The Department of Finance works diligently to ensure sound financial policies and procedures are implemented throughout Mikisew, interfacing between the Canadian government, corporate partners, funding organizations and other First Nation governments. Finance provides timely payments to vendors, collects funding revenues for all programs and provides direct financial reporting and analysis to Chief and Council, senior management, managers and funders.

Finance also supports:

• Vendor and expense claim purchase orders and payments
• Payment to members related to the benefits approved by Mikisew
• Payroll
• Collection and tracking of funder payments
• Program revenue and expense reporting with budget to actual variance analysis
• Preparation and submission of all statutory filings

For a complete list of commonly used Mikisew forms, visit our Forms page.

Mitesh Patel
Chief Financial Officer
cfo@mikisewcree.ca

Savk Josan
Controller
mts.controller@mikisewcree.ca

MCFN PR and Communications play a crucial role in enhancing the Mikisew Cree First Nation’s reputation and image through effective communication strategies and targeted public relations efforts. This department is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive communication plans that align with MCFN objectives and engage our members and partners across various platforms.

Tanya Adams
PR Director
tanya.adams@mikisewcree.ca

Rali Mario
Communications Officer
rali.mario@mikisewcree.ca

The Human Resources Department is a strategic partner with Mikisew departments, programs and services that assists them in achieving their human resources goals and objectives.

Key functions of Human Resources include:

• Recruitment and Selection
• Compensation and Benefits
• Employee Relations
• Organizational Effectiveness
• Performance Management
• Policy Implementation and Interpretation

The Human Resources Department works collaboratively with all groups to deliver quality human resource programs and services that meet the diverse needs of employees and the Nation.

Interested in a career with Mikisew? Visit our Careers page for more information. All applications must be submitted online.

For a complete list of commonly used Mikisew forms, visit our Forms page.

Deanna Mandeville
HR Manager
hr@mikisewcree.ca

For HR inquiries:
hr@mikisewcree.ca

This department manages all aspects of Mikisew membership. Areas of accountability include:

• Determining Mikisew membership eligibility
• Collecting and processing applications
• Providing additional membership information and assistance as required
• Assisting with Status Card applications and change of status requests (marriage, death or transfers)

Mikisew abides by section 10 of the Indian Act, which means we assume control of our own membership.

Not a member? Complete your membership application here. We ask that existing members ensure the information we have on file is up to date by completing our Member Information Change Form.

Please note: To apply for Mikisew membership, you must first be registered with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). For more information, visit the Government of Canada website and complete your Application forms for Indian status and status cards. If you require assistance contact ISC at 780.495.2773. New members are not entitled to Mikisew payments allotted to previous members (e.g., cow and ploughs).

Got your ISC status card and ready to apply for membership? Fill out your online membership application here.

Mikisew’s Membership Department will determine the eligibility of new members.

Due to the Privacy Act, we are only able to provide you with your own treaty number. We are unable to give out treaty numbers for family members and friends.

You may contact ISC at 780.495.2773 to request your treaty number or email your request to Sandra via email.

The Membership Departments prefers emails for all requests. Elders who do not have access to email may call our office at 780.697.3747.

For a complete list of commonly used Mikisew forms, visit our Forms page.

Key contact information:
Crisis Line: 780.697.3323

The Paspew House is an emergency shelter providing a safe haven for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. The home provides safe and secure accommodation, meals, clothing and support to Mikisew members.

Shift workers are required daily when clients are present. Staff are responsible to:

• Maintain a safe and secure facility, always keeping doors locked and no visitors allowed
• Make the clients’ stay as comfortable and accommodating as possible
• Complete an intake form and provide a house rules and house orientation presentation
• Complete a daily/hourly report while clients are present
• Assist clients with appointments with Mikisew housing, RCMP and other specialized services (Nunee Health, social services or the school)

The Paspew House also provides the following community programs:

• After-school programs for children aged six to eight
• Budgeting
• Counselling and support for victims of violence
• Parenting
• Women’s support group
• Sewing nights
• Craft nights, including drum making and ribbon skirt and shirt making

For a complete list of commonly used Mikisew forms, visit our Forms page.

Tania McDonald
Paspew House Manager
paspew.dir@mikisewcree.ca

Crisis Line
780.697.3323

Mikisew’s Social Enhancement Department provides social assistance, bereavement services and compassionate services to members. The department works closely with other departments, government agencies and members to provide these support services. Funding for the bereavement and compassion programs is provided entirely by the Nation and from the proceeds of annual investments from the 1986 Land Claim Agreement.

Social assistance

As part of our social assistance program, the department works closely with the Nation’s Employment Services and Assisted Living departments to provide employment opportunities and training. Funding for this program is provided by Indigenous Services Canada.

Bereavement services

All Mikisew members and their immediate family are eligible for assistance and services as described in the Bereavement Policy of the Nation. This includes:

• Each family is entitled to not more than $15,000 and all aspects of finances are administered by the Social Enhancement Coordinator in collaboration with the family.
• Costs may include casket, funeral home costs, cremation (if determined by the family), transportation/travel (air/ground) for immediate family members to attend the funeral, accommodations and fuel, etc.
• Families are responsible to work with the Social Enhancement Coordinator to keep costs within the approved budget.
• An additional $100 is provided by the Nation for wake services such as food, which is provided directly to the family.

Compassionate services

All Mikisew members are eligible for financial assistance when a member of their immediate family is in a life-threatening or critically ill situation in a hospital or health facility. Members must provide written notice of the situation (from the hospital or health facility to the Social Enhancement Coordinator. Costs are limited to transportation and travel (air/ground) for immediate family members to attend to their critically ill family member, accommodations and meals.

Financial assistance is administered by the Social Enhancement Coordinator and absolutely no advances are provided.

In need of social assistance? Visit our Forms page to complete a job search application. Contact the Social Enhancement Coordinator for more information or visit the Indigenous Services Canada website for a list of key social programs and funds available.

In need of bereavement or compassionate services? We can help. Contact the Social Enhancement Coordinator for more information.

For a complete list of commonly used Mikisew forms, visit our Forms page.

Violet Whitehead
Social Enhancement Coordinator
socialenhance@mikisewcree.ca

Mikisew’s Employment and Training Department assists Mikisew members to achieve their goals for the future with career decision-making, employment readiness and skills training programs. The department receives funding from Service Canada under the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training program. In addition to our program offerings.

We help members with:

• EI benefits and reports
• Resume updates
• Job searches
• General emailing or faxing
• Online employment applications
• Various applications including Alberta Health Care, Child Tax Benefit, SIN and birth certificates
• Commissioner of Oaths services

The Employment Services goal is to match an individual’s training requirements to the job market. Skills and training are based on members’ needs and are available to any Mikisew member, regardless of where they live. We provide various levels of job training such as:

• Certifications, including:
  • WHMIS
  • H2S
  • APR
  • First aid
  • Wildlife awareness
  • CSO (formerly CSTS)
  • OSSA
  • Oil burner
• Life skills
• Safety tickets and PPE
• Upgrading to complete Grade 12
• Preparation for college or university
• Education in aesthetics or the culinary arts
• Training in equipment operating, environmental monitoring, security, carpentry, etc., and other trade programs
• Driver’s licence training and road tests for Class 1, 3, 5 and 7
• Various workshops

Financial assistance is also available to members and can include childcare support, transportation and living allowances. Please note financial assistance does not include union dues.

Need more information? For more details on the employment and training registration process, please contact our Services Coordinator or complete the Employment Training Registration form.

For a complete list of commonly used Mikisew forms, visit our Forms page.

Irene Whitehead
Employment Services Coordinator
employment@mikisewcree.ca

Mikisew’s Culture and Language Revitalization Department exists to advise Chief and Council on matters related to language and culture. Students and members are proud of their identity and speak their Cree language. We believe that honouring and practising our ancestral virtues creates holistic benefits. The department is guided by the following values:

Honesty and respect
We are respectful of ourselves and others.

Humbleness
We live a peaceful, sincere and simple life.

Generosity
We are generous to our fellow members and public.

Kindness
We are committed to the spirit of sharing and caring.

Love
Love one another.

Kinship
Honour family, siblings and relatives.

Compassion
Support one another and console one another.
We are true to our words and our actions.

Wisdom
Give sound advice to all members.

Happiness
Be happy and content daily.

Truth
Be truthful to everyone.

Courage
We are courageous and strong.

The Culture and Language Revitalization Department goals include:

1. Establish an excellent relationship and partnerships within the five First Nations, Métis Nations and RMWB stakeholders.
2. Support and advocate for Wood Buffalo Regional Education while working to improve the quality of language/culture and academic achievements for First Nation students.
3. Develop and implement a community engagement system to seek support and improve participation in technology and social media.
4. Establish a long-term commitment to continue to fund language conferences and showcase cultural events in the community.

Rita Marten
Consultant and Elder
rita.marten@mikisewcree.ca
780.215.8425

Mikisew Student Services provides funding for students who are attending university, college or other higher education training. Funding is provided through a sponsorship program, and there is a student application process.

The duration of each program is customized to meet the needs of the student and depends on the type of program they are enrolled in. For example, a certificate program will take a year to complete, a diploma program takes two years and a Bachelor of Arts degree takes four years. Student Services is currently funding 71 students with more expected. We also fund a portion of the home boarding program, with students attending schools in Fort McMurray, Edmonton and Calgary.

The deadlines to submit applications for sponsorship are:

• September Enrollment (Fall Semester): July 30
• January Enrollment (Winter Semester): November 15
• Spring/Summer (Intersession): April 1

Want to apply for student funding? Complete the Student Services Application.

For a complete list of commonly used Mikisew forms, visit our Forms page.

Vivian Antoine
Students Coordinator (Post-Secondary)
students@mikisewcree.ca
780.697.3747

The role of the Mikisew Cree First Nation Band Designate is to ensure positive outcomes and advocacy for Mikisew children and families through a collaborative approach with Delegate First Nations Agencies (DFNAs) and Children Family Services Agencies (CFSAs). The Band Designate advocates within the child welfare system, representing Mikisew on behalf of the child to ensure Cree culture and community connection rights are secured within child protection matters.

Services include:

Ensuring children are connected to family, community and culture while in the care of CFSAs and/or DFNAs

Supporting children on or off reserve and out of province or country

Assisting and supporting family members in their working relationship with CFSA/DFNA

Advocating for children and families, and acting as a mediator when required

Attending court as required, providing family/child guidance and recommendations

Dawna Kreutzer
Band Designate
band.designate@mikisewcree.ca

What is the Post Majority Program?

Post-majority care services is an ongoing support for First Nations youth and young adults formerly in care, to assist them with their transition to adulthood upon reaching the age of majority in the province or territory they live in. Supporting their distinct needs and self-identified goals as youth and young adults transition into adulthood.

Who is eligible for Post Majority care services?

• A youth who is in alternate care approaching the age of majority.
• A young adult who was in care as of the day they turned the age of majority and had not yet reached the age of 26.
• A youth in jurisdictions where voluntary provisions enable youth to leave care before the age of majority.

Supports available under post-majority care services?

Financial Support & Safe, Stable, Comfortable Housing

Needs-based financial support – budgeting, credit, money management etc. based on individual needs.

Learning, Educational & Professional Development Opportunities

Education mentorship and support; assistance in navigating education systems and options etc. based on individual needs.

Physical, Mental & Social Well-being

Noninsured medical, dental, and allied health services prescribed by relevant professionals; sexual and gender identity health supports, i.e. education related to sexually transmitted diseases, and sexual health; recreation and sport.

(Re)connect with Land, Culture, Language & Community

Building a lifelong connection to the community and developing support networks, i.e. mentorship; Reconnection with family, community, and culture (i.e. costs and expenses related to maintaining and/or reconnecting with family, community, and culture); Cultural programs and ceremonies, land-based wellness.

Lorin Brule
Post Majority Worker
(780) 288-6419

Mikiesew Family Support Program is determined to preserve the cultural teachings of our Nation and help to pass them on to our members. By joining our workshops, you have a chance to learn about different teachings from our Indigenous makers who share their knowledge with you through their craftsmanship and wisdom. We are proud to offer the following workshops on a regular basis throughout the province:

• Moccasin making
• Ribbon-skirt making
• Traditional beading jewelry-making

We introduce some non-Indigenous topics, like vision-board making. The plan is to introduce some cooking classes, canning, medicine picking, beginner sewing classes, a safe drop-in space to do crafts, play games, socialize, scheduled biweekly, beginner Cree language classes biweekly and we are open to ideas as well for future programming.

Our workshops are designed for small groups of people, usually 8 to 12 at a time. This ensures that everyone gets a quality experience, socializes, learns, and creates in a safe, nurturing and engaging environment.

Please, check our social media page for regular updates of upcoming events and availability. By signing up to register you will be supporting our local Food Bank. Some of our programming has supply/facilitator costs and due to the high number of interest our small fee is necessary to ensure all spots are filled. All other programming is free unless otherwise noted on poster, so come join us!

For more details call:
825.202.8000

We have trained professionals to help with one-on-one assistance with resume development, cover letters and job search. Our Edmonton location has a designated space for consultation, where you will be able to share what your skills and work experience are and together we will initiate a plan to help you start working. This service is available for everyone seeking employment, including members and youth with no work experience. We provide appropriate training and assistance with skill development, networking and motivational coaching.

Mikisew Family Support Program maintains a Job Board “Edmonton office” featuring available positions in different fields and industries throughout the Province. We work closely with everyone willing to advance their career, enter the workforce, and secure meaningful employment. Come and see us to be connected with our partnering organizations and companies, who are hiring.

For more details call:
825.202.8000

To enhance the health and well-being of MCFN members by supporting the Health Department’s leadership in advancing health initiatives, expanding services, and ensuring regulatory compliance. This will be achieved through the creation and implementation of quality improvement plans, supporting emergency preparedness, developing capacity-building opportunities, and actively seeking and securing new funding grants for sustainable health initiatives.

What services we offer:

• Assist and support the MCFN Health Dept. leadership in pursuit of health initiatives to improve, and expand services offered to members
• Create and implement quality improvement plans and proposals within the Health Dept. Sector
• Support emergency preparedness efforts related to health
• Develop capacity building opportunities
• Ensure regulatory compliance and evidence informed practice within the Health Dept.
• Research new grants for funding and apply for funding grants

Norma Musgrave
Registered Nurse
norma.musgrave@mikisewcree.ca

Mikisew’s Medical Transportation Department assists Mikisew members in Fort Chipewyan and the surrounding area. It works closely with the health department to ensure appointment dates are met and that drop-off and pick-up times are scheduled accordingly, ensuring the comfort and safety of members accessing medical care.

Tina Golosky
Medical Transportation Coordinator
medical.coordinator@mikisewcree.ca

The overall goal of the Wellness Program is to enhance overall wellbeing of our members and offer support that addresses physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.

Services we offer:

• Continuing our work to roll out the Wellness Programming, aimed at providingsupports and services based on the needs of our members
• Collaborating with community member and stakeholders to assess what those needsare, and gather feedback on wellness programs
• Offering and designing programs geared towards mental health
• Designing programs geared towards holistic health (mental, physical, emotional, andspiritual), which address the unique challenges faced by Indigenous populations
• Connecting members with supports, and assisting with referrals
• Collaborating with other agencies to provide requested services such as greif and loss counselling, trauma support, and coping strategies
• Advocating and supporting members in hospital, and with building an after-care plan
• Coordinating with health services, advocating for culturally relevant health policies.

Melissa Colombe
Health & Wellness Manager
wellness.manager@mikisewcree.ca

Epidemiology is the study of disease outbreaks, including their causes, locations, and the impact on communities. It involves using relevant data to help prevent future outbreaks and improve public health outcomes. Help to keep the MCFN public informed of methods to maintain and improve public health

Services we offer:

• Educate MCFN public on infectious diseases such as COVID-19, Flu etc. and ways to minimize transmission
• Determine risk factors of diseases and possible outcomes of different age groups.
• Assist at MCFN community events based on recommended guidelines
• Determine risk factors of diseases and possible outcomes of different age groups
• Assist with comprehensive assessment of Cancer study in the Mikisew Cree First Nation (Fort Chipewyan) community
• Assist with community-driven health study designed to address the health concerns of the community

Damilola Ogunsanwo, BPharm, MPH
Epidemiologist
damilola.ogunsanwo@mikisewcree.ca

This area of service supports our residential survivors and families. It works to coordinate groundwork and scanning of Holy Angels land in Fort Chipewyan, ensuring work is completed with the utmost respect for affected individuals and an understanding of community impact.

Alice Marten
IRS Support
Irs.support@mikisewcree.ca

To provide compassionate, empathetic, and comprehensive support to MCFN members and families in navigating the healthcare system, ensuring they have access to the resources and care they need with dignity, respect, and comfort.

Services offered:

• Connect members and families with essential community resources to address health-related needs.
• Assist in coordinating medical appointments, arranging transportation, and ensuring timely delivery of medical equipment.
• Offer guidance and emotional support during bereavement, connecting families with appropriate departments and providing grief counseling.
• Advocate for members in the hospital, supporting them through hospital visits, care plans, and after-care arrangements.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers to ensure members receive coordinated care with dignity and respect.

Maddy Daniels
Patient Support Edmonton
yegpatientsupport@mikisewcree.ca

Amber Marten
Patient Support Fort McMurray
YMMpatientsupport@mikisewcree.ca

This department is focused on empowering youth by delivering personalized services and creating diverse opportunities that actively engage youth in meaningful ways, extending beyond community events.

Contact:

wellness.manager@mikisewcree.ca

The Kahkiyow Keykanow Elders Care Centre is a Supportive Living Level 3 facility that provides long-term care, respite and homecare to residents. It is open to all Mikisew Cree First Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and Métis members.

Services include:

• Registered staff, available 24 hours a day, for medical distribution and compassionate nursing care
• Daily laundry service
• Daily and weekly housekeeping
• Homemade meals
• Social and recreational activities
• Monthly foot care performed by a chiropodist
• All rooms are provided with phones and a television with Shaw Family channels

Current support staff include:

• Four full-time health care aids
• Five personal support workers (assist health care aids)
• Two cooks
• Two full-time day shift custodians
• Two evening custodians

Interested in residency at our Elders Care Centre? Complete the Application Form or contact our Director for more information.

Donna Mercredi
Kahkiyow Keykanow Elers Care Centre Acting Manager
kkech.dir@mikisewcree.ca
780.697.0150

The Mikisew Technical Services (MTS) Department is responsible for providing public works services to the Allison Bay and Dog Head reserves, including water and sewer truck services to Dog Head and operation of the water treatment plant and sewage treatment lagoon in Allison Bay.

MTS includes a fully operational mill shop for custom carpentry, cabinetmaking and other construction-related services and manages the building supplies inventory.

Are you living in Nation-owned housing? You can now conveniently submit your home and property maintenance requests here.

Dealing with an emergency? Mikisew Technical Services is here for you 24/7.

• Furnace – MTS Plumbers on-call: 780.799.2633
• Heating and plumbing: 780.799.2633
• Electrical: 780-799-1206 or 780.742.8647
• Dog Head Water and Sewer: 780.215.6917
• Allison Bay Water Treatment Plant on-call: 780.215.7141
• Public Works on-call: 780.215.6917

Need further assistance? For work order requests, please email workorders@mikisewcree.ca

For a complete list of commonly used Mikisew forms, visit our Forms page.

Mikisew’s Building Supplies Department provides our community with the materials needed for home renovation and construction projects, and is a Cloverdale Paint distributor. The department works directly with Mikisew Technical Services to provide material management and project scoping.

For a complete list of commonly used Mikisew forms, visit our Forms page.

Applications are now available for the 2024 Home Ownership Incentive Program.

PLEASE NOTE WE’VE EXPTENDED THE APPILICATION DEALINE TILL FEB 28, 2025!

We want to help you with a $25,000 grant towards the down payment of a new build home or the purchase of an existing home.

Eligibility:

• Must be a Mikisew Cree First Nation Member listed on the membership list
• Pre-approval needed in your name from a financial institution

How to apply:

• Download the HIP Policy and application form here.
• Complete application forms and submit to hip@mikisewcree.ca
• Applications’ deadline has been extended till Feb 28, 2025 at 12AM MST

Note: Applicants are responsible to review their applications to ensure all required documentation is submitted.

Applications are now available for the 2025 Home Ownership Incentive Program.

We want to help you with a $25,000 CAD grant to help improve the health, safety, and efficiency of your home!

Program Information:

• Replaces 25/75 program
• Previously, the home owner would contribute $5,000 and MCFN contributed $15,000 for a combined total of $20,000. MCFN will now grant $25,000 CAD with no contribution from the home owner required
• The intent of the HRG program is to improve structural deficiencies, shingles, siding, doors, windows, electrical, plumbing and heating upgrades.
  The program is not intended to address basic cosmetic upgrades
• Previous 25/75 applicants are eligible however must reapply under the HRG program
• All work must be completed within the fiscal year that funds were awarded (March 31, 2025for this year)
• 10 annual HRGs will be distributed to two members in each of the five communities: Fort Chipewyan, Fort Smith, High Level, Edmonton and other Canadian Locations, and Fort McMurray

Eligibility:

• Registered MCFN Member listed on membership list
• Registered owner of the home, or registered holder of a Certificate of Possession for the home

How to apply:

• Click here to download HRG policy and application forms
• Complete application form and submit to hrg@mikisewcree.ca

*Accepting 10 applicants on a first come, first served basis.