Muskwachees Profiles

My name is Robert B. Ward Jr. aka “ BobbyJack ” and I was born in Hobbema. I have been married to Gloria for 23 years. My mother Betsy was from the Samson Cree Nation but then married my father Robert Sr. who was from the Driftpile Band. Before my mother passed away from cancer a couple of years ago, Samson Band reinstated her back on the band list.

I have been managing the radio station since May of this year 2009. I also managed the radio station back in 2002, at which time I left the radio to pursue other interests. I got started in radio when I had a falling out with my social worker in Edmonton. I told her to find me a job because I couldn't find anything with my resume. The head manager from the social services then she sent me to AMMSA where they then referred me to CFWE The Native Perspective. I worked there as a Disc Jockey from 1995-1996. I enjoyed the limelight there, because I had the opportunity to interview all types of celebrities and the job took me all over.

After I left CFWE, I received a call from Brian Buffalo who back then was the manager of Hawk Radio and he asked me if I was interested in working for Samson Band Hawk Radio and I said sure. I worked as a Disc Jockey there for 3 years until at such time, Brian decided to leave. I then assumed the position of manager from 1999-2002. I enjoyed my time with Hawk Radio and I had the chance to travel thru-out North America providing coverage for our listeners for various events and venues. For example, Dreamspeaker Festivals, Aboriginal Music Awards, Skydome Powwows and Scmeizun Powwow. I interviewed just about every native celebrity there is. I have a working relationship with all of them. From time to time I call them or they call me.

I received my diploma in 1991 from Columbia Academy of Recording Arts & Music Production. They were located in Edmonton at the time but the organization moved to Vancouver. I only finished 6 months of my training and they said I still need to do 1 more semester, I decided then that it was too far to travel so I never did complete my second semester. However, I received accolades for my achievements in the recording arts from the Head of Columbia Academy.   They still want to know how my progress is after all these years so they can put my name in the Hall of Fame. I told them that I worked at a radio station and were happy for me.

I love working for the people here in Hobbema and that's why I work so hard to provide as much coverage on current events and Live on Locations. I create all the commercials and jingles, station ID's and write all the scripts for the entertaining skit called “A Day in the life of Two Hairs”. We have received a lot of compliments and where do we come with these ideas. Thanks to Warren Ermineskin for providing the voice of Smiles-a-lot. He is 2 hairs partner in crime for the cree-linguish comedy. We plan on making it into an on-going saga and will be selling CD's later.

My love for music has gone back to when I was 15. I decided to buy a electric guitar and sheet music and taught myself how to play. I have playing and singing since then. It has been almost 35 years. I have played in various bands throughout the years.

Composed by Robert B. Ward