Melanie Ferris Email & Phone Number

Working with First Nations leaders and advocates across Manitoba inspires and motivates me. I'm a proud member of the Long Plain First Nation who is passionate about health, food security, plain language, clear communications, and working to address and eliminate racism. I'm grateful to be an intergenerational Survivor of residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and the child welfare systems. The stories and experiences of my ancestors influence me every day.I have 20+ years of communications and project management experience. I have 10+ years of health promotion experience. I combine my skills in these areas to promote better health for Indigenous citizens. While my work focuses primarily on First Nations, I have also been privileged to develop relationships with Inuit and Metis people and organizations in my career. I consider myself a lifelong learner and enjoy listening to others.My ability to write clear and persuasive messaging is one of my gifts. I believe in the power of storytelling. Every person has a story worth telling! I provide plain language editing and writing services for non-profit organizations and governments to help them communicate more effectively with Indigenous people and other audiences. I have experience and training to develop curriculum and deliver interactive workshops for adult learners. Spending time learning cultural teachings is one of my goals, which helps to ensure my work is culturally relevant and empowering.Since 2018, I have been developing my relationship with members of the media. I enjoy organizing media events/press conferences in a way that empowers First Nations people to tell their stories in a strengths-based way. I am comfortable speaking to large audiences and I enjoy emceeing media events. I also enjoy passing knowledge to First Nations youth and making space for them to develop leadership skills.

Listed skills include Community Development, Strategic Communications, Nonprofits, Media Relations, and 46 others.

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  Communications Officer

  Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak

  Winnipeg, Mb, Ca