Served two terms as Chief of Alberta’s high-profile Fort McKay First Nation
President of a growing company with more than 600 employees
Spearheaded a volunteer fire department that saved an entire community during the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires
Successfully lobbied Alberta government for the protection of the Moose Lake buffer zone
Entrepreneur with three decades of experience in project management, business development and construction engineering
Aboriginal provincial hockey coach
Founder of Awake Cultural Camp
Survivor
Served two terms as Chief of Alberta’s high-profile Fort McKay First Nation
President of a growing company with more than 600 employees
Spearheaded a volunteer fire department that saved an entire community during the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires
Successfully lobbied Alberta government for the protection of the Moose Lake buffer zone
Entrepreneur with three decades of experience in project management, business development and construction engineering
Aboriginal provincial hockey coach
Founder of Awake Cultural Camp
Survivor
The breadth and diversity of Mel’s experience make him uniquely qualified to lead conversations about perseverance, finding strength within, maintaining tradition while navigating the changes of a modern world, and much more.
As one of Canada’s most accomplished former Chiefs, Mel is in demand as an advisor to First Nation governance and executive leadership teams on agreements and initiatives. Mel’s experience and understanding of socioeconomics help Indigenous communities maintain tradition while successfully navigating the changes of the modern world.
Mel created the Awake Cultural Camp out of a passion for preserving Indigenous culture. The initiative’s primary goal is to sustain traditional hunting, fishing, and trapping practices, keeping native culture alive and ensuring these ways of life are passed down to future generations.
Mel is transforming generational trauma into strength and hope for the future.
A second-generation residential school survivor, Mel endured both racism and abuse throughout his youth. Despite these challenges, he chooses not to dwell on the past. As Fort McKay faces growing pains and rising substance use, Mel has forged a different path—one of healing, driven by dedication and personal development.
