Departments directory

Mikisew’s Elders Program provides general services, an in-home assistance program, handyman services and monthly pensions to Elders, over the age of 65, in the community of Fort Chipewyan (including the Allison Bay and Dog Head reserves). The Elders Program is primarily funded through the Land Claims Agreement.

The program provides general services, including:

• Helping Elders with all forms of paperwork, bill payments or work orders
• Liaising with Mikisew-owned companies such as Fort Petroleum
• Monthly meetings with Elders to ensure they are informed of the Nation’s business, including in administration and Nation-owned companies
• Helping members take care of personal needs such as housework and meal preparation
• Planning ongoing activities for Elders outside the home

In-home assistance programming is focused on Elders who require in-home, long- or short-term services and includes:

• Light housekeeping
• Meal preparation
• Various tasks as required

Handyman services for Elders include snow shoveling, grass cutting, minor renovations, delivery of water bottles and checking fuel levels in Elders’ homes. The handyman also helps ensure staff vehicles are maintained regularly and in good running order.

For a complete list of commonly used Mikisew forms, visit our Forms page.

Mikisew’s Fort Chipewyan Daycare provides a safe space for our youngest members, from one to five years old, and serves as an early childhood resource hub for parents and families. Helping families find and apply for various services, with 40 spaces available and seven full-time staff, this new centre offers exceptional child-care and family support services.

Areas of focus include:

• Language and culture learning opportunities, including workshops and community events
• Land-based education opportunities for children
• Intergenerational opportunities that integrate community members and knowledge
• Early literacy and numeracy programming
• Emotional and spiritual intelligence for children through positive relationships

Space availability is divided among age groups, as follows:

• 12 to 19 months: four spots
• 19 months to 3 years: 12 spots
• 3 to 5 years: 16 spots

Hours of operation:

• Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

For a complete list of commonly used Mikisew forms, visit our Forms page.

Key contact information:
Crisis Line: 780.697.3323

The Paspew House is an emergency shelter providing a safe haven for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. The home provides safe and secure accommodation, meals, clothing and support to Mikisew members.

Shift workers are required daily when clients are present. Staff are responsible to:

• Maintain a safe and secure facility, always keeping doors locked and no visitors allowed
• Make the clients’ stay as comfortable and accommodating as possible
• Complete an intake form and provide a house rules and house orientation presentation
• Complete a daily/hourly report while clients are present
• Assist clients with appointments with Mikisew housing, RCMP and other specialized services (Nunee Health, social services or the school)

The Paspew House also provides the following community programs:

• After-school programs for children aged six to eight
• Budgeting
• Counselling and support for victims of violence
• Parenting
• Women’s support group
• Sewing nights
• Craft nights, including drum making and ribbon skirt and shirt making

For a complete list of commonly used Mikisew forms, visit our Forms page.

Mikisew’s Social Enhancement Department provides social assistance, bereavement services and compassionate services to members. The department works closely with other departments, government agencies and members to provide these support services. Funding for the bereavement and compassion programs is provided entirely by the Nation and from the proceeds of annual investments from the 1986 Land Claim Agreement.

Social assistance

As part of our social assistance program, the department works closely with the Nation’s Employment Services and Assisted Living departments to provide employment opportunities and training. Funding for this program is provided by Indigenous Services Canada.

Bereavement services

All Mikisew members and their immediate family are eligible for assistance and services as described in the Bereavement Policy of the Nation. This includes:

• Each family is entitled to not more than $15,000 and all aspects of finances are administered by the Social Enhancement Coordinator in collaboration with the family.
• Costs may include casket, funeral home costs, cremation (if determined by the family), transportation/travel (air/ground) for immediate family members to attend the funeral, accommodations and fuel, etc.
• Families are responsible to work with the Social Enhancement Coordinator to keep costs within the approved budget.
• An additional $100 is provided by the Nation for wake services such as food, which is provided directly to the family.

Compassionate services

All Mikisew members are eligible for financial assistance when a member of their immediate family is in a life-threatening or critically ill situation in a hospital or health facility. Members must provide written notice of the situation (from the hospital or health facility to the Social Enhancement Coordinator. Costs are limited to transportation and travel (air/ground) for immediate family members to attend to their critically ill family member, accommodations and meals.

Financial assistance is administered by the Social Enhancement Coordinator and absolutely no advances are provided.

In need of social assistance? Visit our Forms page to complete a job search application. Contact the Social Enhancement Coordinator for more information or visit the Indigenous Services Canada website for a list of key social programs and funds available.

In need of bereavement or compassionate services? We can help. Contact the Social Enhancement Coordinator for more information.

For a complete list of commonly used Mikisew forms, visit our Forms page.

The Education Department manages the Fort Chipewyan Alternative High School and provides services in education to Mikisew Cree First Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and Fort Chipewyan Métis members.

Currently, we accept students of any age for courses in Grades 10 to 12 looking to complete their high school diploma. Additionally, we offer a Grade 9 and Grade 10 Community-Based Educational Program, which incorporates skill-based learning with cultural knowledge taught directly by Elders and community members (per Alberta curriculum expectations). As part of the interactive learning process, the high school also integrates land-based learning into the curriculum, offering activities such as moose hunts, ice fishing, bush camps and trapping.

The Education Department collaborates with Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Fort Chipewyan Métis Association and Nunee regarding educational strategic planning, funding, communications and other educational needs.

The role of the Director of Education is as follows:

• Advise leadership in areas of 1987 Tuition Agreement, nominal roll, Athabasca Delta Community School/Northland School Division and new education service agreements (NSD, ACFN, and provincial funding)
• Work with the federal and provincial governments regarding education funding, infrastructure, COVID-19 pandemic updates and other services
• Principal role for the Fort Chipewyan Alternative High School (following Alberta Leadership Standards)
• Superintendent role for the Mikisew Cree Education Authority (following Alberta Superintendent Standards) and teaching role (following Alberta Teaching Standards) as needed

To register for the Fort Chipewyan Alternative Education Program, please complete the Registration Application form and accompanying Health Entrance and Records Request forms. Visit our Forms page for more information.

Fort Chipewyan Alternative Education Program

Mikisew’s Employment and Training Department assists Mikisew members to achieve their goals for the future with career decision-making, employment readiness and skills training programs. The department receives funding from Service Canada under the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training program. In addition to our program offerings, we help members with:

• EI benefits and reports
• Resume updates
• Job searches
• General emailing or faxing
• Online employment applications
• Various applications including Alberta Health Care, Child Tax Benefit, SIN and birth certificates
• Commissioner of Oaths services

The Employment Services goal is to match an individual’s training requirements to the job market. Skills and training are based on members’ needs and are available to any Mikisew member, regardless of where they live. We provide various levels of job training such as:

• Certifications, including:
  • WHMIS
  • H2S
  • APR
  • First aid
  • Wildlife awareness
  • CSO (formerly CSTS)
  • OSSA
  • Oil burner
• Life skills
• Safety tickets and PPE
• Upgrading to complete Grade 12
• Preparation for college or university
• Education in aesthetics or the culinary arts
• Training in equipment operating, environmental monitoring, security, carpentry, etc., and other trade programs
• Driver’s licence training and road tests for Class 1, 3, 5 and 7
• Various workshops

Financial assistance is also available to members and can include childcare support, transportation and living allowances. Please note financial assistance does not include union dues.

Need more information? For more details on the employment and training registration process, please contact our Services Coordinator or complete the Employment Training Registration form.

For a complete list of commonly used Mikisew forms, visit our Forms page.

Mikisew’s Culture and Language Revitalization Department exists to advise Chief and Council on matters related to language and culture. Students and members are proud of their identity and speak their Cree language. We believe that honouring and practising our ancestral virtues creates holistic benefits. The department is guided by the following values:

Honesty and respect
We are respectful of ourselves and others.

Humbleness
We live a peaceful, sincere and simple life.

Generosity
We are generous to our fellow members and public.

Kindness
We are committed to the spirit of sharing and caring.

Love
Love one another.

Kinship
Honour family, siblings and relatives.

Compassion
Support one another and console one another.
We are true to our words and our actions.

Wisdom
Give sound advice to all members.

Happiness
Be happy and content daily.

Truth
Be truthful to everyone.

Courage
We are courageous and strong.

The Culture and Language Revitalization Department goals include:

1. Establish an excellent relationship and partnerships within the five First Nations, Métis Nations and RMWB stakeholders.
2. Support and advocate for Wood Buffalo Regional Education while working to improve the quality of language/culture and academic achievements for First Nation students.
3. Develop and implement a community engagement system to seek support and improve participation in technology and social media.
4. Establish a long-term commitment to continue to fund language conferences and showcase cultural events in the community.
   

Mikisew Student Services provides funding for students who are attending university, college or other higher education training. Funding is provided through a sponsorship program, and there is a student application process.

The duration of each program is customized to meet the needs of the student and depends on the type of program they are enrolled in. For example, a certificate program will take a year to complete, a diploma program takes two years and a Bachelor of Arts degree takes four years. Student Services is currently funding 71 students with more expected. We also fund a portion of the home boarding program, with students attending schools in Fort McMurray, Edmonton and Calgary.

The deadlines to submit applications for sponsorship are:

• September Enrollment (Fall Semester): July 30
• January Enrollment (Winter Semester): November 15
• Spring/Summer (Intersession): April 1

Want to apply for student funding? Complete the Student Services Application.

For a complete list of commonly used Mikisew forms, visit our Forms page.

Vision
To work directly with Mikisew Members to promote healing, prevent family breakdown, and strengthen family bonds. “Always respectful of the community, we plan, develop, and deliver quality services. United, we strive for a strong, healthy Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN), preserving our rights, language, culture and traditions in true spirit of reconciliation.”

Mission
Mikisew Cree First Nation Family Support & Preservation will continue to promote safety and wellbeing for all children, youth, and families in the spirit of reconciliation and within the context of their traditional culture language, land base, and teachings.

The Family Support and Preservation
The Family Support and Preservation team works from a Trauma-informed approach.
We acknowledge the strengths and uniqueness of each family. Elders, Cultural Helpers, Knowledge Keepers, traditional societies, and families are integrated into service design and delivery and the roles of Elders and Grandmothers are formally recognized.

What we offer?

• Land based teachings
• Traditional Parenting classes
• Cultural programming, annual Culture Camp
• Language classes
• Conflict resolution/coping strategies
• Develop Member competence to navigate systems/community resources
• Suicide awareness training
• Communication/social skills and boundary-setting
• Domestic violence or abuse awareness
• Introduction to the principles of healthy relationships
• Financial literacy
• Self-care and identity
• Grief and loss
• Parent to parent connections
• Assist families with child development
• Life skills – cooking, shopping, banking
• Accessing community resources

Our Process
Mikisew Family Support & Preservation will assist Members in accessing the skills or supports needed to care for and promote the development of their children in their own “Homefires”.

Staff will connect services and supports to the culture, language, beliefs, values, and traditions of the Member.

 Practical assistance
Housing assistance such as house hunting, information regarding low-income housing options, etc.

• Computer/printer access to assist Members with resume writing, job hunting, or applications such as Jordan’s Principle.
• Referrals to shelters for Members leaving domestic violence.
• Connect to work related training or educational opportunities.
• Referrals to a wide variety of resources from KidSport/Jumpstart, or Addiction supports.
• Transportation to interviews or appointments related to employment, education assessment or health.

Emergency financial assistance
Case-by-case financial assistance after all other avenues have been exhausted such as Alberta Works/Social Assistance, Jordan’s Principle etc.

What is the Post Majority Program?
Post-majority care services is an ongoing support for First Nations youth and young adults formerly in care, to assist them with their transition to adulthood upon reaching the age of majority in the province or territory they live in. Supporting their distinct needs and self-identified goals as youth and young adults transition into adulthood.

Who is eligible for post- majority care services?

• A youth who is in alternate care approaching the age of majority.
• A young adult who was in care as of the day they turned the age of majority and had not yet reached the age of 26.
• A youth in jurisdictions where voluntary provisions enable youth to leave care before the age of majority.

Supports available under post-majority care services?
Financial Support & Safe, Stable, Comfortable Housing
Needs-based financial support – budgeting, credit, money management etc. based on individual needs.

Learning, Educational & Professional Development Opportunities
Education mentorship and support; assistance in navigating education systems and options etc. based on individual needs.

Physical, Mental & Social Well-being
Noninsured medical, dental, and allied health services prescribed by relevant professionals; sexual and gender identity health supports, i.e. education related to sexually transmitted diseases, and sexual health; recreation and sport.

(Re)connect with Land, Culture,  Language & Community
Building a lifelong connection to the community and developing support networks, i.e. mentorship; Reconnection with family, community, and culture (i.e. costs and expenses related to maintaining and/or reconnecting with family, community, and culture); Cultural programs and ceremonies, land-based wellness.

Mikiesew Family Support and Preservation is determined to preserve the cultural teachings of our Nation and help to pass them on to our members. By joining our workshops, you have a chance to learn about different teachings from our Indigenous makers who share their knowledge with you through their craftsmanship and wisdom. We are proud to offer the following workshops on a regular basis throughout the province:

• Moccasin making
• Ribbon-skirt making
• Traditional beading jewelry-making

We introduce some non-Indigenous topics, like vision-board making. The plan is to introduce some cooking classes, canning, medicine picking, beginner sewing classes, a safe drop-in space to do crafts, play games, socialize, scheduled biweekly, beginner Cree language classes biweekly and we are open to ideas as well for future programming.

Our workshops are designed for small groups of people, usually 8 to 12 at a time. This ensures that everyone gets a quality experience, socializes, learns, and creates in a safe, nurturing and engaging environment.

Please, check our social media page for regular updates of upcoming events and availability. By signing up to register you will be supporting our local Food Bank. Some of our programming has supply/facilitator costs and due to the high number of interest our small fee is necessary to ensure all spots are filled. All other programming is free unless otherwise noted on poster, so come join us!

We have trained professionals to help with one-on-one assistance with resume development, cover letters and job search. Our Edmonton location has a designated space for consultation, where you will be able to share what your skills and work experience are and together we will initiate a plan to help you start working. This service is available for everyone seeking employment, including members and youth with no work experience. We provide appropriate training and assistance with skill development, networking and motivational coaching.

Mikisew Family and Preservation maintains a Job Board “Edmonton office” featuring available positions in different fields and industries throughout the Province. We work closely with everyone willing to advance their career, enter the workforce, and secure meaningful employment. Come and see us to be connected with our partnering organizations and companies, who are hiring.

Mikisew’s Health Department connects more than 3,100 members with health services and programs, distributing information from Alberta Health Services, Health Canada and Indigenous Services Canada to members in the Fort Chipewyan, Fort McMurray, Edmonton and other areas.

The department runs programs to address health challenges that are specific to our communities. Programs work to bridge the gap between Mikisew members and health services, focusing on health promotion, prevention of health risks and secondary care as we work toward sovereignty over the entire spectrum of health services.

Phase I includes the effective administration of health-related programs, including those that transport members to health facilities, focus on mental health and provide cultural support for survivors of the Indian Residential School (IRS) system.

• Medical transportation This ensures members can access medically required health services at the nearest appropriate facility in accordance with the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program.
• Mental health and well-being Former Indian Residential School (IRS) students and their immediate family and/or support persons must have access to the appropriate level of mental health and wellness services through the Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program. The Nation aims to ensure they can safely address a broad spectrum of mental health issues related to the disclosure of childhood abuses. We are working in collaboration with the Fort Chipewyan (Nunee) IRS program to support all Mikisew members affected by the IRS system and their families.
• Residential School Cultural Support (CSP) Ensures that eligible and former IRS students and their immediate family and/or support persons have access to culturally appropriate support services.

Phase II includes the effective administration of agreed-upon health promotion and disease prevention activities as well as nursing services.

The Nation’s health department worked with Indigenous Services Canada on a per capita approach to fund daycare and head-start programs as part of the National Indigenous Early Learning Child Care framework. The Nation received this funding in February 2020.

The Nation submitted a proposal for a dementia hub with resources that would support families caring for seniors, Elders and others affected by dementia at any point on the spectrum.

We also worked with Alberta Health Services to gain additional supports for mental health and suicide prevention. We are currently in the funding procurement phase.

Most recently, the Nation worked with Indigenous Services Canada on strategies to plan, prepare and respond to health emergencies that require prompt coordination to prevent or reduce illness and death. Focal points include communicable disease emergencies (e.g. pandemic influenza, food-borne or water-borne outbreaks) as well as other public health emergencies. We are currently working on the infectious disease pandemic plan.

A new communications initiative is making use of social media, annual reports, and bulletins to keep members updated on all current events, programs, supports and services.

Phase III will include the effective administration of agreed-upon medical transportation operations covering the Edmonton catchment area.

For a complete list of commonly used Mikisew forms, visit our Forms page.

Mikisew’s Medical Transportation Department provides assistance to Mikisew members in the Fort Chipewyan and surrounding area. It works closely with our health department to ensure appointment dates are met and that drop-off and pick-up times are scheduled accordingly. This also includes accommodation for Elders and members who visit Fort McMurray for Medicare.

The department also ensures that members can access medically required health services at the nearest appropriate facility in accordance with the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program.

For a complete list of commonly used Mikisew forms, visit our Forms page.

The Kahkiyow Keykanow Elders Care Centre is a Supportive Living Level 3 facility that provides long-term care, respite and homecare to residents. It is open to all Mikisew Cree First Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and Métis members.

Services include:

• Registered staff, available 24 hours a day, for medical distribution and compassionate nursing care
• Daily laundry service
• Daily and weekly housekeeping
• Homemade meals
• Social and recreational activities
• Monthly foot care performed by a chiropodist
• All rooms are provided with phones and a television with Shaw Family channels

Current support staff include:

• Four full-time health care aids
• Five personal support workers (assist health care aids)
• Two cooks
• Two full-time day shift custodians
• Two evening custodians

Interested in residency at our Elders Care Centre? Complete the Application Form or contact our Director for more information.

For a complete list of commonly used Mikisew forms, visit our Forms page.

Mikisew’s Property Management Department is responsible for managing all housing and multi-living accommodations in the hamlet of Fort Chipewyan and the Allison Bay and Dog Head reserves adjacent to the hamlet. They help tenants resolve utility and house maintenance issues.

Mikisew’s Chief- and Council-appointed Housing Committee manages the allocation of rentals and housing. Currently, Mikisew owns and manages:

• 100 rental units
• 102 houses (Fort Chipewyan)
• 41 homes (Allison Bay)
• 52 homes (Dog Head)

Are you a Mikisew member in need of a home? Complete the New Housing Application form.

Ready to renovate your current Mikisew Nation-owned home or need maintenance or repairs? Stay tuned for an updated program and application form.

Are you living in Nation-owned housing? You can now conveniently submit your home and property maintenance requests here.

Dealing with an emergency such as a flood or furnace issue? Mikisew Technical Services is here for you 24/7. Call 780.792.6331

For a complete list of commonly used Mikisew forms, visit our Forms page.

The Mikisew Technical Services (MTS) Department is responsible for providing public works services to the Allison Bay and Dog Head reserves, including water and sewer truck services to Dog Head and operation of the water treatment plant and sewage treatment lagoon in Allison Bay.

MTS includes a fully operational mill shop for custom carpentry, cabinetmaking and other construction-related services and manages the building supplies inventory.

Are you living in Nation-owned housing? You can now conveniently submit your home and property maintenance requests here.

Dealing with an emergency? Mikisew Technical Services is here for you 24/7.

Furnace – MTS Plumbers on-call: 780.799.2633

Heating and plumbing: 780.799.2633

Electrical: 780-799-1206 or 780.742.8647

Dog Head Water and Sewer: 780.215.6917

Allison Bay Water Treatment Plant on-call: 780.215.7141

Public Works on-call: 780.215.6917

Need further assistance? For work order requests, please email workorders@mikisewcree.ca

For a complete list of commonly used Mikisew forms, visit our Forms page.

Mikisew’s Building Supplies Department provides our community with the materials needed for home renovation and construction projects, and is a Cloverdale Paint distributor. The department works directly with Mikisew Technical Services to provide material management and project scoping.

For a complete list of commonly used Mikisew forms, visit our Forms page.

Applications are now available for the 2023 Home Ownership Incentive Program.

We want to help you with a $25,000 grant towards the down payment of a new build home or the purchase of an existing home.

Eligibility:

• Must be a Mikisew Cree First Nation Member listed on the membership list
• Pre-approval needed in your name from a financial institution

How to apply:

• Download the HIP Policy and application form at: www.mikisewcree.ca/forms
• Complete application forms and submit to  hip@mikisewcree.ca
• Applications will be accepted starting August 30, 2023 at 8AM MST

Note: Applicants are responsible to review their applications to ensure all required documentation is submitted.

Questions and inquiries can be submitted to hip@mikisewcree.ca

Download application and application checklist HERE

*Accepting 10 applicants on a first come, first served basis.

Applications are now available for the 2023 Home Ownership Incentive Program.

We want to help you with a $25,000 CAD grant to help improve the health, safety, and efficiency of your home!

Program Information:

• Replaces 25/75 program

• Previously, the home owner would contribute $5,000 and MCFN contributed $15,000 for a combined total of $20,000. MCFN will now grant $25,000 CAD with no contribution from the home owner required

• The intent of the HRG program is to improve structural deficiencies, shingles, siding, doors, windows, electrical, plumbing and heating upgrades.
  The program is not intended to address basic cosmetic upgrades

• Previous 25/75 applicants are eligible however must reapply under the HRG program
• All work must be completed within the fiscal year that funds were awarded (March 31, 2024 for this year)
• 10 annual HRGs will be distributed to two members in each of the five communities: FortChipewyan, Fort Smith, High Level, Edmonton and other Canadian Locations, and Fort McMurray

Eligibility:

• Registered MCFN Member listed on membership list

• Registered owner of the home, or registered holder of a Certificate of Possession for the home

How to apply:

• Download HRG policy and application form at: https://www.mikisewcree.ca/forms/hrg

• Complete application form and submit beginning OCTOBER 16, 2023 at 8am MST to hrg@mikisewcree.ca

*Accepting 10 applicants on a first come, first served basis.