Mel Orecklin P.Eng., MBA, CAFM

Experience

• 

  Manitoba Government

  Jan 1975 - Jan 1977

  Planning Engineer

  Applied and calibrated hydrologic models.

• 

  Department of Indian and Northern Affairs

  Jan 1977 - Jan 1981

  Hydrologist / Water Resource Engineer

  Advisor to the Yukon Territorial Water Board. Collected and published hydro-meteorological data

• 

  Energy, Mines and Resources, Canada

  Jan 1981 - Jan 1984

  Director

  Promoted alternative energy and conservation to the commercial, industrial and residential sectors

• 

  SoftRent Incorporated

  Aug 1991 - Apr 1994

  Owner

  Started first commercial software evaluation service in Manitoba with membership exceeding 1,500. The reputation for excellence and integrity remains to this day.

• 

  Plexxus Interactive

  May 1994 - Jun 1998

  Manager

  Retail Computer Store. Developed new computer division from conception through to operation.

• 

  Maxim Software Systems

  Jul 1998 - Jul 1999

  Vice President Sales and Marketing

  Maxim is a developer of dental practice management software. Increased sales by over 100% and dramatically improved marketing though participation at trade shows and development of new advertising materials.

• 

  Fort Severn First Nation

  Aug 1999 - Dec 2003

  Co-manager

  Successfully achieved goal of financial independence for the First Nation by retiring a deficit of $1.2M. Financial Advisor / Intermediary with government and suppliers. Managed an operating budget in excess of $3M per year. Major capital projects completed included a Water Treatment Plant, new homes and subdivision during a period of tight financial restraint.

• 

  Nunavut Business Credit Corporation

  Jul 2004 - Feb 2007

  Chief Executive Officer

  Operating under the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation Act managed, planned and operated a $19M portfolio of loans to SMB clients in Nunavut. Doubled the size of the portfolio. Reported directly to the Board of Directors. Nunavut has a young, immature business environment and NBCC?s lending practices emphasised direct mentorship and business advisory services.

• 

  Mowachaht Muchalaht First Nation

  Jan 2007 - Jan 2008

  Band Manager
• 

  Various

  Sept 2007 - Jul 2013

  First Nation Financial Consultant

  First Nation Co-manager with the Indigenous Management Group (IMG), BDO Dunwoody LLP and MNP Management Ltd., and consultant and administrator to First Nations. Developed budgets and assured First Nations remained within budget by being delegated signing authority. Encouraged the Band's independence in financial management, capital projects, housing, public works, education and health departments. Developed policies, furthered economic development and worked closely with Chief and Council.

• 

  Taku River Tlingit First Nation

  Aug 2013 - Nov 2013

  Chief Administrative Officer

  First senior administrator hired for a northern reserve in British Columbia. Managed a full-time staff of 33 thought six managers. Promoted co-operation with the adjacent town; made effort to reduce the long-standing conflict between families; improved communications among staff; began the self-assessment required by the First Nation Management Board certification process and restarted a capital project that had lain dormant for four years.

• 

  Kluane First Nation

  Sept 2014 - Feb 2015

  Executive Director

  KFN is a remote self-governing Yukon FN and three of the five senior positions were vacant when I arrived. Recruited two new directors; developed a budget and financial reporting system; promoted staff coordination and improved housing. Capital projects being developed included a water treatment plant, a wind turbine and a commercial greenhouse.

• 

  MoCreebec Eeyou

  Jan 2015 - Jan 2015

  MoCreebec is a First Nation with neither a reserve or a land base. Assisted in writing the election code and supported their very first election. .After 15 years of unprofitable operation, turned around the Cree Village Ecolodge, a 20 room hotel owned by MoCreebec. Wrote a business plan for the hotel to justify $2M in capital upgrades. Developed a 40 page list of grants available in Northern Ontario and applied for all that were applicable including Canada 150, Trillium Foundation, NOHFC and INAC. Show less

  • Economic Development Officer

    Jan 2015 - Jan 2015

  • Economic Development Officer

    Jan 2015 - Jan 2015
• 

  MoCreebec Council of the Cree Nation

  Apr 2015 - now

  Economic Development Officer

  Developing a business plan for the Cree ecoLodge in Moose Factory, Ontario; working with the internet and cable system; developing the Teddy Falls hydro project and advancing the long-term economic development plan for the community.

• 

  MNP

  Nov 2017 - now

  Co-manager for remote communities in Canada's North in Ontario and Manitoba.

  • Consultant - Indigenous Services

    Nov 2017 - now

  • Consultant - Indigenous Services

    Nov 2017 - now