Q: Hi Bennett, tell me about yourself! What do you like to do for fun in your spare time?
A: When I’m not busy with school or work, I love being outdoors, fishing, hiking, and spending time with family. I’m also very passionate about sports, and I have competed competitively in track and field for almost 10 years now. Track has taken me across the country, and even though it is a very individual event, I’ve always valued the friendships and team spirit that come with it.
Q: How did you become the Region 7 Representative on the MNO Youth Council, and what does the role involve in supporting Métis youth?
A: My involvement grew naturally out of years of participating in community events and programs within the MNO. As Region 7 rep, I advocate for Métis youth in my region by bringing their voices forward on the provincial stage. The role is about creating opportunities for youth to connect, ensuring their needs are heard, and supporting programs that strengthen Métis culture and leadership. I have always enjoyed leading and advocating for positive growth, and this role has been the perfect opportunity to do that.
Q: You’ve been part of Guelph’s varsity track and field team for several years. What has the experience meant to you, and what have you learned from it?
A: Competing in varsity athletics has been an incredible experience. It has taught me the importance of discipline, resilience, and time management. Balancing training with academics and community involvement isn’t always easy, but the lessons I’ve learned on the track, such as perseverance and pushing through challenges, as well as teamwork and problem solving, carry into every other part of my life.
I still remember my first OUA competition, standing on the runway, nervous but excited, and realizing how far I’d come since I was a kid just learning the sport. Those moments gave me confidence beyond athletics. I’ve made some great friendships and connections through track and field, and it has always kept me grounded.
Q: Can you share more about the importance of sports in your life and what they represent for you?
A: Sports represent much more than just a competition for me. They’ve really been a grounding force and a foundation for so many things I’ve done and accomplished in my life. Being involved in sports has allowed me to stay healthy, build strong relationships, and test my limits. Sports also provide me the chance to grow as a person, not just as an athlete. Each season is a chance to set new goals, learn from setbacks, and continue striving to be better. For me, sports have also been about connection to family. My family would come to every game or meet that they could, and they were always my biggest supporters. At the end of the day, no matter how much stress there is in my daily life, playing sports or training have always been a way to let loose, reduce stress, and have some fun.
Q: You recently started as an Economic Development and Trade Intern with the Métis National Council. What does this role involve, and how is it preparing you for the next stage of your career?
A: My time with the MNC has been a great opportunity to contribute to advancing Métis economic development on a national level. I’ve been fortunate to be involved in projects that support procurement, entrepreneurship, and other opportunities for Métis businesses. This experience has helped me bridge my academic skills with my passion for serving my community, preparing me to pursue a career where I can continue building partnerships and strategies that create lasting impact. I really enjoy working to advance Métis priorities, and doing so on a national level has been an amazing experience. Regardless of where my career goes after this, I have gained valuable transferable skills that I can take with me to almost any industry.
Q: A few years ago, you became an MNO Summer Youth Program Facilitator. What are your memories of this work?
A: I remember how rewarding it was to help people connect with their culture through workshops and activities. One highlight was in my first year as an MNO SYP where we had the opportunity to run a full-day Métis rendezvous event at a local public school. Moments like that reminded me how important cultural teaching is. It was also a great opportunity to share our unique culture with those who may not be too familiar with it. Overall, working SYP gave me a strong appreciation for engaging with different audiences, and it inspired me to continue taking on leadership roles.
Q: You were also an MNO Infinite Reach Facilitator for two years. How did you first learn about the Infinite Reach Network, and what made you want to register for it?
A: I learned about Infinite Reach when I was transitioning to university. I saw it as a support system for Métis students navigating post-secondary life and wanted to be part of that network. Becoming a facilitator felt like a natural step, as I wanted to give back by helping other students feel connected and supported. It was an amazing experience, and I feel as though I gained just as much as I was able to provide back to my campus community.
Q: What are the benefits of Infinite Reach for post-secondary Métis students? What is unique about what it offers students? How did it help you?
A: University can often feel overwhelming, but having a network of Métis students and mentors makes a big difference. It’s unique because it combines cultural connection with practical support. Everything from cultural events to guidance navigating a new university. Personally, it helped me stay grounded in my identity and it also reminded me that I wasn’t going through the journey alone.
Q: What was a highlight from your time as an Infinite Reach Facilitator?
A: When we travelled to the Infinite Reach Orientation Training. The MNO staff taught us about the role, but more importantly, it was a chance to meet the other facilitators face to face in person, network, and even build some friendships. I left that orientation with not just new skills, but also lifelong friends. Another highlight was hosting an event during welcome week. Seeing other Indigenous students connect to each other and feel welcomed in their first week at university, that was really meaningful. It reminded me of the importance of creating spaces where our culture is celebrated and shared.
Q: How has your Métis background had an impact on your life and how you think of yourself?
It connects me to my family’s history, to the land and waters that shaped me, and to the community I serve today. I still remember all of the stories I was told by my uncle about our ancestors, and each time we went fishing he would share with me stories about our family’s history. Those moments gave me a sense of continuity and responsibility. It has shaped how I see leadership, not just as individual achievement, but as a responsibility to uplift others and create opportunities for future generations. For me it’s about honouring traditions and ensuring that the culture and land we enjoy today is around my kids and all future generations.
Q: How have you dealt with adversity, and what advice would you give to your younger self or to students facing similar challenges today?
I’ve faced challenges with balancing academics, athletics, and community responsibilities, but I’ve learned to lean on support systems and stay focused on long-term goals. One of the hardest times in university was when I suffered a pretty bad injury during a track season. At first it felt like a setback, and like I was lost because that was all that I knew, however it pushed me to lean on my teammates, find other ways to contribute, and reminded me that identity goes beyond performance. My advice to younger students would be: don’t be afraid to ask for help, remember that setbacks don’t define you, and always stay true to your values. Adversity can be a very powerful teacher if you approach it the right way.
Q: You’re almost finished with your MBA degree! What are you most excited for moving forward beyond education?
I’m excited to take what I’ve learned and apply it in ways that make a difference for Métis communities and beyond. I see myself working at the intersection of health, business, sustainability, and Indigenous governance. I like building partnerships that create growth while respecting our culture, the environment, and the communities we live and work in. Education has prepared me, but I’m really excited to put those skills into action. I’m not yet set on what I will do next, but I look forward to continuing learning and growing, advocating for the Métis Nation, and advancing my professional career.