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Our Team
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Melanie Lizotte
B.A. M.Ed.
Melanie Lizotte is a member of the Otipemisiwak Metis Government (Metis Nation of Alberta). Melanie is a Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) certified Indigenous Cultural Awareness Trainer and Owner and Director of Inspired Connections Consulting – a CCIB Certified Indigenous Business.
Melanie has a Master of Education Degree in Human Rights Policy Studies and Intercultural Education from the University of Alberta and has obtained certification in Indigenous Community - Industry Relations a two-year program at the University of Alberta taught by Indigenous Leaders, Elders, and Traditional Knowledge Keepers.
Melanie brings a wealth of experience in Indigenous Relations, having worked extensively across diverse sectors throughout Canada.As a National Manager of Indigenous Relations in the energy industry, she led the development of hundreds of Indigenous Participation Plans for infrastructure projects owned by companies such as ATCO, TC Energy, Enbridge, Hydro One, BC Hydro, Fortis BC, and Sask. Energy. Melanie’s work includes meaningful engagement with Chiefs and Councils of numerous First Nations across Canada negotiating MOUs, Revenue Sharing Agreements, Joint Ventures, and Equity Investment Agreements. Her leadership has been instrumental in facilitating PAIR certification for multiple companies on a national scale.
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Recognizing that intergenerational trauma profoundly affects Indigenous Peoples across Canada. Melanie undertook 4 years of extensive training with internationally renowned psychiatrist Dr. Bruce Perry in Trauma Responsive Education. She is now certified as an Advanced Trainer in the Neuro-Sequential Model of Education which enables her to deliver professional development sessions in Trauma Responsive Education. Melanie’s training helps educators, administrators, and community leaders understand trauma through a neurodevelopmental lens, allowing them to create environments that are culturally and neuro-biologically respectful honoring how the brain develops and heals in the context of safe, relational, and culturally grounded experiences.
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Dr. Patricia
Makokis
Dr. Patricia Makokis has a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.), with a major in leadership from the University of San Diego. Dr. Makokis is acclaimed as one of Canada’s most outstanding Aboriginal leaders. Dr. Makokis was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of San Diego amongst other awards.
Dr. Makokis is an instructor at the University of Alberta and at Yellowhead Tribal College where she teaches in the Indigenous Community Industry Program which she developed along with Indigenous Elders.
Dr. Makokis is an internationally acclaimed film producer and her films Treaty Talk and Awasisak Our Future (www.treatytalk.com) have received many awards at international film festivals.
She is the mother of two grown children, Janice Makokis, who graduated with a degree in law, and James Makokis, a Medical Doctor. Pat and her husband Eugene reside on the Saddle Lake Cree Nation (Northeastern Alberta).