Kyle J. Mason
Executive Director-
Gender pronouns: he / him / his
Kyle is an award-winning Indigenous entrepreneurial nonprofit leader, consultant, and speaker whose work is rooted in resilience, innovation, and community empowerment.
A member of Peguis First Nation, Kyle was raised in Winnipeg’s North End by a single parent. Kyle experienced firsthand the challenges of poverty, housing and food insecurity, and systemic barriers.
A serial nonprofit founder and builder, Kyle’s entrepreneurial mindset is grounded in asset-based community development, focusing on strengths, not deficits and in creating safe, inclusive spaces.
Kyle has delivered keynote addresses at national conferences, lectured at universities, and been featured in local and national media.
Cynthia Neudoerffer
Director of Evaluation, Research, and Policy-
Cynthia Nuedorffer (she/her) holds a Master’s Degree of Applied Science in Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo and a PhD in Interdisciplinary Rural Studies from the University of Guelph. She brings over 12 years' experience from Canadian Food Grains Bank where she provided technical leadership and consultation on systems for humanitarian food assistance, multi-year agriculture, and livelihoods development projects. Cynthia was transitional Executive Director for Food Matters Manitoba, and now oversees policy and research.
Myron Cook
Director of Indigenous Food Sovereignty-
Gender pronouns: he / him / his
“May our work always reflect the wisdom of our Elders, the vision of our youth, and the teachings of our ancestors.”
Myron Cook is an Assiniskaw Nihithaw (Rocky Cree) leader from Barren Lands First Nation, raised on the shores of Reindeer Lake in Brochet, Manitoba. A lifelong learner, steward of traditional harvesting practices, land-based mentor, and respected advocate for Indigenous food sovereignty, Myron brings deep-rooted knowledge and lived experience to his role as Director of Indigenous Food Sovereignty at Food Matters Manitoba.
Myron’s leadership is grounded in the sacred relationship between land, language, and culture. He champions Indigenous-led stewardship and the integration of ancestral teachings into land protection and food systems. His work centers on developing and implementing culturally grounded programs that engage youth, Elders, and community members in land-based education, traditional harvesting, and sustainable food practices.
Through collaborative partnerships, meaningful consultation with Indigenous leadership, and the establishment of youth and Elder advisory committees, Myron fosters intergenerational dialogue, cultural resurgence, and community resilience. He is a trusted advisor on First Nations relations and food sovereignty, guiding the respectful integration of traditional knowledge into policy and practice.
With a vision rooted in cultural continuity and community strength, Myron is committed to ensuring that the languages, teachings, and land-based practices of First Nations remain vibrant for generations to come.
“The land remembers. When we walk with respect, speak our languages, and share our teachings, we awaken what has always been within us.”
Kerry Spence
Director of Programs-
Kerry Spence (she / her) is an Ojibway-Métis woman from Eddystone, Manitoba. 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. Kerry has worked to support community-led projects that created, strengthened, or expanded local food systems. She is excited to bring her experience from the philanthropic, charitable, and food sovereignty sectors to continue to work with Indigenous communities in a good way with FMM. She is a member of Lake Manitoba First Nation and is currently living and working in Winnipeg, Manitoba with her two children.
e: kerry@foodmattersmanitoba.ca
p: 431-809-9243
Morgan McCurdy
Organization Growth Manager-
Gender Pronouns: she / her / hers
Morgan is a recent Human Rights graduate from the University of Winnipeg. She is very excited to start her career in a field that is very meaningful to her. She spent the better part of her degree focusing on issues faced in Northern Manitoba including the issue of food insecurity and is excited to apply that knowledge to her work.
Outside of work Morgan loves to travel, as well as spend time outdoors, hiking and camping. Overall, she is looking forward to working with and learning from our Northern partners!
To contact Morgan, please email Morgan@foodmattersmanitoba.ca
Robin Smyth
Executive Operations Manager-
As an Executive Operations Manager at Food Matters Manitoba, I’m not just here to keep the wheels turning; I’m here to ensure our leadership team has the freedom to focus on delivering on our mission to increase food security in Manitoba.
With over 20 years of experience in Operations, I bring an unwavering commitment to our company’s vision and a passion for facilitating our leader’s success.
Outside the office, you’ll find me adventuring with my dog Lacie and advocating for sustainable living. I believe in the power of work-life balance and enjoy sharing tips for achieving it.
To contact Robin, please email Robin@foodmattersmanitoba.ca
Amanda Leighton
Admin Assistant-
Amanda Leighton - she/her
With years of administrative experience and an unusual excitement for organization and structure, Amanda brings a passion for community, advocacy, and meaningful change to her supportive role. For more than 15 years, she has worked alongside Northern communities advocating for hydro justice, supporting efforts to protect the land, water, and livelihoods of the people who call the North home.
She is deeply passionate about the restoration and renewal of land and water, and about contributing to a more just and sustainable future. Outside of work, Amanda loves being outdoors—especially near the water—with good music or a great book close by and prefers to get there by motorcycle.
To contact Amanda, please email Amanda@foodmattersmanitoba.ca
Paul Nice
Youth Harvester-
Gender Pronouns: he / him / his
Paul Nice is currently based in Sherridon, Manitoba, and is a youth harvester employed with Food Matters Manitoba. He grew up in a very small town, so he knows quite a bit on how to harvest and gather efficiently.
Paul loves being outdoors at all times of the year.
During his off time, he likes to study insects and birds, play the banjo, do carvings, and gaming.
He can’t wait to see what other kinds of harvests he can gather to hand out to his community. The entire process of collecting something and processing it to hand out to the community is very special to him.
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.
Lester Balfour
Harvester-
Gender Pronouns: he / him / his
Lester Balfour is a dedicated traditional harvester and a valued Northern partner with Food Matters Manitoba in Kinosao Sipi (Norway House).
With decades of experience, Lester embodies stewardship of the land – leading community harvests, and sharing his knowledge and passion for the traditional ways of living with the next generation.
Lester believes in the importance of connecting youth to their heritage – frequently inviting children from the community to join him out on the land. Through these experiences, he instills a deep appreciation for the land and wild food, which he describes as “the best food you can eat.”
His commitment to sharing what the land has to offer is a testament to his belief that by giving and helping one another, we can all thrive. Lester’s work continues to inspire and empower those around him, fostering a strong sense of generosity and community support.
