Board of Directors

2023 - Present

Christine is always amazed by the collaboration of Saskatchewan people. There are so many people who have a heartstring cause and many of these groups somehow intersects with others - which promotes this amazing synergy that you don’t find in other places. Having been born and raised in Saskatoon by Dutch immigrant parents, she understands how important these connections can be. She saw her father, Henk Ruys, with a vision of a first indoor soccer centre in Saskatoon, make it a reality by collaborating with only Saskatchewan supporters. Read more

2021 - Present

Yvonne just completed a term as President on the board of her local museum - Fort Pelly-Livingstone Museum. She served in this position for six years after a fire totally destroyed the museum. There is now a building and functioning museum. Although COIVD has been very destructive, the museum has carried on! Did you know that the Fort was the very first Capitol of the North West Territories! This is an unknown fact that the museum has been attempting to change. Yvonne was also involved in the ceremony, story-telling, dance, and food during Indigenous Days and Culture Days. Read more

2026 - Present

Kathy is an artist who greatly values the role of arts and culture to connect people. A lifelong volunteer, she is dedicated to creating inclusive and accessible environments so that all people can experience a sense of belonging and find community. Kathy is a big believer in the mission of SaskCulture and has tremendous respect for the high quality of the organization’s work. Read more

2025 - Present

As an emerging, independent film producer, Tyson is interested in the sharing of culture and believe wholeheartedly in the benefit of multiculturalism. As a father of three, he is committed to cultural and art-focused organizations. They are an interracial family, and he understands the need to share and support culture broadly within our community. Tyson has much experience with governance boards and can bring that experience to help SaskCulture's board. He is a multi-passionate generalist with focus on relationships, collaboration and creativity. Read more

2026 - Present

Brad was born and raised in Saskatoon, is a member of the George Gordon First Nation with strong Métis roots and a proud dad of a 13-year-old daughter. His experience includes working with the Friendship Centre movement as a board member for the Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre from 2005-2017 and working for the Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan from 2012-2017. He’s also worked for United Way of Saskatoon and Area as the Director, Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships and has experience adjudicating for SaskCulture. Read more

2026-Present

Valerie was born, raised, educated in Saskatchewan, and except for a year in Alberta and three in Ontario, her career as an educator happened here. For example, she was a science information officer at PFRA (Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration) and a high school teacher. An archive project she completed at PFRA changed how she understands prairie settlement and agriculture. The last 22 years of her career were spent at the University of Regina where she taught in the Faculty of Education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Her last title was Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs and Student Services. Read more

2024 - Present

Jenni would be honoured to serve on the SaskCulture Board as the Métis community of interest. She believes her experience as an entrepreneur, who has been using music and art to elevate dining experiences since 2005, would be useful. Jenni’s work takes her all over Saskatchewan and she is aware of its geographical and cultural diversity. She served on a municipal council for a three-year term (Birch Hills), was on Slow Food Saskatoon's steering committee, was executive of Métis Local #126, and is on the Indigenous Culinary of Associated Nations Board as a Director (2020 to present). Read more

2026-Present

Rowena previously served a term on the Board of Directors of SaskCulture & Creative Kids from 2021– 2023. During her time on the board, she was actively engaged in activities and represented the board on numerous occasions across the province. These included participating as an MC for FolkFest in Candidate Summary Information/6 Saskatoon, speaking at the grand opening of the Indigenous section of the Western Development Museum in Yorkton, and taking part in the opening ceremony of the Doukhobor Dugout House National Historic Site. Her family has long been active in the Filipino community, and Rowena has grown up promoting and celebrating her Filipino heritage through various community events, particularly in Northern Saskatchewan. Read more

2026-Present

Dr. Nicholas Chielotam Akas, Full Professor, is an internationally recognized scholar, performer, and cultural leader whose work advances the intersection of Indigenous performance, cultural identity, and community development. Beginning his career as a dancer grounded in African indigenous traditions, he has grown into a globally engaged academic whose research and practice position the arts as powerful tools for education, healing, and social transformation. Read More

2026 - Present

With a strong commitment to community development, equity, diversity, and inclusion, Olubunmi believes his experience and dedication align well with the mission and values of SaskCulture. Read more