Melody Lepine
IRC Director
Melody Lepine is a Mikisew Cree member and completed her studies in Environmental Conservation Sciences at the University of Alberta. Her hard work ethic has allowed her to advance within the Mikisew Cree IRC from the Environmental Coordinator to the Director. Melody chose to study and work in the environmental field due to her grassroots upbringning and teachings of understanding the values and responsibilities of being a caretaker of Mother Earth.
 
Ivy Wigmore,
Administrative Coordinator
Ivy Wigmore is a Mikisew Cree member, whom joined the IRC after transferring from the Mikisew Cree Energy Services finance department in 2003. Prior to 2003, she worked for another First Nation in the region and throughout the 1980s, she worked for Syncrude Canada Limited (SCL). One of her most memorable experiences since joining the IRC was the invitation to plant the three millionth tree at Suncor after having planted the first trees in the same area 30 years ago. Ivy believes that holding a positive attitude has contributed to her current success in helping the future generation, ameliorating the lives of the Elders, and to honour the Creator.
 
Cathleen O''Brien, BSc., CEPIT
Regulatory Affairs Coordinator
Cathleen O’Brien joined the IRC team as the Regulatory Affairs Coordinator in November 2007. After working for WorleyParsons Komex here in Fort McMurray. She graduated from the Environmental Technology program at Keyano College and then continued on towards a degree in Environmental Science at the University of Lethbridge. Originally from Mississauga Ontario, Cathleen has lived in Alberta for over five years now and is beginning to consider it home. In her new role, Cathleen will be tracking industry activities in the region, reviewing regulatory applications, and maintaining effective communication between the Mikisew Cree and other parties in the region. Cathleen looks forward to working for and with the Mikisew Cree and to the challenging and rewarding of her new position.
 
George Poitras
Consultation Coordinator
George Poitras is a Mikisew Cree member and served as the Chief from June 1999 to June 2002. It was during this time that he initiated legal action against the Federal government for their lack of consultation with the Mikisew Cree on a proposed winter road that would traverse the traditional lands of the Mikisew Cree. This legal action led to a successful, unanimous Supreme Court of Canada decision that is cited as a precedent-setting case and as a standard for government consultation with First Nations. George brings extensive experience and knowledge on Treaty, Aboriginal and Constitutional Rights of First Nations to his role as Consultation Coordinator.
 
Sherwin Shih,
Environmental Coordinator
Sherwin Shih joined the IRC in early 2005 to take on the role of the Environmental Coordinator. Prior to moving to Fort McMurray, he worked for a private environmental consulting firm in Calgary. He earned a Bachelor''s of Science degree from the University of British Columbia and a Master''s degree in Environmental Management from Middlesex University in England. Having developed a strong relationship with the Mikisew Cree, first as a consultant and now as an IRC employee, Sherwin has built a solid understanding of Aboriginal issues and seeks to apply his technical knowledge to address these issues. He manages technical reviews, negotiates agreements, and develops environmental projects.

Ling Wang, BSc.,
Environmental Affairs Assistant
Ling moved to Fort McMurray from her hometown of Ottawa in late 2007 to join the IRC as the Environmental Affairs assistant. She has a B.Sc. in environmental science from the University of Waterloo and her work experiences range from environmental lab research to policy analysis. In her new role, she supports the review of regulatory applications focusing on the environmental aspects that are relevant to Mikisew Cree. She also facilitates Mikisew Cree''s agreements with Industry, maintains a line of communication with Leadership, Elders, and community members to obtain input on and address any outstanding concerns about the environment. With the simple desire to make a difference in the world, Ling looks forward to her time with the Mikisew Cree IRC as it affords her the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the betterment of the Mikisew Cree community.