Melanie MacKinnon

Ms. Melanie MacKinnon is a nationally recognized Indigenous nurse leader, author, and expert in cultural safety, recruitment and retention best practices, and organizational design. A proud member of Misipawistik Cree Nation with roots in Pimicikamak Cree Nation, she grew up in Wabowden, Manitoba. Ms. MacKinnon holds a Bachelor of Nursing (1996) and has held various prominent roles in the health sector, including her current position as Executive Director of the Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing at the University of Manitoba. 

Throughout her career, she has served in many voluntary and advisory roles, including her most recent appointments to the Healthcare Excellence Canada Indigenous Advisory Council, the Shared Health Board of Manitoba and as Honorary Colonel to the Royal Canadian Airforce, Squadron #435 – Transport and Rescue. Her contributions to healthcare have informed regional and national policy shifts and developed new program mandates aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of Indigenous communities.

Before joining the University of Manitoba, she founded Medicine Creek Solutions, a national healthcare consulting practice that facilitated significant investments in innovative health services for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit beneficiaries. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Ms. MacKinnon was appointed as the regional health lead by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, where she co-led a crisis response that became a national model to achieve the highest vaccine uptake for First Nations in the country.

Her exemplary service has been publicly honored, including the National Indspire Award for Health (2022) and recognition as one of WXN’s Most Powerful Women in Canada (2021). Other accolades include the Circle of Excellence Award from Indigenous Services Canada and the NHL Healthcare Heroes Award from the Winnipeg Jets, reflecting her ultimate commitment in health leadership.