Advisory board members' biographies
McKinley Winters, Chair of the Board since December 2024
Mr. Winters is an Inuk living in Hopedale, Labrador, the capital of Nunatsiavut, with his wife and 3 children. Passionate about helping people, Mr. Winters has dedicated himself to understanding and improving government programs and services that support the Nunatsiavut region, which includes 6 Inuit communities registered with the NNC program.
With the Nunatsiavut Government, Mr. Winters has promoted the NNC program by developing community gardens, implementing hydroponic systems, organizing events, facilitating direct orders, creating educational materials and managing budgets. Additionally, he has worked directly with local airlines, community retailers and suppliers.
Janice Grey-Scott, board member since June 2021
Ms. Grey-Scott has extensive experience in both the retail and traditional aspects of food security in her community.
As an avid harvester who has worked for the Aupaluk Cooperative Association, she has a solid understanding of the balance required between store-bought and traditionally harvested foods in achieving food sovereignty in isolated Arctic communities.
Jason Smallboy, board member since March 2022
Jason Smallboy was born in Moose Factory, Ontario and spent most of his childhood in his hometown. As a teenager, he was an active volunteer in his home community. His dedication as a volunteer led to several opportunities including being elected as a Youth Councillor for Moose Cree First Nation, where he successfully advocated for the construction of a youth centre. The John R. Delaney Youth Centre continues to offer activities, services and programs to the youth of Moose Cree First Nation. After high school, Mr. Smallboy moved to Windsor, Ontario where he studied Business Administration at St. Clair College.
In addition to serving his own community, Mr. Smallboy has extensive experience supporting the communities in his region. He has held various positions with the Mushkegowuk Tribal Council, Matawa Tribal Council and most recently with Nishnawbe Aski Nation, where he was elected as Deputy Grand Chief. Mr. Smallboy served as Deputy Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation for 5 years. During his term, he advocated for many community issues including lowering the high cost of living in Northern Ontario. Mr. Smallboy is happily married and lives in Sudbury with his wife and kids.
Mona Godin, board member since February 2023
Mona Godin has over 15 years of experience in the northern retail environment and has first-hand knowledge of the realities northerners face when it comes to purchasing food. Operating a small grocery business, Mona has utilized the Foodmail Program and the Nutrition North Canada subsidy since its inception in 2011. Through this work, Mona has extensive experience with both the businesses and people that NNC serves, and how to improve food access and affordability.
Mavis Cli-Michaud, board member since December 2024
Mavis Cli-Michaud is a member of the Liidlii Kue First Nation and a former Chair of the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board (MVLWB). She has over 30 years of experience working for government with a focus on communications, finance, and human resource management, as well as socio-economic planning. Mavis is known for maintaining the highest performance standards and excels in leadership, responsibility, and building positive relationships across all levels.