Jake Cruickshank specializes in Indigenous criminal justice involvement, diversion programming for both adults and youth, as well as children and youth wellness, mental health, and suicide prevention initiatives. His work reflects a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous communities and advancing culturally informed approaches to learning and development.
A graduate of McMaster University, Jake has been actively involved in Indigenous community work for more than a decade. His time at McMaster was transformative, sparking his passion for Indigenous issues and inspiring his personal journey to reclaim the culture and traditions that were taken from his family’s bloodline.
Jake has held a variety of leadership and advisory roles, including serving as an Executive Board Member for the Youth Movement and as a Recruitment Coordinator for McMaster’s Indigenous Student Services and Indigenous Student Health Sciences. He currently works as a Program Advisor with the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) and contributes to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Board Task Force at Adler Graduate Professional School.
An engaging and authentic speaker, Jake has presented and paneled at Citizens for the Advancement of Community Development (CACD), Adler Graduate Professional School, and schools across Ontario. His facilitation style both educates and inspires, creating meaningful learning experiences for diverse audiences.