Treaty 1 Territory
Winnipeg, Manitoba
204-474-9316
For more information
eclinfo@umanitoba.ca
Winnipeg, Manitoba
eclinfo@umanitoba.ca
AJ Spence is a Two-Spirit individual from Nisichawaysihk Cree Nation with paternal ties to Fox Lake Cree Nation, both located in Treaty 5. They currently reside in a rural town on Treaty 1. She recently graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies and a minor in Psychology. Throughout their undergrad, he served two consecutive terms as an executive councillor for the UM Indigenous Students’ Association (UMISA). They are now the Land-Based Coordinator for Kis Kin Ha Ma Ki Win where they will continue to grow their knowledge and love for the land, air, and water while sharing it with others, especially youth.
Outside of work, AJ enjoys various activities including fishing, nature walks, reading, and spending time with their family. One of AJ’s overall life goals is to promote the importance of centering Indigenous youth voices, especially those who are Two-Spirit, queer, and trans so that these underrepresented, valuable perspectives are the ones shaping changes in their communities, Turtle Island, and across the world.
As Communications Coordinator, Patricia contributes to a wide range of communications and engagement efforts at Kis Kin Ha Ma Ki Win. She oversees the organization’s website, develops digital content, and designs visual materials. Her work strengthens Kis Kin Ha Ma Ki Win’s public presence by producing clear, accessible, and culturally grounded communications that reflect the organization’s mission and values. In doing so, she plays a key role in ensuring information is shared thoughtfully and effectively with community members, partners, and the broader public.
Patricia is also completing a Master’s degree in Business and the Environment at the University of Waterloo, where she focuses on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) planning. Her studies provide her with the tools to integrate sustainable practices into organizational strategies. Through both her academic pursuits and professional work, Patricia is committed to advancing meaningful change and supporting sustainable development across the academic and non-profit sectors. Beyond her professional life, she enjoys staying active through biking, running, walking, yoga, and jujitsu.
Stéphane is a Professor and coordinator of the Environmental Conservation Lab at the University of Manitoba. He joined the Department of Environment and Geography in 2003 and has been working at the University of Manitoba since 1999. Before that, he completed a Ph.D. at York University and did a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Northern British Columbia. Stéphane’s overall goal as an academic is to engage in research that at once makes contributions to the academic literature and benefits the livelihoods and environments of Aboriginal and rural communities and other stakeholders; to be an engaging, progressive, and responsible teacher; and to be of meaningful service to the university and society as a whole. Currently, his research interests include risk and adaptation, alternative food systems, food justice, environmental justice, environmental health, participatory video, participatory research, conservation and restoration, and traditional knowledge.