Balkans35 Patron: Sergeant (Ret'd) Wendy Jocko, Chief of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation

Biography-Wendy-Anne Jocko

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 2 February 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.

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Sergeant Wendy Jocko (Ret’d), Chief of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, always knew she wanted to join the military. Born in Pembroke, Ontario, she comes from a long line of Indigenous Warriors who fought to defend Canada and restore peace. After serving 23 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, Wendy became Chief of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, leading them through the COVID-19 pandemic and on to a Treaty and Self-Government.

“I knew I wanted to be a soldier when I was just 4 years old,” says Wendy Jocko, Chief of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation. “We were living in Petawawa at the time and I noticed a soldier at a store across from my home. I looked at him and I thought to myself, that’s what I’m going to do when I grow up.”

“...throughout the history of my family, we have had a long association with military service.”

There was also perhaps another reason Jocko aspired to join the Canadian Armed Forces. “I come from a long line of Warriors.” The first known Warrior in her family was Constant Pinesi, Grand Chief of the Algonquins, who fought in the War of 1812. Four of her uncles fought in the First World War, with two of them killed in action in France. Additionally, her father and his six brothers served during the Second World War. Her son also carried on the legacy by serving with 1^st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (1RCR). “So, throughout the history of my family, we have had a long association with military service.”

Wendy would follow through on her aspirations when she enlisted at 19 years old. While attending school in Toronto, a sergeant from the local recruitment centre came to talk to the students. “My desire to join the military was confirmed to me at that very moment.” She then went away to Canadian Forces Recruit School Cornwallis and was first posted to CFB Edmonton as a supply technician after trades training. Throughout her career she served in Calgary, Chilliwack, Petawawa and completed two tours in Bosnia and Croatia. Wendy had a total of 23 years of service when she retired in 2002.

During her long military career, Jocko’s time in Bosnia stands out. She served on NATO peacekeeping missions in 1993 and 1998. “When you’re in a theatre of war or on a peacekeeping mission, this is an experience that certainly stands out in your memory. The devastation and human misery were very, very sad to witness.”

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