MEET THE TEAM!

Jaclyn Guenette, a proud member of the Otipemisiwak Métis Nation of Alberta, is a dedicated advocate and experienced professional in sport and operations management, social development, and community engagement. With extensive experience in both grassroots initiatives and elite sports development, she is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and creating opportunities that empower athletes and communities.

As the Executive Director of the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta (ISCA), Jaclyn leads initiatives that promote wellness, inclusivity, and athletic excellence among Indigenous peoples of all ages and skill levels. Her leadership highlights the importance of cultural connection and community-driven values, ensuring that programs and services are tailored to meet the unique needs of Indigenous communities.

In 2022, Jaclyn was appointed Chef de Mission for Team Alberta at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In this role, she demonstrated exceptional leadership and organizational skills, successfully managing funding acquisition, team selection, and travel logistics for over 500 athletes, coaches, and support staff. Under her guidance, Team Alberta competed in all 16 sports, won 82 medals, and achieved a 4th-place overall finish in North America.

During her tenure as Chef de Mission, Jaclyn also served as Interim Operations Manager at ISCA before being promoted to Executive Director. In these roles, she has been instrumental in delivering impactful programs and overseeing day-to-day operations with a focus on sustainability and growth.

Jaclyn’s journey in sports began as a volunteer and team manager, reflecting her deep commitment to community engagement. In 2017, she became the Director of Facilities for KC Trojans Soccer Association. In 2020, she was elected as the organization’s first female President, where she successfully led strategic planning, operational management, and the implementation of innovative programs. Jaclyn currently serves on multiple boards and committees, including the Multi-Sport Tournament and Recreation Site Board of Edmonton, the Alberta Schools Athletic Association, the Special Olympics Canada Indigenous Inclusion Committee, the North American Indigenous Games 2027 Host Society, and CONIFA North America, among others. Through these roles, she continues to champion inclusivity and advance opportunities in sport at all levels.

Beyond her work in sport, Jaclyn has built a distinguished 15-year career in healthcare as a Registered Social Worker and Designated Capacity Assessor for the Province of Alberta. She specializes in supporting families affected by Alzheimer’s, dementia, and acquired brain injuries, combining professional expertise with empathy and compassion to create a meaningful impact. Jaclyn is also an international award-winning children’s book author. Her book, I Smile for Grandpa, published in four languages, helps young children better understand dementia while fostering stronger family connections.

To complement her certifications in health-related fields, Jaclyn successfully completed the Strategic Leadership Development Program in Executive Education at the University of Calgary in 2024, further enhancing her leadership skills and commitment to lifelong learning.

Kyra Buchan is a proud member of the Bearskin Lake First Nation and an inspiring figure in the world of sport management and community engagement. She graduated with a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Alberta in 2022, where she honed her skills and knowledge in the field of physical activity and health. Kyra's journey in the sports management world began during her time working at World Triathlon Series Edmonton, where she contributed to the successful execution of a high-profile international event. 

Since joining ISCA in 2021, Kyra has had the opportunity to lead both grassroots initiatives and elite sports development. Kyra's leadership capabilities were further recognized when she served as Team Alberta's Assistant Chef de Mission at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In this pivotal role, she played a crucial part in ensuring that Alberta’s team of over 500 athletes, coaches and support staff had the resources, support, and encouragement necessary to excel in their respective sports. Through her work with ISCA she aims to empower Indigenous youth through sport, all while celebrating the unique cultures and traditions of Indigenous peoples. Kyra aims to bridge the gap between Indigenous athletes and mainstream sporting opportunities, ensuring that Indigenous voices are heard and celebrated in the world of athletics.

Kyra actively volunteers with Do North Events supporting national and international sporting events in Edmonton and will be travelling to St. John’s, Newfoundland on Team Alberta’s mission staff for the 2025 Canada Summer Games.

Sports have always been a significant part of Kyra's life. She proudly represented Team BC in the sport of softball at NAIG 2014, where her team achieved the gold medal. Additionally, her participation in NAIG 2017 saw her softball team finishing in fourth place with Team BC placing first overall. Her dedication to sports has been recognized with her induction into the City of Quesnel Sports Hall of Fame in 2015 and as a recipient of a Premier’s Award for Aboriginal Youth Excellence in Sport. These experiences not only enriched her life but also deepened her understanding of the importance of sports in building community, resilience, and self-identity among Indigenous youth.

In addition to school and work, Kyra has added certifications in Native Youth Olympics Coach Training, Indigenous Communities: Active for Live, Indigenous Long-Term Participant Development Pathway and the Aboriginal Coaching Module.

Taylor is a driven and accomplished individual who takes great pride in her Miawpukek First

Nations heritage. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Kinesiology at the

University of Alberta. Taylor's passion for sports stems from her experience as an Alumni of

Pandas Wrestling, where she excelled as a wrestler at both the Varsity and National Team level.

With her love for sports, she aims to inspire and empower those around her and develop more

inclusive spaces for Indigenous people and girls within sports programming.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Taylor also serves as a Sports Program Coordinator with

the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta (ISCA). In this role, she is responsible for developing

and implementing culturally appropriate sports programming for Indigenous youth and families

in Alberta. Through her work, Taylor aims to create safe and inclusive spaces that promote

physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and community engagement among Indigenous populations.

Lastly, her most recent travelling endeavours led her to be the Winner of The Amazing Race

Canada with her best friend, Katie Mulkay; together, they wanted to showcase strong females

within a male-dominated sport and show how strong is truly beautiful!