Melanie Badger, also known as “Mikisiw Mitêh”, is a proud member of Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, Manitoba, from her mother’s side and Sturgeon Lake First Nation, Saskatchewan, in Treaty 6 on her father’s side. She is a strong, spirit-led and values-based community leader, which reflects in her heart work through various endeavours she’s involved in. From being Manager of Indigenous Trust Philanthropy Capacity Building & Programs at the Winnipeg Foundation, to grassroots cultural programming at Manitobah, all the way to where it’s all rooted in her ceremonial and traditional red road path of life. She holds a master’s degree in executive leadership from Royal Roads University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Winnipeg. She is an active volunteer and mentor in the community, Sundancer and helper, jingle dress powwow dancer and mother of two. Her spirit shines through all her passions and what she offers. It illuminates and inspires the next generation and all who have the honour of knowing her.
-Written by Shanley Spence (Melanie’s Daughter)
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Which ’hood are you in?
I recently moved to sunny St. James.
What do you do?
For work, you can find me at The Winnipeg Foundation as Manager of Provincial Programs during the work week and Manitobah Storyboot School, coordinating moccasin-making classes on weekends.
What are you currently working on?
Right now, I have the privilege of playing Bobbie in Rattle, a Sixties Scoop play written by Darrell Racine and Dale Lakevold. Produced by Root Sky Theatre Company in Association with Theatre Incarnate. Directed by Charlene Van Buekenhout and Cory Wojcik. Based on true stories of Sixties Scoop survivors Robert Doucette and Roberta MacKinnon.
Where can we find your work?
Please go to www.rootsky.ca to purchase tickets for Rattle. The play runs June 3-7, 2026, at Asper Centre for Theatre and Film, 400 Colony St., Winnipeg, MB. I hope Winnipeg comes out to see this important show.
