With 18 years of combined experience in the Energy Sector, Melissa has held various roles throughout her career, including Finance, Royalty Analyst, Land Analyst, Policy Advisor, Environment Lead, Regulatory & Compliance Advisor, and Strategist. She has contributed to prominent news outlets such as The National Post, The Toronto Sun, The Globe & Mail, and The Hub. Melissa has worked on major pipeline projects spanning three provinces and the United States, as well as a large-scale acquisition/divestment project involving billions in oil and gas assets. She has testified before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs regarding Bill C-29, which aims to establish a National Council for Reconciliation, and in 2022, she was invited to testify before the Standing Committee on Finance. Raised on a reserve, Melissa is passionate about helping Indigenous communities achieve economic reconciliation. Her deep industry knowledge, combined with candid discussions about poverty and disparity on reserves, has given her a unique voice on the topic of reconciliation. One of the most rewarding aspects of her career has been working with environmental firms on well decommissioning and land reclamation, allowing her to integrate traditional knowledge passed down from her grandfather with modern day practices. Melissa is a strong advocate for the oil and gas sector, recognizing its role in providing her with a diversified and fulfilling career, as well as helping to break cycles of poverty. She is committed to addressing misinformation and advocating for economic opportunities in Indigenous communities.