Josh Brandon (Vice-Chair)

Josh Brandon conducts public policy research on issues of poverty, housing and income. He co-edited Poor Housing: a Silent Crisis, a book about low-income housing in Winnipeg. He was chair of Make Poverty History Manitoba (2016 to 2018). He is also a committed environmentalist, with work experience at a number of environmental organizations including the Manitoba Eco-Network, Green Action Centre and Greenpeace. He served as a community/environment representative on Health Canada’s Food Expert Advisory Committee and participated in the 2008 International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD). He is past chair of the Canadian Environmental Network (2011 to 2016). In 2018, he ran for City Council in the Daniel McIntyre ward in Winnipeg.

Harrison Briand (Chair)

Harrison is an environmental educator passionate about creating programming for underserved communities. He has a degree in Environmental Studies with a Minor in Geography from Carleton University, and a Technical Diploma in Water and Wastewater Management from Algonquin College. After completion of his studies, Harrison spent two years living on a First Nations Reserve in Northern Ontario delivering experiential environmental programming to youth. It was this experience that fostered his interest in Indigenous allyship and programming that supports capacity building. Harrison has also spent time living in Costa Rica working with endangered sea turtles, and has tree planted in BC for the past three summers. Although new to Manitoba, Harrison is excited about his newest venture here – a tiny home build with his partner.

Stacey Chaboyer (Secretary)

Stacey Chaboyer grew up in Winnipeg and her roots are in Norway House Cree Nation (Kinisao Sipi) in Treaty 5 territory. She completed her Bachelor of Environmental Studies in 2010 from the University of Manitoba. She then moved to Calgary to pursue a career in Indigenous community engagement and regulatory consultation, and worked in the energy sector building relationships with First Nation and Métis communities in Alberta and Northeastern BC. Her most rewarding experience during this time was as a working group member for Sekweha Youth Centre in Janvier, AB, where she learned about integrating Indigenous culture, language, values and traditions into current educational experiences, or learning how to walk in two worlds.

She later completed a Master of Arts in Environmental Practice from Royal Roads University and moved to Winnipeg with her husband after their son was born. She now works for Fisheries and Oceans Canada, coordinating Indigenous programs around Great Slave Lake, NWT, including the Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management (AAROM) program and Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy (AFS) program.

Laura Tyler

Laura Tyler has only been in Manitoba since 2013 but that hasn’t stopped her from becoming a stalwart community organizer on justice issues that affect our province such as hydro development, austerity policies and food security. Laura is a dedicated volunteer for Manitoba Energy Justice Coalition and is the Executive Director for Sustainable Building Manitoba. With a background in marketing and business development (she earned an MBA from Ryerson University in 2010) and film studies, Laura is passionate about fusing creativity with team building in order to increase her community’s capacity to achieve goals. As a major proponent of big organizing, she gets great joy from bringing people together. Laura is lucky to have spent time working for film festivals, zoos, museums and advocacy groups.

Michael Cann

Michael Cann (B.Env., C.E.M) is an Energy Efficiency Specialist at Efficiency Manitoba, working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting strategic energy management in the industrial sector. He is a committed environmentalist that has a passion for climate action at the intersection of the built environment and energy use. He has experience from a number of environmental and government organizations including Manitoba Housing, Peg City Car Co-op, Canada Green Building Council, Manitoba Eco-Network, Summerhill, Manitoba Race to Reduce, Sustainable Building Manitoba, and the Department of National Defence. As an alum and member of the Manitoba Eco-Network, he is committed to the ongoing work of the organization to promote and facilitate good environmental governance and the protection of Manitoba’s environment for the benefit of current and future generations.

Aaron Mckay

Aaron Michael McKay is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse background in education, Indigenous relations, and community development, holding both a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Bachelor of Education from Brandon University.

Currently serving as a Student Success Advisor at the School of Health and Human Services and the Owner of Giiwe and Riding Mountain Ventures Inc. His career is marked by extensive experience in student advising, cultural awareness training, program development, and fostering Indigenous economic opportunities.

Previously, Aaron held significant roles such as Indigenous Liaison Officer at Parks Canada, where he managed Indigenous relations and facilitated cultural programming, and Student Success Officer at Brandon University. He has a proven track record in developing recruitment and retention strategies, collaborating with various organizations, and delivering impactful presentations and workshops on Indigenous topics.

Beyond his professional roles, Aaron is deeply committed to community service. He has experience as the President of the Riding Mountain NDP Council, a Board Member for the CBC Manitoba Community Advisory Board, and Vice-Chair for the Erickson Foodbank. He is dedicated to promoting reconciliation and healing within himself and the community.

Omer Shiekh (Treasurer)

Omer Sheikh is an experienced accounting professional currently working as Audit Manager at Baker Tilly HMA LLP in Winnipeg. Omer is passionate about creating clean, accessible spaces and supporting environmental stewardship through the work of the Manitoba Eco-Network. With over 20 years of experience, Omer brings his valuable experience and expertise in financial oversight, operations, and compliance to the governance of the Manitoba Eco-Network. He is actively completing his CPA designation in Manitoba and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Karachi in Pakistan and is a fellow member of Pakistan Institute of Public Finance Accountants.

Theresa Mackey

Theresa Mackey has spent years working in marine and aquatic fish biology and conservation, and later trained in climate communications. She’s dedicated to helping wildlife and the waterways they rely on, and to helping people understand what they can actually do to mitigate the ever-present changes in our climate.

Theresa currently works as a Program Officer in the Research Office at the University of Winnipeg, where she looks after human and animal research ethics along with the university’s work on AI in research.

Outside of work, Theresa enjoys hiking, birding, spending time outdoors, or playing with her cats and dog.

James Wilt

Bio coming soon

Asha Nelson

Asha Nelson has extensive experience in the community development sector, leading projects, programs, and research, with a particular focus on food sovereignty and climate action. Most notably, she played an instrumental role in developing Fireweed Food Co-op, an award-winning local food cooperative, from the ground up. She currently works as a Project Coordinator at ClimateWest, managing initiatives that support communities and organizations across the region in strengthening their climate resilience. She also serves on a subcommittee of the Winnipeg Food Council and recently joined the MB Eco Network.

Asha is deeply committed to advancing equity and justice within the environmental field. In her spare time, she enjoys climbing, canoeing, cycling, and cooking up delicious feasts.