Kallie Wood is the President and CEO of the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF) and is a proud member of Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation located on Treaty Four Territory in Saskatchewan. Kallie was formerly the Senior Indigenous Advisor for the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Saskatchewan. She holds a Master of Leadership and Management studies degree and is a mother to four beautiful children and kokum to four grandchildren. As a foster parent, Kallie has many children who call her mom.  

Kallie has her feet planted firmly on Mother Earth and realizes that the Creator has blessed us with the gift of each day. She is a life-long learner with 35-years of experience in leadership roles with experience in organizational change, strategic planning, and program delivery with extensive experience in relationship building, reconciliation, and education.  Kallie also sits on several Board of Governors across the nation, sharing a voice for Indigenous engagement and building relationships.  

Having grown up in a small community surrounded by friends and family in agriculture, Kallie is excited about the journey in supporting First Nation, Inuit, and Métis peoples in sustainable agriculture and food opportunities through listening, learning, and implementing change. By bringing together voices and a community of partners through the sharing of agriculture practices and business knowledge from Indigenous leaders, ensuring geographical, intergenerational, and industry-wide representation, we can support business creation, advance capacity building through education and training, and connect Indigenous Peoples to valuable networks, resources, and funding opportunities.This approach honours their tradition, lands, and Mother Earth, creating a recipe for success in economic growth for the good of all.   

Kallie has received numerous awards for her time commitment to reconciliation, most recently awarded as one of the twenty-two most empowered and influential women internationally in 2023. She is a recognized and sought after keynote speaker and Indigenous Advisor on Indigenous issues. She is a recognized advocate, researcher and transformational change leader driven by harnessing the intrinsic value of every voice that fosters deeper conversations and a sense of belonging and appreciation in many contexts globally. She has a palpable ability to inspire and ignite a brighter future through Indigenous histories, stories, ways of knowing and being towards a better future for our children, grandchildren and those not yet born.  

Chris McKee is the Senior Vice-President of the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF). Chris is a born and raised Saskatchewan boy from a centennial family farm, whose connection with the province's wide-open spaces has left him with the belief that any individual or organization can have a wide-open future with the right coaching and direction. A firm believer in the uniqueness and intrinsic value of every individual, Chris can engage any audience with his commonsense, directness, and passionate honesty. With more than two decades of experience inspiring and leading teams in designing, developing, and deploying organization-wide initiatives, Chris is no stranger to the challenges of change and the ways to harness the power it can provide. This is what drew him to supporting the establishment of the NCIAF 

Chris has many years of experience in several industries giving him an advantage in navigating complex multi-layered, cross-department initiatives. He is highly regarded in Indigenous communities. Chris was gifted the Cree name ‘Mistapew’, which means “Big Man – Big Voice – Big Heart” - a sign of trust and relationship and his importance in the journey forward for Indigenous People. His strength, resiliency, and passion for reconciliation from a non-Indigenous perspective is palpable. His enthusiasm for change captures the interest of audiences. He is passionate about the message and as a result motivates audiences to action. Chris’ desire to see and experience reconciliation drives him forward in creating and accelerating Indigenous agriculture. 

Renish Keshwani is a member of the Finance team at the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture & Food (NCIAF), bringing over four years of banking experience and a passion for serving communities. After building a strong foundation in financial services, he joined NCIAF to apply his skills in a purpose-driven environment while learning more about Indigenous communities and supporting the organization's mission. He enjoys finding practical solutions, staying organized, and contributing to initiatives that make a meaningful difference.

Renish is known for his friendly and approachable nature and enjoys building genuine relationships with colleagues, partners, and community members. He is naturally curious, values continuous learning, and believes that every new experience is an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. He takes pride in being dependable, maintaining a positive attitude, and supporting those around him whenever he can.

Outside of work, Renish is a passionate Cricket enthusiast who enjoys both playing and watching the sport.

Rowan Kindrachuk is the Food Hub & Administration Associate for the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF). She works with the Indigenous Food Hub, helping connect Indigenous food businesses with opportunities to grow, build partnerships, and get their products in front of new customers.

If you give us a call, there’s a good chance Rowan will be the one answering the phone. Whether you have questions about the Food Hub, are looking for support, or just want to learn more about what we do, she’s always happy to help and point you in the right direction.

Outside of work, Rowan enjoys crocheting, checking out local bands, and being involved in her community. She is passionate about working with youth and has spent time as both a summer camp counsellor and a learn-to-skate instructor, helping youth build confidence, learn new skills, and have fun along the way.

Michelle Sandercock is the Director of Business Development at the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food. With over 20 years of experience in the agriculture sector, Michelle's expertise spans agri-finance, relationship management, onboarding and learning, as well as enterprise and credit risk management. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy from the University of Saskatchewan and is a Certified Leadership Coach. 

Born and raised on a mixed farm in Southeastern Saskatchewan, Michelle spent her childhood raising and exhibiting purebred cattle and helping with her family’s grain operation. Given her upbringing, choosing a career in agriculture came naturally. Michelle credits her many years of involvement in the local 4-H club for instilling in her a lifelong love of learning, development, and leadership. Her passion for continuous improvement, execution excellence, and contribution made joining the NCIAF an easy decision. She is driven by the challenge of accelerating positive change by helping Indigenous communities reclaim food sovereignty and security. Michelle is very honoured to be part of this journey with the NCIAF.

Monique Desjarlais, a proud member of the Muskowekwan First Nation (Treaty 4) and serves as the Director of Programs with the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF). With a background in nursing and years of experience working alongside Indigenous communities, Monique brings a holistic approach to food systems rooted in health, cultural continuity, and self-determination. 

Before joining the NCIAF, Monique supported Indigenous-led clean energy projects, where she built experience in infrastructure planning, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability. Work that continues to inform her efforts at the intersection of food, energy, climate, and community wellness.

In her current role, Monique collaborates with Nations, agribusinesses, and grassroots leaders to co-create sustainable pathways for land-based food revitalization. Her work supports local infrastructure, knowledge sharing, and increased access to funding, training, and policy tools that uplift Indigenous values and priorities. She holds a strong belief that food sovereignty is about reclaiming traditional food-systems, restoring wellness, and strengthening self-determination; viewing access to culturally relevant and nutritious food as a critical health imperative and a fundamental determinant of health for Indigenous communities. For Monique, this work is part of a broader movement toward Indigenous-led futures and a powerful expression of Indigenous rights rooted in land, knowledge, and the strength of community leadership.

Kate Fraser is the Director of Capacity Development for the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture & Food. She is a devoted mother to twin girls and is an avid gardener. Kate is a proud alumnus of the University of Western Ontario and is a Certified Agile Project Manager.  

Agriculture has been an integral part of Kate’s life, having been raised on a farm in southwestern Ontario. She has dedicated her career to serving the Canadian agriculture industry, which has spanned various sectors and provinces within our vibrant industry. Kate is passionate about educating both the youth and public about where their food comes from and the vital role of Canadian agriculture in our economy. She strives to ignite a curiosity and appreciation for the journey from farm to table. 

Kate approaches the path of reconciliation with profound respect and a deep sense of responsibility. She has strong aspirations to support and empower First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Together, we can build a future that celebrates the richness of Indigenous cultures. 

Jane Williams is the Director of Strategic Growth for the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food. She is a builder, connector, and lifelong learner who is passionate about growing organizations, nurturing people, and creating opportunities that strengthen communities. Throughout her career, Jane has helped organizations scale and navigate change, always believing that sustainable growth starts with relationships, creativity, and empowering others to thrive. She is a proud mother of four boys and enjoys nothing more than meaningful conversations, bringing people together, and finding innovative ways to turn ideas into action.

Jane's love of Canada was shaped by her father, whose sense of adventure led them to travel together from coast to coast to coast. Those experiences instilled a deep appreciation for the land, the people, and the stories that connect communities across the country. As the Founder of Cycling Without Age Canada, Jane has had the privilege of listening to thousands of seniors share their stories and wisdom while reconnecting with their communities and the outdoors. These experiences have reinforced her belief that we all have much to learn from our Elders and that strong communities are built through connection, respect, and time spent together. Jane is committed to helping create a more sustainable future and is honoured to support Indigenous-led agriculture, food systems, and economic opportunities that will benefit generations to come.

Terry Lerat is the ReconciliAG Advisor for the NCIAF and a lifelong resident of Cowessess First Nation, where agriculture has been an influential part of my entire life. As a devoted husband and father of three, I proudly serve as a Councilor of Cowessess First Nation. 

I began helping my father with his mixed farm operation at a young age and continued to farm with him into the late 1970s. I enrolled in many agriculture modules, earning approximately 20 different certificates through what is now Saskatchewan Polytechnic to learn more about agriculture production. During this time, I worked for 10 years as a pasture rider and was promoted to pasture manager for PFRA and then I had a custom grazing operation until 2012. In 1976, started my own cattle operation with support from the Saskatchewan Indian Agriculture Program (SIAP).  

I was a heavy equipment operator for approximately 15 years into the 1990s. Most of my career was spent with Double Bar D Farms in Grenfell, SK, from 1999-2018. They operate a large mixed farm with both purebred Red Angus and Simmentals. This is where I learned most about good farming practices and agriculture production, particularly cattle genetics and running a successful cattle operation. I also worked for the Cowessess Lands Leasing department in both 1999 and 2007. I retired from Double Bar D Farms in late 2018 to continue building my own cattle operation.  

With support of Cowessess Chief and Council, I founded 4C Farms on the Cowessess First Nation’s lands in 2007, launching a community-driven initiative to cultivate our agricultural heritage through cattle ranching and farming. This endeavor not only harnesses the potential of our lands but also revitalizes our community’s connection to agriculture. We started with 25 Angus cow-calf pairs in 2007 and in 2023, we had 260 cow-calf Angus pairs. From 2019-2023, I was the Manager of 4C Farms, bringing grain farming to our operation. In 2019, we started with 350 cultivated acres and in 2023 we increased to 5,600 acres.  

Through my role with the NCIAF, I want to help open the door of opportunities for First Nations across Canada. There are many facets to agriculture from the smallest honeybee to the large bison and everything in between. My goal is to bring the spirit and intent of the treaties by bringing farming to First Nations across Canada. First Nations should utilize their lands to be self-sustaining. In the next 5 years, I would like to see every First Nation in Canada involved in agriculture and working towards being independently owned and operated. Agriculture can be influential in healthy lifestyles for all community members and it’s important to involve the youth, so they know where their food comes from.  

Justice Acoose is the Communications Specialist for the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food. Born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan, she is a passionate communicator and advocate with a diverse background in administration, community engagement, and public health initiatives. Justice uses her skills to amplify the NCIAF’s mission and vision.  

With experience in administrative positions within government, Justice honed her organizational prowess by managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and overseeing administrative processes. Her attention to detail shines through her ability to create engaging social media content. Driven by a commitment to community empowerment, Justice is proud to leverage her expertise to create positive change and foster inclusive environments at the NCIAF. Her journey reflects her dedication to supporting Indigenous communities and contributing to the advancement of Indigenous agriculture in Canada.

Sarah Adams is the Business Development Specialist. Her background spans marketing, project management, HR, and finance, with over 10 years of experience working in business development and strategic partnerships. Sarah has led digital marketing initiatives, managed content strategies, and built strong relationships within various industries, focusing on sustainable growth and client-focused solutions. In HR and project management roles, she developed hiring strategies, handled complex projects, and supported organizational goals through planning and execution. Sarah is looking forward to applying these skills to help advance NCIAF’s mission and support Indigenous communities in agriculture and food sovereignty.

Sean Carrier is the newest Business Development Associate for the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF). Sean is a recent Marketing graduate from Saskatchewan Polytechnic with a creative mindset, strong organizational skills, and a great sense of humour. As a proud member of the Piapot First Nation, I value bringing my perspective and experiences into the work I do in a respectful and meaningful way. Born and raised in Regina, Sean now lives at Regina Beach where he enjoys spending time outdoors and enjoying the sunshine. As an Indigenous professional, Sean is proud to bring his perspective and experiences into his work. Sean is excited to be part of the NCIAF and inspired by the fantastic work being done to support Indigenous agriculture and food systems. He is looking forward to contributing, learning, and growing alongside the team.

Melissa Gladue is the 

National Indigenous Engagement Specialist at the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food. A Treaty member of Saddle Lake Cree Nation, Melissa brings more than a decade of experience across financial services, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and Indigenous economic development in Western Canada. That background now informs her work helping Indigenous entrepreneurs, communities, and organizations find the resources they need to grow.

At the NCIAF, Melissa leads engagement for the Indigenous Prairie Bison Initiative, working alongside communities to strengthen food sovereignty, cultural revitalization, and economic opportunity. She continues to focus on business development and partnership strategy — connecting people, building trusted relationships, and creating pathways that last.

Emily was born and raised in the Upper Ottawa Valley, where her Métis family settled after leaving Athabasca and choosing not to settle in Red River with other family members (Why not? Because of love of course! It’s a great romance mixed with the rebellious Métis spirit.) Her father grew up immersed in traditional Métis culture, practicing self-sustainability—a legacy passed down through generations. This heritage has given Emily hands-on experience in farming, harvesting, food preservation, and a deep appreciation for sovereign foods. Beyond her work in food systems, Emily shares her cultural connections through music as a talented multi-instrumentalist, a passion passed down from her ancestors. Now working as a freelance consultant in the agri-food industry, she is committed to sharing her knowledge and fostering relationships to drive meaningful change.

From Emily: I’ve always believed in the power of relationships to create lasting change. Growing up, my family’s food system was at the heart of our lives. There were always animals or plants to be taken care of and there was a lot of ceremony and celebration in foods. We raised chickens and beef cattle alongside my uncle, tended a sprawling garden, harvested wild foods, and preserved anything we couldn’t consume right away. Trading vegetables and preserves with family—if it wasn’t in our pantry, it was in my Aunties’!—created bonds that strengthened our culture. Some of my fondest childhood memories were processing and canning venison with my extended family (it’s the only time I eat/ate heart, when its fresh) and our spring mud pout fishing trips. If the black flies were biting, so were the mud pout! These experiences taught me the value of cultural connection through sovereign foods and reciprocity with people and the land.

My husband’s Dutch family immigrated to Canada after WWII and, like my own, had a food system rooted in culture and community. Together, we’re passing these family and cultural values on to our two sons.

For me, work isn’t just about results—it’s about honouring my roots and respecting the values of others by building relationships, acting with integrity, and creating meaningful impact. I believe that when we invest in people and their ideas, we cultivate solutions that endure. Whether I’m mentoring emerging entrepreneurs or working to shape policies that will strengthen food systems, every opportunity allows me to give back and contribute to something greater.

Amy Sidhu is a Data and Research Analyst at the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture & Food (NCIAF), where she brings a background in computer science, data architecture, and software development to support the organization’s growing data and research needs. She is passionate about building reliable data systems and creating efficient processes that transform complex information into structured, accessible, and meaningful data.

Her work focuses on developing data pipelines, improving data quality, automating processes, and building scalable data solutions that reduce manual work and create a stronger foundation for reporting, research, and decision-making. She particularly enjoys combining technical problem-solving with creativity to approach complex data challenges from new perspectives and find innovative ways to make systems more efficient, accurate, and sustainable.

At the NCIAF, Amy is excited to contribute her technical skills to strengthening Indigenous agriculture and food systems through better data and research infrastructure. She values collaboration, continuous learning, and building strong relationships with the people she works with and believes that good data can be a powerful tool for understanding communities, identifying opportunities, and supporting meaningful change.

Outside of work, Amy enjoys staying active, learning about emerging technologies, and spending time with family and friends. She is naturally curious and enjoys taking on new challenges that allow her to grow both personally and professionally.

Jack, our Chief Morale Officer, brings tail wags, good vibes, and a whole lot of heart to the team. Whether he's greeting guests or boosting spirits, Jack reminds us that a little joy goes a long way.

Dennis Omeasoo is a Plains Cree from Treaty 6 Territory in Maskwacis, Alberta. He now resides on Piapot First Nation in Southern Saskatchewan. Dennis is a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Dennis is a knowledge keeper with extensive knowledge of First Nations history and works jointly with other professionals to integrate First Nations content and worldview into classroom and work environments. It is his desire to actively apply and expand his background to further the appreciation and promotion of First Nations people and cultural identity.  He has contributed to community initiatives that celebrate cultural diversity and youth. He bases his knowledge on past and present philosophies, teachings, personal experiences and his ability to communicate in both Cree and English.

Dennis is joining the NCIAF as an Elder in Residence and he will be primarily supporting the Indigenous Prairie Bison Initiative and the work across the Prairie Region.  His extensive work with the Winter Count Buffalo Robe teaching tool and his experiences of buffalo through ceremony, brings a significant knowledge to support and advance the work of the NCIAF for the benefit of First Nations starting and scaling up buffalo herds. 

Doug Griller, co-owner of Quill Creek Farms alongside his wife Anna, is a respected leader in Canada’s bison industry and a dedicated advocate for sustainable prairie food systems. With decades of experience in animal husbandry and regenerative land management, Doug brings valuable expertise to the NCIAF’s Indigenous Prairie Bison Initiative 

As one of fewer than 1,000 bison producers in Canada, Doug understands both the opportunities and challenges facing the industry. He has built his career around reinvesting in the health of the land, the wellbeing of the animals, and the strength of the prairie communities that rely on them. His commitment to sustainability reflects a shared value in Indigenous food sovereignty—where responsible stewardship and respect for the buffalo are foundational. 

On any given day, Doug can be found in his office - a 2016 Dodge Ram that has logged more miles than his free roaming bison herd. He is a strong voice on the importance of diversified strategies, particularly as demand for bison continues to outpace supply and farmland competition intensifies. For Doug, every producer counts, and he is passionate about supporting new and emerging bison operations to ensure the long-term viability of the bison sector. 

Doug’s leadership at Quill Creek Farms and within Noble Premium Bison, combined with his collaborative approach to industry development, makes him a valuable advisor to NCIAF. His work supports the resilience and growth of Indigenous-led bison production across the Prairies - helping restore relationships between people, buffalo, and the land. 

Roger Paquette is a respected Canadian aquaculture professional whose career has been dedicated to advancing sustainable aquaculture development and building meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities across British Columbia’s coast. With decades of experience in the seafood and aquaculture sectors, he has earned recognition as a trusted advisor to First Nations, industry, and governments on responsible aquaculture practices and economic development opportunities.

Throughout his career, Roger has worked alongside numerous First Nations on Canada’s West Coast, helping communities explore and develop aquaculture initiatives that align with their cultural values, stewardship responsibilities, and long-term economic goals. His collaborative approach emphasizes Indigenous leadership, environmental sustainability, capacity building, and creating opportunities for local employment and community ownership.

Known for his practical knowledge and relationship-focused leadership, Roger has contributed to projects involving shellfish and finfish aquaculture, marine resource management, regulatory navigation, and strategic business development. He has been a strong advocate for ensuring Indigenous communities have meaningful participation in Canada’s growing blue economy while balancing environmental stewardship with economic prosperity.

Roger is widely respected for his ability to bring together governments, Indigenous leaders, researchers, and industry partners to develop solutions that support healthy coastal ecosystems and resilient coastal economies. His work reflects a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and reconciliation through economic partnership.

Today, Roger Paquette continues to be recognized as one of Canada’s experienced voices in aquaculture, helping shape a future where sustainable seafood production and Indigenous leadership play an increasingly important role in Canada’s food systems and coastal communities.