Dec. 2016
Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta’s 7th Woman of Inspiration 2016-2017 Presented by Syncrude Announced
(Fort McMurray) Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude are proud to announce the 7th nominee for the Women of Inspiration series 2016-2017:
Melanie Antoine
Melanie Antoine was born and raised in Fort Chipewyan and has always maintained a strong connection to her home and to her culture. One of her many accomplishments each year has been to design and donate a Christmas Tree to the Festival of Trees. Each tree created since 2011 showcases her aboriginal culture, focusing on aboriginal crafts and respect of her land and people. The story she designs through her tree at the Festival of Trees educates the RMWB and demonstrates pride in her people and her culture. It is very important to Melanie, that her family and her children are connected to their roots and celebrate their culture.
To further promote her people, Ms. Antoine became a member of NAABA and became one of its Directors. Ms. Antoine’s involvement were her way of strengthening and promoting aboriginal business. In 2008 Melanie and her husband Lloyd started A.P.E. Maintenance. This decision was made at a low period in the economy but they decided that with hard work and dedication, they would overcome any obstacles. After 2 years of hard work, their commitment paid off with the procurement of a contract with Conoco Phillips. This contract was the beginning of many opportunities for their business. As an aboriginal female in the Oil and Gas sector, it proved to be challenging to be understood and respected. Through sheer determination, Ms. Antoine proved to one and all that she was a strong woman who brings a wealth of expertise to the table.
Ms. Antoine’s expertise was shared in all aspects of her life and she currently sits as the Board Chair on the Northern Lights Health Foundation. She advocates for her people be they young or old. She provides a unique and much needed perspective for the RMWB. Melanie’s dedication and leadership was summed up by past chair Paul Taylor “Being a leader in our community, Melanie has contributed significantly to develop the strategic vision for the Health Foundation.”
Ms. Antoine continually gives back to the community in a number of ways one of which is by playing a role within Santa’s Anonymous for Fort Chipewyan. As the CEO of A.P.E. Maintenance, she can be seen spreading Christmas cheer in her community and sharing her giving spirit with the community.
Ms. Antoine is a firm believer that by bettering yourself, you better others. Melanie is a strong advocate for all women. She takes pride in her roots, her community and is a positive voice as a role model for girls and women. Be it in her role as mother, wife, CEO, Board Chair of the Regional Health Foundation or as a community activist Ms. Antoine is a strong, smart and bold woman and an asset to our region. Her hard work, her determination, her love of her people and her culture and sheer strength of will make life better for many people.
Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude will honour Melanie Antoine and 11 other nominees, at the Women of Inspiration Celebration which will take place in June, 2017
The Women of Inspiration is a partnership between Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude, with a goal to recognize women throughout the Wood Buffalo region who inspire others, break new ground or old barriers and help create change. The series also aims to show local girls positive role models who live right here.
To nominate a woman of inspiration, please visit our website at www.girlsincofnorthernalberta.org or contact the Girls Inc. office at 780-790-9236.
For more information, please contact:
Ann Dort-MacLean
Executive Director – Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta
Phone: 780-790-9236
Email: girlsinc@telus.net
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