Cory Saddleback is the Founder and CEO of Kanawehimikot Group Home Ltd., bringing strong leadership, vision, and hands-on operational experience to youth care services across Alberta.
What sets Cory apart is his personal connection to the youth he serves. Having spent a significant part of his own childhood in the group care system, Cory understands firsthand the challenges, struggles, and realities that many youth in care face. This lived experience allows him to build genuine connections, provide meaningful guidance, and create an environment where youth feel understood, supported, and respected.
With a background in business ownership and community-focused initiatives, Cory has built Kanawehimikot with a clear purpose — to provide safe, structured, and high-quality environments for children and youth in need of care. His leadership is rooted in accountability, consistency, and a deep commitment to making a difference.
Cory works closely with DFNA agencies, caseworkers, and partners to ensure placements are handled professionally, efficiently, and with the best interests of each youth in mind. He remains actively involved in daily operations, staffing, and program development to ensure the highest standard of care is always maintained.
His vision continues to drive the growth of Kanawehimikot, with a focus on expanding services, strengthening relationships, and creating positive, lasting outcomes for youth across Alberta.
Skyesong Alexis is the Executive Director of Kanawehimikot Group Home Ltd., overseeing program development, youth care standards, and daily operations across all homes.
As a mother of three, Skyesong brings a deeply personal understanding of care, structure, and the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for youth. Her natural ability to nurture, guide, and lead plays a key role in shaping the culture within Kanawehimikot homes.
In addition to her leadership in youth care, Skyesong is a well-known golfer across North America and has competed as a professional golfer for over 8 years. Her experience in high-level sport brings a unique perspective into the homes — emphasizing discipline, resilience, confidence, and goal-setting.
She uses these experiences to inspire youth, showing them what is possible through dedication and hard work, while also helping build self-esteem and motivation.
In her role, Skyesong works closely with staff to ensure consistent programming, proper supervision, and full compliance with Alberta care standards. She also maintains strong relationships with agencies and ensures each youth receives individualized, high-quality support. Skyesong is widely respected in her community for her leadership, commitment, and positive influence. Her presence helps create an environment focused on growth, stability, and opportunity for every youth in care.
Elder Daphne Alexis was born and raised in Paul First Nation, Alberta, and married into the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation in 1980. As an Elder, she is passionate about helping young rediscover their cultural roots and reconnect with traditional values and practices.
She believes that the key to empowering young people is to provide them with a sense of belonging, purpose, and direction, and to help them develop a strong and resilient spirit.
Elder Daphne Alexis believes that traditional cultural practices, such as ceremony, language, and kinesthetic oral teachings, can play a crucial role in promoting mental well-being and healing among young people.
She hopes to see young people return to these practices, which she believes can help them develop a deeper sense of identity and purpose.
Creator blessed the young with the gift of resilience, learning growing and building their own compacity is important in family, community, and the role of the Elder is to share teachings that nurture a safe and healthy space for them.
