Family relations from Northern Saskatchewan and a member of the Fond du Lac First Nation; connected to the Mikisew Cree Nation. Born is Saskatoon, grew up in Brandon Manitoba and Prince Albert Sask. High School in Prince Albert and attended the University of Saskatchewan and University of Regina.
Joined the Canadian Forces Army Reserves while still in High School, went on to deploy on a United Nations Peace Keeping mission in Cyprus, and NATO training in Norway. Over the past 30 years in the Army Reserve Joel has served as an Infantry soldier. He has gained a substantial amount of operational and tactical leadership and management skills.
Currently Joel is the only serving First Nations, Infantry Chief Warrant Officer in the 3rd Division of the Canadian Army. The first Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of the North Saskatchewan Regiment and the Royal Regina Rifles of First Nations Ancestry. Proud to serve as the Indigenous Advisor to the 38 CBG Commander, RSM of 38 CBG Battle School. Regional Representative to the Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group (DAAG).
Being a part time Infantry soldier, Joel was also able to pursue a career with the Saskatoon Police Service. 25-year career Joel worked in various positions from: Uniform Street Patrol Constable, and Traffic Constable to acting Sgt; Forensic Identification Crime Scene Investigations; Criminal Investigations Division Sergeant and acting S/Sgt; Detective-Sergeant in Domestic Violence Targeted Enforcement. Team Leader with the Public Safety Unit; Use of force instructor. Operational planning for large scale events in Saskatoon including Queen Elizabeth visit; American President George Bush visit.
Both of these careers have worked hand in hand with the Leadership and Management development and employment skills.
A graduate of the Canadian Emergency Preparedness College; Canadian Forces Leadership School; Canadian Land Forces Command and Staff College; Canadian Police College; Saskatchewan Police College.
Joel enjoys spending time with his family in Saskatoon. A Freelance writer; A Director with the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce; Motivational and key note speaker. Founder of Fitness 2J2 a socially responsible, community based health and wellness company. That has received a number of business awards for community involvement over the last few years.
