Kendra Jessie is a mixed Indigenous woman with Cree, Metis, and Ukrainian roots. She was born and raised in High Prairie, Alberta in Treaty 8 territory. Through her mom she is status from Sucker Creek Frist Nation and Ukrainian. Through her dad she has family from Gift Lake Métis Settlement and Whitefish Lake First Nation.
Kendra identifies herself as an auntie, athlete, artist and advocate. She is the founder of the nonprofit organization Sport for Spirit, a Brock University graduate with a Bachelor of Sport Management Honors, and is recognized as a Nike N7 athlete, dancer, content creator, public speaker, and hockey coach. Kendra takes immense pride in her accomplishments with Team Alberta at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championship (NAHC), winning a bronze medal both as an athlete and a coach. Additionally, she was featured in a Nike "Play New" campaign that was aired on live television during the World Junior Hockey Championship.
For Kendra, sports are more than a game; they represent community, good medicine, and life. Drawing on her personal struggles with mental and emotional health, she underscores the role of sports in regulating emotions and promoting mindfulness.
Believing in the transformative power of sports within Indigenous communities, Kendra contributes to shaping the next generation of Indigenous athletes by trailblazing in spaces where representation is limited. Through her nonprofit organization, Sport for Spirit, she aims to empower Indigenous youth and give back to the community by providing health and wellness programs, sport events, tournaments, teams, as well as hosting conferences and workshops.
