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ABOUT
Jack Saddleback is a proud Nehiyaw (Cree) Two Spirit / IndigiQueer, trans, gay man from the Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacis, Alberta. An internationally renowned public speaker, activist, and equity champion, Mr. Saddleback is a staunch advocate for Two Spirit topics, mental health, Indigenous engagement, gender and sexual diversity, equitable policies, and social stewardship.
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Growing up as a genderqueer child, he faced bullying and discrimination at school and in his community; he was diagnosed with severe depression at the age of 14 and struggled for years to reach a stage of recovery. Eventually coming out as transgender at the age of 18, he healed through the help of his traditional Cree ceremonies in conjunction with conventional therapy. Mr. Saddleback found his calling in revitalizing Two Spirit peoples roles and responsibilities in ceremony and in the community; all while pushing for social and societal decolonization / revitalization practices that speak to equitable change.
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Mr. Saddleback has sat on numerous councils and committees, such as the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s Youth Council as the Saskatchewan representative, a role he held for six years. Along with his fellow council members, Mr. Saddleback lobbied political figures, policy makers, and community members alike to bring youth mental health to the forefront with the The Mental Health Strategy for Canada: A Youth Perspective.
The roles Mr. Saddleback has held over the years, such as the former Co-Interim Executive Director with OUTSaskatoon and the Board Co-Chair with 2 Spirits in Motion, highlight the tireless intiatives he spearheads in the Queer community and the Indigenous community to address reconciliation and decolonization work that incorporates an intersectional lens. As the former President for the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union (USSU), Mr. Saddleback was the third Aboriginal person and the first transgender person to hold the role and successfully introduced the mandate of Indigenous content in all degree programs at the University of Saskatchewan during his tenure. A recipient of numerous awards, such as the 2018 SK Young Humanitarian of the Year from Red Cross, Mr. Saddleback brings a number of marginalized voices to the forefront through his inspirational work.
As the Pride Centre Coordinator, Jack worked alongside his peers to create meaningful policy change for gender identity, gender expression, and Two Spirit identities at the University of Saskatchewan.
The first Transgender and third Aboriginal University of Saskatchewan Students' Union's President.
The very first Trans Pride flag raising in Saskatchewan at Saskatoon City Hall on March 31st, 2014 alongside community members.
Jack has a long history of working with national organizations to bring awareness to Gender and Sexual Diversity issues
Involved in Pride's locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally
Jack has spoken at international conferences, such as the World Pride Human Rights Conference and the ACPA conference, around interesectional identity, Indigenous issues, and more
Speaking up about mental health and mental illness through venues like the Faces of Mental Illness Campaign
Jack has long been involved in creating a better environment for all students by creating policies, events, and general awareness for issues like Indigenous engagement, gender and sexual diversity, social justice, feminism, and more
Jack speaks to youth from all walks of life to encourage them to speak up and speak out about the need for change