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Joel Nathan Pedersen, MMM, CD, soldier, police officer, entrepreneur, volunteer (born 3 February 1970 in Saskatoon, SK). Joel Pedersen is a member of the Fond du Lac First Nation and has close family connections to the Mikisew Cree Nation and Métis Nation—Saskatchewan. During a full-time civilian career, he also served in the Army Reserve. Pedersen attained the highest non-commissioned rank of chief warrant officer and became the first member of a First Nation to become a brigade group sergeant major in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Background
Joel Pedersen grew up in Brandon, Manitoba and Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. He is the adopted son of Rolf Pedersen and Connie Sampson. Both parents served in the Army Reserve in the 1960s. Pedersen attended schools in Brandon and Prince Albert and completed high school in Prince Albert.
Military Service
Joel Pedersen joined The North Saskatchewan Regiment on 5 December 1987. He progressed steadily through the ranks, culminating in his promotion to chief warrant officer (CWO) on 23 November 2016. Pedersen was the first regimental sergeant major (RSM) of First Nations ancestry of The North Saskatchewan Regiment, The Royal Regina Rifles, 38 Canadian Brigade Group (CBG) Battle School and The Fort Garry Horse.
During his army career, Pedersen served with the Canadian UN contingent in Cyprus from January to August 1991 (see also Canadian Peacekeepers in Cyprus). He also participated in NATO training in Norway and senior NCO leadership training in Italy.
Pedersen was the first Indigenous adviser to the commander 38 CBG and a volunteer for the Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group. As well, he mentored and supported Bold Eagle. This six-week summer program for Indigenous youth combines Indigenous cultures with military training to help develop several valuable skills.
Pedersen is also a designated carrier of the DND/CAF Eagle Staff, which represents the warrior heritage and military legacy of First Nations peoples in Canada. On 5 October 2024, he was appointed brigade sergeant major for 38 CBG, the first CWO of First Nations ancestry to hold that position among the three regular and 10 reserve brigade groups across Canada.
Police Service
Joel Pedersen joined the Saskatoon Police Service in 1992 and spent 25 years as a policeman. After eight years as a patrol constable, he served in several other sections and was promoted sergeant on 1 July 2008. Pedersen is a graduate of the Canadian Emergency Preparedness College, the Saskatchewan Police College and the Canadian Police College.
Business
Joel Pedersen was active in sports from a young age. In 2011, he founded Fitness 2J2, a health and wellness consulting company. Pedersen provides programming assistance to remote Indigenous communities and inner-city groups to help build healthier and safer communities. He has received several awards for his work.
Honours and Awards
- UN Forces in Cyprus Medal (1991)
- Canadian Forces Decoration (1999), 1st Clasp (2009), 2nd Clasp (2022)
- Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal (2001)
- Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan (2005)
- Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal (2014)
- Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal (2019)
- Member, Order of Military Merit (2021)
- Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal – Saskatchewan (2022)
