Sergeant (Ret’d) Wendy Jocko

“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 1st 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.”

Meeting the local people was rewarding for Jocko. As the local purchasing agent, she was able to leave the base camp in Daruvar, Croatia and head into the capital city of Zagreb. On her way out of the tiny village, she would pass a family of Roma living by a landfill in a tiny plywood dwelling. “I noticed a young woman with her little children and an elderly lady. I thought to myself, how sad it was that they’re living at the edge of the landfill. I thought to myself ‘by the time I leave here I’m going to do something nice for them.’”

“Connecting with the local people was a memorable experience. Women and children who are caught up in conflicts of war are the most vulnerable. I am happy I was able to help in a small way.”

Despite the language barrier, Wendy befriended the young girl named Maria. “You can always communicate with people in some way even though you cannot speak the language, whether it’s by body language or by just being friendly, kind and loving.” Every day on her way to the city, she would stop by to see how they were, often bringing fruit and milk for the children. “Connecting with the local people was a memorable experience. Women and children who are caught up in conflicts of war are the most vulnerable. I am happy I was able to help in a small way. The mission in Bosnia was a significant life altering experience.”

Jocko retired from the Canadian Armed Forces in 2002 and became a funeral director and embalmer for 10 years when she moved to Scotland, in 2003-2013. This new career choice was directly linked to her overseas experience in Bosnia. While she was stationed in Zagreb, 1 RCR lost a soldier due to an unfortunate accident and her section was involved in his repatriation back to Canada.

Wendy returned to the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation community in 2015. Two years later, she was nominated for and elected to council, serving on a three year term from 2017-2020. This was her second time as a councillor, having also served from 2001-2003.

Nominated by the outgoing Chief, Kirby Whiteduck, Wendy was elected Chief of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation in March 2020. Critical issues during this term include the First Nation response to COVID-19, the Treaty and Self-Government Negotiations with Canada and Ontario, as well as continued cultural and economic development.

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