Melanie Dene

Executive Manager

Melanie Dene (iskwew/she/her) was born and resides in Treaty 8 territory in Nistawáyâw (‘where the three rivers meet’) formerly known as Fort McMurray, Alberta. She is a member of Mikisew Cree First Nation. Her mother is of Woodland Cree and Athabaskan Chipewyan, and Nakoda descent, and her father is of Métis descent. Melanie is a mother to two daughters and one son; Emma, Isabelle and Kîhew Awâsis. 

She holds a Master of Arts in Policy Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies that she completed at the University of Alberta. Melanie is passionate about Indigenous issues, Treaty & Inherent Rights, the land, water and the environment. 

Melanie is excited to join the ICA team and looking forward to continuing to learn from the experts which are the land users, knowledge holders, youth, Elders and land defenders, not to mention the ICA team. Melanie hopes that she can bring her invaluable knowledge and experience to the table.