Bio:

SAGE BROWN was born on Treaty 6 Territory in Edmonton, but soon moved to the Yukon Territory with her family where she remains deeply grateful to reside as a guest. Raised on the Traditional & Living Territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwachan Council, she developed a deep respect for the living land and water systems around her. In her role as Coordinator with the Yukon Food Security Network, Sage is dedicated to ensuring the voices of all northern communities be given an equal seat at the table, both regionally and nationally.

COURTNEY WHEELTON is from the Tahltan Nation based in Telegraph Creek, British Columbia.  She is a born and raised Yukoner, with family ties to the Kwanlin Dün First Nation.  Since 2020, she has worked for the Yukon First Nation Education Directorate and has led the development of a nutrition program for Indigenous children in the territory.  She is the mother of a two-year-old and enjoys sharing the simple joys with her son: going to her fish camp in the summer, picking cranberries in the fall, and tanning moose hides under the guidance of traditional teachings.

BRENDA STEHELIN was born and raised in Whitehorse, Yukon and is a member of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation. Brenda has raised four children in Whitehorse with her husband, Warren, and is a proud grandmother of seven. Brenda has led the implementation of YFNED’s Urban Nutrition Program and has been instrumental in the success of the program. In her free time, Brenda is a stained-glass artist, and enjoys family gatherings, spending time with her grandchildren, and contributing to her community in positive ways.

RACHEL SHERMAN was born & raised in Toronto, Ontario. She moved to Whitehorse in July 2025 to support the Yukon Food Security Network’s Diversifying Food Systems Conference. She now serves as Communications & Research Coordinator, working alongside partners, stakeholders, and knowledge holders to advocate for healthy, equitable school food across the territory. This work includes facilitating roundtable discussions, helping amplify youth voices in community-led initiatives, and launching The Lunch Box, an interactive knowledge hub for school food in the Yukon. Rachel believes that real change comes from solutions that are shaped by communities, rooted in local knowledge, and responsive to Northern contexts.

Northern, Rural and Remote Feeding Futures Community of Practice

The Northern, Rural and Remote Feeding Futures Community of Practice brings together 13 school districts from across British Columbia plus partners within the health region. Since December 2023, this group has met monthly to share knowledge, experiences, and practical strategies as part of the historic expansion of school food programs in BC and across Canada.

The Community of Practice is a diverse and collaborative network of educators and food and nutrition professionals, all committed to strengthening equitable and accessible school food systems.

MERYN CORKERN represents Sea to Sky School District (SD48), serving the communities of Squamish, Pemberton, and Whistler. The district supports approximately 5,200 students across 15 schools. Through initiatives such as breakfast programs, community fridges, and pay-what-you-can lunch programs, Meryn focuses on developing innovative approaches to reduce stigma while meeting the needs of a geographically diverse population.

NADIA HALWARD represents Prince Rupert School District (SD52), which serves approximately 1,850 students across nine schools. Currently, over 500 students access the daily lunch program—a number that continues to grow. As a Red Seal chef, Nadia brings extensive culinary expertise and is dedicated to building collaborative partnerships that strengthen regional food security and increase the use of locally sourced meats, produce, seafood, and snacks.

HARMEN KAILAY represents Prince George School District (SD57), where approximately 1,600 lunches and 2,500 grab-and-go breakfasts are served daily, along with snacks for students across 42 schools. Harmen’s work centers on building a stigma-free, equitable model of food access through strong partnerships with schools, families, Indigenous communities, and local producers.

SHIRLEY KENNEY represents Fort Nelson School District (SD81). She is a passionate advocate for children and families and is deeply committed to creating inclusive, supportive learning environments where students can thrive. Known in her community as a “food warrior,” Shirley champions food security and healthy nutrition through collaborative leadership grounded in equity and community connection.

ROBYN TURNER-KLOPPER represents Nechako Lakes School District (SD91), which serves approximately 4,000 students across 18 schools in the communities of Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fraser Lake, Burns Lake, Granisle, and the Southside region. Each month, approximately 10,000 lunches are served, alongside daily breakfast and snack programs available to all students. Robyn is a Registered Dietitian and recent Master of Health Studies graduate with a focus on leadership. She brings expertise in fostering compassionate, inclusive food environments and supporting students in developing positive relationships with food.