferences from the National Aboriginal Policy/Research Conference to the International Association of Women Police and National Police Vice issues. She worked diligently on the issue of Domestic Human Trafficking of Aboriginal Women and their Children. She sits as Kokum for Alberta Justice/Aboriginal Sexual Assault Committee; as Lead Elder for Canadian Research Initiative on Substance Misuse (CRISM -University of Alberta); Elder Cultural Advisor for the City of Edmonton and Maskwacîs Cultural College. Jo-Ann was Cultural Advisor to Truth & Reconciliation Commission when it was in Edmonton. Jo-Ann is invited to communities and various organizations to share Culture and history. Jo-Ann went back to her artistic roots and is currently an Artist, poet, writer and designer. She and her Husband Jerry Saddleback are owners of Câhcacêp Art and Tea House which features gallery exhibits of local Indigenous artists and houses their own studios to work their art. Jo-Ann is involved in many Indigenous arts initiatives and has been advisor to many Indigenous artists and art groups like Dave Garneau, Dawn Marie Marchand, Lana Whiskeyjack, and Ociciwan; and many more.

Jerry Saddleback

Jerry Saddleback is the Dean of Cultural Programs and Elder-in-Residence for Maskwacîs Cultural College in Maskwacîs, Treaty Six. He was given this position by the 4 chiefs of Maskwacîs and it was given to him for life. He also teaches Cree and Protocol evening classes in Enoch and Edmonton. Jerry co-owns Câhcacêp Art and Tea House in Edmonton and offers bow making classes and works his art. Jerry was born and raised in Samson Cree Nation by his Father who was a prominent Elder in the community. Jerry Saddleback learned from many Elders throughout his early childhood and was taught the Cree language, stories and ceremonies. He attended university and achieved a Bachelor of Education. He taught various grades throughout his teaching career, breaking ground by introducing Cultural and Cree language curricula, catering specifically to Aboriginal children and teens. He used his education and Cree language skills to also do ground-breaking field research for Confederacy of Treaty Six, interviewing numerous Elders on language, Culture, ceremonies, songs, Treaty and our Story of Creation. He is one of a handful of people who knows the Origins of Cree Syllabics, Story of Creation: and is a key Knowledge Holder. Jerry’s knowledge was used extensively as a Spiritual Advisor for the Truth & Reconciliation Commission. Jerry Saddleback was recognized as Role Model, as Keeper of Knowledge and many other awards. He was chair of Cree Language Committee that drafted the Cree Language Declaration. He is Elder to many organizations, institutions, projects, and government committees. He continues the legacy of our Old People travelling wherever he is invited, to share the stories, language, Culture, ceremonies, songs and Story of Creation to all members of the Plains Cree family and other nations, educational institutions and conferences. Most recently, Jerry Saddleback was a delegate to the International Language Conference in Paris, France, and said opening prayers for the United Nations in New York.