Board Members — Food Matters Manitoba

Co-Chair & Treasurer

Chris Maxfield, CPA is a Senior Manager with MNP’s Assurance Services team in Winnipeg. Chris has extensive expertise in private company assurance and tax services, as well as accounting and general consulting services for various commercial companies. Chris has worked with, and currently works with various large private groups of companies with complex structures and has over twelve years of public practice experience. Chris is dedicated to providing reliable, high-quality client service and developing long-term, trust-based relationships. Chris is actively involved in the community. He is currently on the Board of Directors with varying finance roles for the Rossbrook House Foundation and Food Matters Manitoba.

Co-Chair

Originally from Shamattawa First Nation, Michael has spent most of his life in the North End of Winnipeg and now travels to different territories sharing stories, community organizing models and published works. A sought-after public speaker, event host, published author, critical thinker, systems challenger and community organizer. Michael applies strength-based perspectives and humour to solve complicated challenges and believes that Indigenous knowledge will save the world.

Member

Jacques is Metis and a recent law graduate from the University of Saskatchewan, graduating with distinction. After being called to the bar in 2023, he joined the Manitoba Prosecution Service and worked in the Domestic and Sexual Violence Trial Unit. He has taken on a leadership role in reconciliation-focused training for prosecutors by heading a program called Grandmother’s Pathway to Peace.

Member

Kerry Spence is an Ojibway-Métis woman from Eddystone, Manitoba. She is a member of Lake Manitoba First Nation and is currently living and working in Winnipeg, Manitoba with her two children. She studied Human Nutritional Sciences and Native Studies at the University of Manitoba and has a special interest in food sovereignty and reclaiming her Indigenous culture. She brings experience working in a charitable organization, in which she supported community-led projects looking to either create, strengthen or expand local food systems. She is excited to apply what she has learned in the philanthropic and food sovereignty sectors and to continue to work with communities in a good way.

Member

Mya Kidson is a Research Associate in the Health & Wellness Department at the Manitoba Métis Federation. She holds a Bachelor of Science with a focus in Nutrition and a master’s in Human Nutritional Science with a focus in food security, Indigenous health, and health policy. She is deeply committed to creating tangible change at the grassroots level, actively engaging in initiatives that address food insecurity and promote equitable access to nutrition and wellness. Mya remains steadfast in her mission to bridge gaps in health and nutrition, ensuring that communities not only have access to food but also the power to reclaim food sovereignty and holistic well-being.

Secretary

Grace currently works as Program Coordinator at Harvest Manitoba, where she coordinates a weekend meal program that ensures children in Winnipeg, Brandon, and OCN have access to nutritious food on days when in-school meal programs are unavailable. Her work is guided by a strong commitment to food security, youth empowerment, and sustainable practices that strengthen communities across the province.
Grace holds an advanced degree in Sociology and Human Geography from the University of Manitoba, and her academic background informs her thoughtful, community-centered approach to nonprofit work. Through her professional experience, she brings a practical understanding of program delivery, collaboration, and long-term impact to her role on the board.

Member

Initially pursuing a career in astronomy, Rob’s experience of teaching University courses in West Africa for 2 years led to a shift in attention from the mysteries of the universe to trying to understand the processes of economic development and social change.
For the past 3 decades Rob has been involved in community economic and social development work, mostly in First Nations communities in Manitoba and Northwester Ontario. In this work, he draws on group process practices and the participatory learning methods associated with the Brazilian educator Paulo Freire. Some of his most challenging and rewarding work has been in engaging communities to address difficult social problems, including violence, substance abuse and youth suicide, often using music and creativity as tools for healing and wellness.
Rob is passionate about gardening (which is also about caring for the soil) and photography, and is learning how to play jazz guitar.

Member

Paul Labun grew up in downtown Winnipeg and now works for an environmental group on community outreach and partnerships in Manitoba, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. He served as an advisor to the Manitoba government and Manitoba Hydro for over a decade. He also directed development projects in post-conflict Bosnia.
In his youth, he spent many summers guiding wilderness canoe trips in Northern Ontario. Paul holds a BA from University of Winnipeg and a Master’s degree in Canadian history from Queen’s University.

Member

Thea Green joins the board of directors with a desire to learn more about how to improve food security and support Indigenous food sovereignty in Manitoba. She has a background in education, agriculture and archaeology, and is passionate about improving sustainability in food systems. Thea has worked for Keystone Agricultural Producers, the University of Manitoba’s School of Agriculture, and served as a board member for the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA.)

Member

Brandy is a non-Indigenous ally who as walked a spiritual path with her Indigenous brothers and sisters for many years, being welcomed with open arms as a Sundancer and helper at the Turtle Lodge on Sagkeeng First Nation. Her path began growing up in Winnipeg’s North End, Alumni to St. John’s High School, mother of two, and wife to her supportive husband Chris for 18 years. She is the Co-founder, CEO and Community Connector for Community Helpers Unite Inc, est. 2021, but has been actively feeding marginalized community members with kindness, dignity and respect for over 10 years. She is the current President of the Council of Women of Winnipeg, and a Citizen Member of the Winnipeg Food Council. She has been recognized for her community work in the Manitoba Legislature by Diljeet Brar, and Bernadette Smith, was a 2024 recipient of the Winnipeg 150 Medal, King Charles Coronation Medal, Canadian Culinary Federation Winnipeg Branch President’s Award of Excellence, and strives to increase food security, and food sovereignty, to reduce the levels of poverty she sees daily all over Manitoba.

Meet Our Board Members