Q: Tell me about yourself! Where and what did you study? What do you like to do for fun?
A: I studied at Trent University, where I obtained an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies with a Specialization in Applied Indigenous Knowledge in Spring 2023. From there, I began attending Algonquin College where I am very slowly working towards a Diploma in Community and Justice Services. For fun I love doing cultural activities, including beadwork, leather and fur work, harvesting, hunting, fishing, and gardening and learning about plant medicines. I love being outside and playing with my new puppy!
Q: How did you first learn about the Infinite Reach program, and what made you want to register for it?
A: I first learned about Infinite Reach during my first year as a Summer Youth Program team member. There were other staff on my team that had been Infinite Reach Facilitators or had worked with a Facilitator in the past, and highly recommended the program. As a student, I had experienced the disparities in Métis content and presences on campus. That, combined with the extreme passion I developed for our culture during the summer as a SYP staff, led me to want to improve the experience of Métis Students on my campus.
Q: What do you believe are the benefits of the Infinite Reach program for post-secondary Métis students? What is unique about what it offers students?
A: The Infinite Reach program holds many benefits for Métis students… it’s specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of Métis students, including workshops that allow them to learn about their culture, identity, and provide the support they may need on campus.
For Facilitators, Infinite Reach helps them assist Métis students by creating great networking opportunities. During my time as a Facilitator, it led me to work for our Indigenous Student Services as a peer mentor, which allowed me to have a greater reach within my institution. For Métis students on campus, Infinite Reach allows them to be well connected with the support they need and foster a community and network of other Métis students.
Q: How has being Métis had an impact on your life and how you think of yourself?
A: Embracing my Métis identity has impacted me greatly and really changed the course of my life. Growing up, I knew I was Indigenous but not Métis specifically. I always felt like I didn’t fit in with the other Indigenous students at my school because I didn’t grow up in my community and wasn’t well educated about my identity. I found out I was Métis, received my citizenship and began working for SYP within a 5-month period… it was the best thing I ever did. I fell in love with my culture and began to feel like I was competent in my identity and Indigeneity. That understanding of my Métis identity led me to change my degree from Psychology to Indigenous Studies, become actively engaged in my community, and ultimately to work full-time for the Métis Nation of Ontario.
Q: How have you overcome adversity? What advice would you offer to a younger version of yourself or younger students currently battling through adversity?
A: As a second-year student, I began and completed the school year online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, I was targeted and falsely accused of academic dishonesty with no evidence… I am extremely privileged that that was one of the first times I ever faced adversity and it had a major impact on me as a whole, especially mentally. To any students facing adversity or to my younger self I would say that you have an army behind you. Connect with your network of youth and Métis students. Reach out to your Infinite Reach Facilitators, to your support systems and to the Indigenous Students Services at your institutions. Those people are your cheerleaders and Indigenous Student Service centers will often have support to get you through any academic difficulties and often offer free culturally competent counselling. For me, smudging, practicing my culture, and reaching out to my network of Métis youth was what ultimately helped me get through it and to heal from the experience. In short, I would tell younger students to reach out, get to know your professors if you can and build those relationships, and just know you’re not alone… you always have people in your corner.
Q: What was a highlight from your time as an Infinite Reach Facilitator?
A: The highlight from my time as an Infinite Reach Facilitator was being able to connect with Métis youth and build lifelong friendships. I was also able to build an incredible relationship with the staff at the First Peoples House of Learning at Trent University and to see first-hand the changes and impact of my work as a Facilitator and the dedication of the staff. I also absolutely loved meeting Métis students on campus and being able to foster those relationships daily…
Q: How did the Infinite Reach program prepare you for the work you will now do as a new Student Success Officer?
A: Infinite Reach prepared me for my transition into my new role as Student Support Officer because it granted me first-hand experience of what students and Indigenous Student Services experience. It allowed me to develop a strong passion for ensuring Métis students feel they have a place in these institutions, the support they need, and a familiar face… I also had the added benefit of having relationships with the staff that have now become my colleagues, and this has added greatly to my current transition.
Q: Who would you recommend the Infinite Reach program to?
A: I would recommend the Infinite Reach program to every Métis Student in a Post-Secondary Institution across the province. It is extremely rewarding and fun, whether you are a Facilitator or student! I would also recommend high school students look into the program so that they know about the support and services available once they do enter the post-secondary world.
Please note that some of the above answers have been edited for brevity and readability.
To learn more about the Infinite Reach program, click here!