Mel Orecklin

Senior executive and Indigenous Services advisor with more than 25 years of experience supporting First Nations, government and private-sector organizations. Experienced in governance, financial management, audit readiness, program delivery, economic development and the recovery of financially challenged First Nations and businesses. Known for working closely with Chief and Council, administrators and finance staff to strengthen local capacity, improve decision-making and reduce long-term reliance on outside consultants.

External Financial Advisor, Indigenous Services at MNP LLP (2007-01 – 2026-09)

• Advise First Nations clients on financial management, governance, reporting, audit readiness and government-funded program requirements.
• Help communities organize records, strengthen internal controls and reporting discipline, and respond to compliance and audit requirements.
• Guide Chief and Council, administrators and finance teams in interpreting financial information, improving accountability and preparing decision-ready reports.
• Train leadership and staff in financial management and governance practices to build local capacity and reduce dependence on external consultants.
• Draw on senior recovery experience to support stabilization planning for financially challenged operations.

Economic Development Officer at MoCreebec Eeyoud (2015-01 – 2017-12)

• Led recovery planning and strategic restructuring for a community-owned tourism operation.
• Secured support and prepared plans aimed at business stabilization, long-term viability and renewed community benefit

Senior Administrator / Advisor at Various First Nations (2013-01 – 2015-12)

• Managed operations, staffing, Council support and community budgets in northern and remote settings.
• Strengthened communications, administrative practices, financial reporting, housing systems and capital-project planning.

First Nation Financial Consultant at IMG, BDO Dunwoody LLP and MNP (2007-01 – 2013-12)

• Advised leadership and administration on budgeting, reporting, governance, accountability, housing, public works, education, health administration and capital projects.
• Built community capacity for independent financial management and practical oversight of funded programs and services.

Chief Executive Officer at Nunavut Business Credit Corporation (2004-01 – 2007-12)

• Directed a northern lending organization supporting small business development and economic growth.
• Maintained prudent portfolio oversight while expanding mentorship and advisory support for northern entrepreneurs.

Co-Manager at Fort Severn First Nation (1999-01 – 2003-12)

• Restored financial stability and supported the community's successful exit from Co-management.
• Completed a water treatment plant, new homes and subdivision development during a period of tight financial restraint.

Manager at Plexxus Interactive (1994-01 – 1998-12)

• Took a computer division from concept through start-up and four years of commercial operation within Winnipeg's largest music store.

Owner at SoftRent Inc. (1991-01 – 1994-12)

• Founded and grew a software evaluation business to more than 1,500 members earning a reputation for practical service, reliability and integrity.

Senior Project Engineer, Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Office at EM&R Canada (1981-01 – 1984-12)

• Advanced alternative-energy and conservation initiatives for commercial, industrial and residential sectors in the Yukon.

Hydrologist at Indian & Northern Affairs Canada (1977-01 – 1981-12)

• Advised the Yukon Territorial Water Board and collected, analyzed and published hydro-meteorological data.

Planning Engineer at Manitoba Government (1975-01 – 1977-12)

• Applied and calibrated hydrologic models to support water-resources planning and public-sector engineering analysis.

Master of Business Administration in MBA – Dalhousie University (1986)

Master of Science in Civil Engineering (Water Resources) – University of Manitoba (1976)

Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering, Computer Science Option – University of Toronto (1972)