Elder Jerry Saddleback Sr. is from Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacîs, AB. He is one of a handful of people who can recite the History of Creation Story and one of fewer people who knows the true history of the Origins of Cree Syllabics. His profound knowledge about Cree history and traditions conveys a powerful sense of intellectual and Spiritual insights into Cree Culture. Elder Jerry Saddleback is in high demand as a speaker and travels all over North America as requested by communities, educational institutions and other organizations such as Truth and Reconciliation. He is a dynamic Storyteller and compassionate Teacher. Mr. Saddleback is currently the Elder-In-Residence and Dean of Cultural Studies at the Maskwacis Cultural College in Maskwacis.
Jo-Ann Saddleback is a passionate advocate of Aboriginal cultural. She 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 several years, travelling across North America developing and delivering workshops on Culture, Health, Roles and Rights of Aboriginal Women and cross-cultural workshops for RCMP, Corrections Canada, Alberta Health, Healthcare workers, Alberta Justice judges and crown prosecutors. She spent years visiting Old People in the First Nations and Metis communities in which she was delivering workshops and remains grateful they have entrusted her to continue to work in communities sharing their wisdom. She taught Cree Studies 101 and 121 about Culture, traditions and Family and Identity at Maskwacis Cultural College while Coordinator of Student Services.