Our Programs

Isaiah Robinson is the General Manager of the Kitasoo Development Corporation and the Deputy Chief Councillor of the Kitasoo Xai'xais Nation. With a background in business and management, he returned to his homeland in 2016, initially managing the Housing and Public Works Department before transitioning to his current roles. Isaiah has completed his MBA through Simon Fraser University. 

In his third term on the Council, Isaiah is committed to sustaining the economic success initiated by his predecessors, notably in achieving a 99% employment rate in his community. This success is partly attributed to the community's strategic partnership in aquaculture since 1998, an industry integral to the economic growth of the Kitasoo Xai'xais Nation. Under Isaiah's leadership, the community continues to build upon the vision of ensuring a breadwinner in every household, a testament to the sustainable and progressive economic strategies he champions. 

Isaiah Robinson, along with former leadership, has been instrumental in supporting and advancing a robust and enduring partnership with the salmon farming industry, a vital component of the Kitasoo Xai'xais Nation's economic prosperity. Their collective leadership has played a pivotal role in nurturing this collaboration, which, through collaborative efforts and sustainable practices, has not only thrived but also established itself as a beacon of environmental stewardship within the aquaculture community. Their commitment to preserving their traditional territories and setting industry-leading operating standards extends beyond their tenure and continues to shape this crucial relationship today. 

Jolene is proudly Wolastoqiyik from Neqotkuk First Nation, New Brunswick, and is a woman of many roles. She is a devoted mother to three sons, a doting grandmother to four, and a passionate entrepreneur. Although she grew up and lived many years in non-Indigenous communities, Jolene has spent the past 25 years rediscovering her roots and embracing her Indigenous culture. This journey has not only been an inspiration but also a driving force behind her entrepreneurial pursuits.

Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Jolene gained extensive experience in the culinary and agriculture industries. These experiences have kept her grounded and connected to her heritage, making them some of her most cherished memories. Fueled by passion and a sense of purpose, Jolene embarked on a new chapter in her life - starting her own business.

In 2018, Wabanaki Maple was born as she launched into the maple syrup industry, creating and developing value-added premium maple syrup products. Her dedication and hard work paid off as her company has expanded nationwide and is also exporting to the United States. Along her entrepreneurship journey she has accomplished many goals, earning her recognition in media outlets such as APEX magazine, Elle Gourmet magazine, CTV Breakfast Television, Global TV, Huddle News and The Globe and Mail to name a few.

Beyond her business success, Jolene is deeply committed to giving back to her community in a positive way. She strives to reconnect people and communities with Indigenous culture through her business, fostering sustainable economic growth, and contributing to a healthy and replenished environment for future generations.

Jolene's captivating journey is a testament to her resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to her heritage and community. She continues to inspire and pave the way for others, leaving a lasting impact on both the business world and Indigenous culture.

Joe Munroe became a Trustee of the First Nations Trust in February 2013. He is the founding first president of Muskoday Organic Growers Coop in Muskoday First Nation Indian Reserve, Treaty 6 Cree territory. 

Joe was educated by his Cree Elders in addition to his attendance at the University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina, Trinity Western University, and the International Agro-ecology course at University of California-Santa Cruz, California. His areas of university study have been Agriculture and Economics, Law, Education, Aviation, Arts and Sciences and Tribal Justice.  

Joe has been a businessman in various capacities. He has held numerous positions in Business Development and Management, Government, First Nations Economic and Social Development, Restorative Justice for his Tribal Council, and Law enforcement. His recent position has been Indigenous Peoples Field Coordinator for Heifer Project International – Canada. The headquarters of Heifer International is in Little Rock, Arkansas. His work there has included Indigenous Peoples food sovereignty and reclamation of Indigenous foods and food systems by Indigenous Peoples. Subsequently, Joe was the Lands Manager for Muskoday First Nation, Food Security Coordinator for Muskoday First Nation, and now provides project support for the Saskatchewan program, Makeway Canada.  

Mike Pylypchuk was born and raised on a small mixed-farming operation in northwest Saskatchewan. He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan, College of Agriculture, with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, majoring in Agriculture Economics in 1974. Upon graduating from university, Mike was employed with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture as a Farm Development Specialist in Tisdale, SK. He worked there for six years and then entered the private sector as a Bank Agrologist with the Bank of Nova Scotia for two years and the Bank of Montreal for four years in Saskatoon. After a six-year term of agriculture lending, Mike entered a brief eight-month financial and estate planning service with the London Life Insurance company. In October 1986, Mike returned to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, where he is currently an Agricultural Tribunals Specialist in the Board Governance and Operations unit of the Policy Branch in Regina, SK. 

Most of his work in the Ministry of Agriculture has been focused on farm management. One of his accomplishments is the development of the Farming to Win program - a goal-directed farm management program for farm managers. He also worked with Credit Union Central of Saskatchewan in the development of a financial and retirement planning computer software program. Other specialty areas of work included farm business arrangements, succession planning and taxation. As the Production Economist, he prepared information on the costs of production for grains, oilseeds, specialty crops, livestock and specialized livestock as well as some horticultural commodities. Mike also worked on the Duty to Consult (DTC) and Treaty Land Entitlements (TLE) file for Crown Land claims by First Nations and Métis locals in Saskatchewan. 

Mike served as the provincial representative of Farm Management Canada, a national organization, which provides leading edge resources to enable Canadian farmers to make sound management decisions. Mike also served as a Technical Advisor on a Canada-Ukraine CIDA project entitled FARM (Facility for Agricultural Reform and Modernization). On November 15, 2023, Mike received a Premiers Award for Excellence in the Public Service as part of the Saskatchewan-Ukraine Crisis Response Team. Mike provides leadership, assistance and expert support to farmers, agribusiness, university and ministry staff individually and by committee or project related activities. 

Lester Heny is a member of Ochapowace First Nation. From 1974-82, Lester served in several positions within his community, including Recreation Director, Social Services Administrator, Housing Coordinator, Band Manager, and Band Councillor. Currently, Lester is the Chairperson of Ochapowace Kehteyak (Elder’s Group).  

In 1982, Lester worked for Indian & Northern Affairs Canada as a Housing Officer before joining Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN). Lester worked for FSIN as Housing Commission Director for four years, followed by eight years as the Senior Advisor to FSIN Chief Roland Crowe. Lester went back to Ochapowace to manage the Landmark Inn for five years, while also co-owning Century 21 Real Estate franchise for three years. In 2000, Lester was the owner and operator of Office Equipment Business for fifteen years. Since then, he has been an Advisor to Atoskewin Business Development Corporation. 

Lester is honoured to be part of the NIAP Advisory Circle. With so many First Nations getting into agriculture and food production businesses, I feel that the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF) can play a vital role in helping launch and/or grow these businesses.  

Gordon Lerat was raised on his father’s mixed farm on Cowessess First Nation. He served two terms as Chief and Councilor as a member of Cowessess First Nation. Gordon initiated the Cowessess Ranch plan and land selection, which set Cowessess up for successfully starting 4C Farms Ltd. later on. 

At a young age, Gordon learned to work with equipment and our land and started his own farm at 22 years old.  He also owned and operated a custom harvesting and grain hauling operation. Gordon has worked with many different farm operations throughout his life, which provided ample experience in the agriculture industry.  

In the past many years, Gordon has been involved in various First Nation cultural activities. His involvement in sacred ceremonies and discussions with cultural Elders has taught him much about our sacred relationship with our lands and environment. Our laws and customs respecting our land and resources also formed the binding foundation of our First Nations and their governing systems. With this understanding, Gordan sees a positive relationship between First Nation People’s traditional values and modern-day agriculture. Although there are no formal certificates in this cultural learning and training, it is a very valuable part of Gordon’s experience and education. 

Throughout the years, Gordon has gained experience in various Chair and board positions. A few of these include Chair duties for the Cowessess Resource Council, the Saskatchewan Indian Agriculture Program (SIAP) Yorkton District, the Cowessess Land Use Policy Development Committee, and the Yorkton Tribal Council (YTC) Agriculture Commission. He also performed vice-chair roles with the National Committee on Aboriginal Agriculture, and the Yorkton Agriculture Employment Services Board (AES). 

Gordon has been involved in many impactful projects, including the Cowessess First Nation Land Use Act & Code, which is instrumental for the use of Cowessess lands, the maple syrup and Dutch elm disease projects through the Mainland Rural Development Corporation, influential in the development of the Federal/Provincial Agri-Food Innovation Fund. He also was involved in the development of a 20 thousand head feedlot. 

Walter Pylypchuk was born and raised in the community of Leoville, SK., which borders the Pelican Lake First Nation. He spent the majority of his career working for the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (DIAND) working in the Economic Development Program. During this time, Walter represented DIAND as Board member on the Saskatchewan Indian Agricultural Program (SIAP). In his economic development capacity, Walter participated in various projects both in the Saskatchewan First Nations business and agriculture developments. Walter continues to remain in contact and support many First Nations friends. This is why he is a member of the NIAP Advisory Council - to support First Nations communities and businesses across Canada.

Nishin Meawasige is Anishnaabe from Serpent River Anishinabek and a business owner on Manitoulin Island, Ontario.

Drawing on leadership experience in First Nation community governance, administration, and socio-economic development, Nishin believes in the potential of First Nations, municipalities, associations, and businesses in working together to harness our collective strengths to grow innovative and collaborative economies.

Co-founder and partner of Manitoulin Brewing Company, he intimately understands the triumphs and challenges of operating a small business in Northern Ontario within the realms of agriculture, tourism, and the craft beer industry. "Our business and marketing philosophy has always been about more than just making quality craft beer. Fundamentally, we recognize the value and distinctiveness in promoting all things Manitoulin, whether it be places, things or culture. We're all about real stories and creating lasting experiences."

Earning his Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Guelph, Nishin believes distinctiveness in business is largely driven by its adaptability. Leveraging our ability to adapt and innovate builds lasting competitive advantage to succeed into the future.

Daniza De Paola is a proud Dakota Winyan (woman) from the community of Wipazoka Wakpa (Sioux Valley Dakota Nation) in Manitoba, Canada. She was born in Lethbridge, Alberta under the prairie skies where her parents worked for the Blood Tribe (Kainai), Piikani (Blackfoot) and Siksika (Blackfoot) First Nations, she grew up on the Stoney (Nakota), O’Chiese (Saulteaux) and Sunchild (Cree) First Nations adventuring through the Rocky Mountains and eventually made her way to the Pacific Coastline doing various educational consulting and media projects around many First Nations communities across Turtle Island. Through this she has taught herself small phrases in Blackfoot, Saulteaux, Cree, Tsimshian (Xais’xai), and Chilcotin (Tsilqhot’in) to fully embrace the communities she's lived and worked in. 

In October of 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she moved back to her community of Wipazoka Wakpa because she felt a strong pull that was confirmed in a dream she had where she was told by her ancestors to “come back home and help where you can”. She does this by working in her community as the Governance Communications Specialist where she keeps members both on and off reserve updated and informed through media productions such as managing the nation’s official website, creating videos and hosting livestreams of community events. She has also recently become an advanced drone pilot to further help and create connections to the land that she can share with her community. 

Growing up as an off-reserve member but also living and then herself working in other First Nations communities has been the biggest impact towards fostering her love of education, media production and the land. Currently, she is in the process of activating the blood memory of her mother-language - Dakota and developing connections to the roots of her home community of Wipazoka Wakpa.

Adam is the Lands Director for Sioux Valley Dakota Nation and a proud Anishinaabe Saugeen Ojibway First Nation Band Member. He is dedicated to blending Indigenous wisdom and Western science through Two-Eyed Seeing, aiming to foster truth, reconciliation, and a brighter future for generations to come. With a humble and sincere approach, Adam listens deeply, ensuring speakers feel respected and valued. His work reflects these insights, emphasizing teamwork, partnership, and meaningful accreditation. 

A gentle yet powerful leader, Adam's positive and outgoing personality inspires those around him. He is deeply immersed in the Dakota language, customs, and traditions, feeling honoured to live and work in Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. 

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.