About ICC

Civic Panel Members

Edmonton

Janice Melnychuk (Co-chair): Janice is an Edmonton City Councillor and a long time community activist. Before her election to city council, Janice was already known to the members of her community as a strong advocate for family and education. With a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology from the University of Alberta, she has a keen awareness of social issues. This led to her involvement as a fundraising chair for the “Children and Poverty” Conference, and her work with the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues. She also served as president of both the Newton Community League and Newton Playschool, and as a member of the Beacon Heights Parents Council. She served two terms as a Public School Trustee for Ward B before her election to Council in 2001.
Lewis Cardinal (Co-chair): Lewis is currently on an education leave from his position as Director of Native Student Services at the University of Alberta. He is also the Chair of the Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee and on several boards and advisory committees with a focus on Aboriginal/Indigenous Education. Lewis is an instructor and lecturer on “Foundations of Indigenous Worldviews”. He is one of the founders of the recently formed Indigenous Media Institute (Alberta). Lewis is on education leave to complete his PhD on traditional indigenous governance systems.
Nicola Fairbrother: Nicola is the Executive Director of the Edmonton Social Planning Council. She has worked in inclusive education, accessible employment and has extensive experience advocating for changes in discriminatory or exclusive government policy. Her educational background is in community rehabilitation.
Trevor Gladue: Trevor is Vice-President of the Metis Nation of Alberta and Minister of Governance. In March of 2000, Trevor received a proclamation from Queen Elizabeth for the Millennium Bound Aboriginal Achievers award for Politics. As Minister of Governance, Trevor oversees all aspects of the Metis governance structure, both from a political and administrative perspective.
Hope Hunter: Hope is the Executive Director of the Boyle Street Community Services Co-operative, a member of the National Council of Welfare, and a respected advocate for marginalized people. The Co-op is an Edmonton inner city human service agency offering diverse services to an inner city population, largely composed of Aboriginal people.
Robinson Koilpillai: Robinson is President of the Canadian Multicultural Education Foundation and a member of the Order of Canada for his work in human rights and international education. He is affiliated with numerous international federations and institutions, including the Canadian Council on for International Cooperation.
John Mahon: John is Executive Director of the Edmonton Arts Council and a celebrated musician, having played the clarinet for the Edmonton Symphony, Alberta Ballet and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. The EAC allocates the City of Edmonton Community Investment Grants to art and festival organizations and provides advice and advocacy on arts and cultural policy and issues to the City.
Tom Olenuk: Tom is President of the Edmonton & District Labour Council. He has a long history of providing leadership in the labour movement, having been on the Executive of the EDLC since 1986. He is also actively involved in community initiatives, such as the Campaign Cabinet for the United Way, the Leadership Council of Vibrant Communities Edmonton and the Governance Committee of the Edmonton Community Foundation.