Jocelyn Formsma

Jocelyn Formsma’s career exemplifies the revolutionary power of bringing people together in good ways. Passionate about the rights of Indigenous people, Jocelyn has advanced reconciliation at multiple levels with many groups in different venues across Turtle Island and around the world.

Jocelyn served on the Nishnawbe Aski Nation Youth Council and the Chiefs of Ontario Youth Council, also working for the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada (FNCFCSC). After graduating with a Juris Doctorate from the University of Ottawa, she was called to the Bar of Ontario and worked as a lawyer for a First Nations-owned law firm. She also served as a board member of the Indigenous Bar Association and was an advisory to the Ontario Indigenous Youth Partnership Project.

She is the Executive Director of the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) and has been involved with the NAFC for many years. The youngest-ever Chairperson at the Aboriginal People’s Television Network (APTN), Jocelyn is also a trustee of the Canadian Museum of Human Rights. She was chosen to join the Deputy Prime Minister’s Task Force on Women and the Economy.

Jocelyn’s commitment to child welfare is both national and international in scope. She sits as a board member on the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) and was one of two Canadian delegates selected by the World Economic Forum (WEF) to join the Young Global Leaders Community, an international community of exceptional young leaders. She has spoken at international venues such as the United Nations and the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples.

Throughout her career, Jocelyn has been steadfast in her pursuit of achieving equity for Indigenous children and families, pursuing reconciliation whenever and wherever she can.