John-Paul Chalykoff is an Assistant Professor in Anishinaabe Studies at Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He is a member of Michipicoten First Nation, an Ojibwe community in Canada on the north-east coast of Lake Superior, where he has also served as an elected councilor. His work focuses on utilizing music and puppetry to encourage learning and retaining Anishinaabemowin, the Anishinaabe language.

Earlier on in his career, John-Paul graduated from Algoma University/Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, where he completed a Bachelor of Arts in Anishinaabemowin. He went on to complete a Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario, with qualifications to teach Native Studies and History. He completed additional qualifications to teach Ojibwe and French as Second Languages. In addition to being an Ontario Certified Teacher in Good Standing through the Ontario College of Teachers, he holds a Master of Education from Lakehead University.