Neal Kewistep MPA, BA

Neal Kewistep has spent most of his career fostering relationships with government, community-based organizations, Indigenous organizations and educators. His leadership as the former Interim Director of Population Public Health (PPH) in the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) led to increasing the infant and childhood immunization rates to close the gap between the most affluent neighbourhoods and the inner city neighbourhoods, and to addressing safe housing issues in a new way within the scope of the Public Health Act.

Neal was also the strategic lead for cultural competency and Truth and Reconciliation Commission activities for PPH, which was a role he was proud to take on. He has served as the Director of Operations for the Native Counselling Services of Alberta, as a Community Development Advisor with Yellow Quill First Nation, and has provided consulting services to the Saskatoon Tribal Council and the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools. He has served on various boards and committees, and in 2017, CBC awarded him as one of its “Future 40 under 40” for his work in leading change within the health care system.

Neal holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from JSGS and has a bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Studies from First Nations University of Canada. In addition to his formal education, he counts his traditional training from elders as being as relevant in teaching him the role of a servant leader.