Trainers and Consultants

Niigaani Makade Makwa Ikwe, Ma’iingan doodem
(Leading Black Bear Woman, Wolf Clan)

Melanie (she/her) is the Director of Indigenous Services at ACHIEVE and a member of the organization’s executive team. In this role, she helps shape the vision and direction of ACHIEVE’s training services and supports the facilitators who bring that work to life. Melanie brings a relational approach to leadership, grounded in the belief that how we walk alongside one another matters as much as where we are going. 

She has a passion for decolonizing social systems and draws on her Red River Métis heritage to incorporate Indigenous ways of being, learning, leading, and helping into our training and resources. Melanie works alongside ACHIEVE’s Traditional Elder to guide staff and trainers in the organization’s reconciliation journey. 

Melanie holds a Master of Social Work degree with a focus on Indigenous knowledge and has over 20 years of experience as a social worker in child protection, addictions, and education. She is also bilingual. 

As a facilitator, Melanie sees learning as a lifelong journey and believes that when helpers and leaders keep growing, the people and communities they serve benefit too. She enjoys incorporating collaborative and experiential learning into her workshops and strives to co-create an atmosphere of safety and respect. Melanie embraces diversity and values the wisdom and knowledge gained from life experience.