Meet Our Staff

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

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    Coming Soon!

Myron Cook

Director of Indigenous Food Sovereignty

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    “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.”

Michael B. Monias

Northern Programs Manager

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    Michael B. Monias is an Indiqueer entrepreneur, leader, and community builder from Norway House Cree Nation. He works to towards purpose, culture, and community, Michael brings experience in Indigenous economic development, community development, project management, entrepreneurship support, and event management to his role with Food Matters Manitoba.

    Guided by the 7 Sacred Teachings, Michael’s work blends Western project management practices with Indigenous worldviews to support initiatives that place people, relationships, and long-term community impact at the center. His approach is grounded in the belief that meaningful development must strengthen leadership, honour our culture, and create opportunities for future generations.

    Michael has worked in economic development and community development, supporting initiatives focused on entrepreneurship, capacity building, business development, and sustainable community growth. Michael’s experience also focuses on project management, event management, community relations, and strategic planning. He remains passionate about Indigenous economic and community development.

    In addition to his professional work, Michael contributes to community through board and volunteer service, including his role on the Board of Directors for Creative Manitoba and his volunteer work with Pride Winnipeg as a Special Events Coordinator. His leadership is shaped by a commitment to Indigenous creativity, inclusive spaces, and community-driven change.

    Michael has completed Indigenous business, leadership, and queer entrepreneur development programs, and holds the Certified Associate in Project Management credential. He is preparing to pursue his Project Management Professional designation and plans to continue his academic journey through Athabasca University toward a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Indigenous Business.

    Michael’s work is also shaped by his personal recovery journey, which has deepened his commitment to healing, accountability, purpose, and building a life embedded in service. A proud queer Indigenous professional, Michael views food systems, entrepreneurship, and economic development as his life’s purpose. His work is centered on strengthening Indigenous leadership, supporting community prosperity, and helping build pathways where culture, care, and practical action can move together.

Morgan McCurdy

Organization Growth Manager

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    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! 

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.

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. 

Paul Nice

Youth Harvester

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    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

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    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.