Joseph Tsannie

Vice Grand Chief, Prince Albert Grand Council

Joseph Tsannie began his career with the Prince Albert Grand Council in 2004. One of the largest Tribal Councils in Canada, PAGC represents twelve First Nations and a population of 44,000. After gaining experience in the organization, Joseph soon established himself as a leader and was elected into the Vice Chief executive position in 2012.

Through his commitment to his people, Joseph is helping pave the way for First Nation communities in Northern Saskatchewan to assert and maintain their right to self-government; and pursue their right to political, economic, social, and cultural development. He views Tracking Change as an important project to help fulfill this mandate. Driven by a vision to braid traditional and scientific knowledge, Joseph is best known for inspiring the creation of tools that offer creative solutions rooted in cultural understanding.

Joseph is from the isolated community of Hatchet Lake First Nation (only accessible by boat, ice-road, or plane), and is a fluent speaker of his native Denesuline language. While support and advocacy are his primary job functions by day, Joseph also enjoys spending time with his family, being out on the land, and playing guitar.