Melody Lepine

Background

About Melody Lepine

Mrs. Lepine was with the Mikisew Cree First Nation Government and Industry Relations (GIR) Department since 2003 until 2024. The GIR is mandated to manage all consultation matters pertaining to natural resource development within the Mikisew Cree's traditional territory and Athabasca Oil Sands region. She is also a member of the Mikisew Cree a First Nation and was raised in Fort Chipewyan, the oldest settlement in Alberta. Melody studied environmental conservation sciences at the University of Alberta and the masters in environmental management program at Royal Roads University. Her balance in teachings of both traditional knowledge and western science has become Ms. Lepine’s key strength in her professional career. During her time with the GIR, Ms. Lepine has been managing numerous files for the Mikisew Cree some of which include oil sands regulatory interventions, developing and implementing the Mikisew Cree consultation protocol, negotiations of Impact Benefit Agreements, Indigenous Knowledge studies, land use planning, government policy reviews, community based research and creating a community based environmental monitoring program. Melody served as co-chair of the Alberta Oil Sands Advisory Group, member on the Alberta Indigenous Wisdom Advisory Panel, board member at the Pembina Institute, advisor on the Indigenous Advisory Committee for the federal government's Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, council member on the National Guardians Council and former board member on the Cumulative Environment Management Association. Specialties: Impact Assessments including assessing impacts to rights and culture. Negotiation and Implementation of Impact Benefit Agreements. Indigenous Knowledge Studies, Community Based Environmental Monitoring, First Nation Consultation and Accommodation on energy projects. Capacity Building for Community Engagement as well as Operations and Project Management.