Wendy-Anne Jocko is a distinguished Indigenous leader, military veteran, and public servant whose diverse career spans over four decades of dedicated service to both her community and country.
Born on February 2, 1960, to Leo Jocko and Williamina McKay, Wendy served in the Canadian Forces from 1979 to 2002 as a Supply Technician, including two notable tours in Bosnia and Croatia. During her service, she demonstrated exceptional leadership and humanitarian compassion, particularly in supporting vulnerable populations in conflict zones.
After returning to Pikwakanagan in 1996, Wendy has held several key leadership positions, including serving as Councillor (2001-2003, 2017-2020) and Chief of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation (2020-2023). Her portfolios have encompassed crucial areas such as Finance, Housing, Health, and General Administration.
Following her military career, Wendy pursued a remarkable professional transformation in Scotland, becoming a Funeral Director Embalmer and rising to Scottish Regional Governor of the British Institute of Funeral Directing. Upon returning to Canada, she fulfilled her dream of becoming a transport truck operator in the Saskatchewan oil patch, showcasing her versatility and determination.
One of her most significant contributions has been strengthening the relationship between the Canadian Forces and First Nations. She established the annual Remembrance Day parade and feast in 1999 and donated a meaningful cenotaph honoring Algonquin service members.
Currently serving as Indigenous Liaison at Innovation 7, Wendy continues to build bridges between communities and create opportunities for Indigenous advancement. A mother of four children and grandmother to seven, she embodies the spirit of service, leadership, and dedication to community development that has characterized her entire career.