Joel Cardinal – SWY 37 National Leader
Joel Cardinal is a nêhiyaw (Cree), two-spirit educator from onihcikiskwapowin (Saddle Lake Cree Nation) in Treaty 6 Territory, Alberta. He currently serves as the Indian Residential School Project Coordinator at University nuhelot’įne thaa?ehots’į nistameyimâkanak Blue Quills (UnBQ), located on the site of the former Blue Quills Indian Residential School. In this role, Joel leads the coordination of the search for unmarked burial sites of children who never returned home from Blue Quills. His work facilitates a healing process for Survivors and communities, grounded in truth and respect. This work is deeply personal: Joel’s father is a Survivor of Blue Quills, having attended the residential school for eight years as a child.
Joel holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Simon Fraser University and a Master of Education from UnBQ. His graduate capstone explored residential school history and storytelling as pedagogy. With over three years of experience as a Client Management Paralegal, Joel has worked directly with Survivors to document their experiences and advocate for reconciliation through education, policy, and practice.
As an educator, Joel teaches in the Bachelor of Leadership and Management program at UnBQ, with courses in Treaties and Indigenous Governance. His leadership philosophy is rooted in servant leadership – centering empathy, accountability, and cultural humility.
Previously, Joel served as Manager of Reconciliation at the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, where he led national community-based initiatives in schools and corporate spaces.
A delegate on SWY 18, Joel continues to engage in cross-cultural dialogue through programs in Northern Ireland and Switzerland. He remains active in Cree ceremonial life, community volunteering, and enjoys time at his cabin with his two dogs. Joel’s commitment to Indigenous resurgence, cultural exchange, and inclusive leadership continues to shape his contributions as an educator, advocate, and global citizen.