Sarah Jacknife
Policy Strategist, Educator, and Entrepreneur
Focus Areas
Cultural Agility Coaching, Indigenous Workplace Inclusion Strategies, Community Engagement and Facilitation
Sarah Jacknife is a proud Métis woman from Elizabeth Métis Settlement in Treaty 6 territory, whose work as a policy expert, educator, and advocate for Indigenous rights spans across Turtle Island and beyond. Of Métis, Cree, and mixed European ancestry, Sarah brings a grounded yet global perspective to every table she sits at—whether guiding organizations through Indigenous policy, teaching graduate students, or shaping conversations about reconciliation and Indigenous sovereignty.
Now based as a visitor in Mohkinstsis/Calgary on Treaty 7 territory, Sarah is the founder of Jacknife Consulting, a growing practice focused on Indigenous policy, research, writing, and facilitation. Her approach is practical, thoughtful, and people-centered—working with clients to meaningfully integrate Indigenous perspectives into their work, policies, and relationships. She launched her consultancy in 2023 after a year of planning, building a client base while working full-time, and taking the leap into full-time entrepreneurship with a commitment to long-term impact.
Sarah’s academic credentials include a Master of Public Policy in Indigenous Policy from the University of Calgary, where she now teaches a graduate-level Indigenous Policy course. As an instructor, Sarah is passionate about adult education and helping learners move beyond deficit narratives toward a deeper understanding of Indigenous resilience, knowledge systems, and lived realities.
Her career has taken her across Canada and internationally, with highlights including her work in municipal government in Aotearoa/New Zealand as a political advisor, leading Indigenous awareness training for global recruitment firms, and supporting Indigenous university students across Canada. No matter the setting, Sarah is driven by the desire to create spaces where Indigenous rights are respected, worldviews are understood, and relationships are built on trust and accountability.
Sarah currently serves on the Indigenous Leadership Circle for Forward Summit and is frequently called upon to speak, write, and advise on matters related to reconciliation, Indigenous policy, and organizational transformation. Her writing has been published by CBC and The Globe and Mail, amplifying Indigenous voices and perspectives on the national stage.
Resilience, adaptability, and clarity have shaped Sarah’s journey. She’s not afraid to pivot—having returned to Canada during the height of COVID after living and working abroad—and she’s committed to building a business and a career that reflect both her personal values and the needs of her community. She believes that success is found in relationships, consistency, and staying open to unexpected opportunities.
Sarah and Anne first started working together in 2024 through Forum’s Aahg-tsoo-go-waa-tsee-yoop (We Are Making Relatives) cultural agility coaching program, and continue to collaborate on community and corporate initiatives and programs. With every project, classroom, and conversation, Sarah brings curiosity, courage, and a deep sense of responsibility to her work.