Stars in Our Sky is a series that recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of MNO Citizens in brief news updates and profiles.
Spotlight Q&As is a series that features extended interviews with MNO Citizens in the education world—students, educators, and more.
MNO Citizens Present at National Health Conferences CPHA and CSEB
MNO Citizens Present at National Health Conferences CPHA and CSEB The health and wellbeing of Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) citizens has always been a top priority for the MNO; and spearheading Métis-specific health research is an essential part of closing existing gaps in health outcomes for Métis in the province. Recently, a collaboration between
June 26, 2026
Community, service, and a passion for learning have helped shape Ben Cochrane’s educational journey. A recent graduate of Queen’s University’s Life Sciences program and current student at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Ben is also an Infinite Reach Facilitator helping support fellow Métis students. We recently sat down with Ben to talk about growing up in a military family, pursuing a career in medicine, and staying connected to community along the way.
June 12, 2026
As a mature student in Lakehead University’s Social Work program, Mina Sandy is combining her passion for helping others with her work as an Infinite Reach Facilitator. We recently spoke with Mina about social work, student support, and her experiences in the Infinite Reach program.
May 29, 2026
Queen’s University student Skyler Gruner is helping push for more accessible outdoor spaces for Indigenous students on campus. An MNO Infinite Reach Facilitator and Health Sciences student, Skyler has publicly advocated for waiving membership fees for Indigenous students in the university’s Outdoors Club. In recognition of her efforts supporting anti-oppression, Indigenization, and decolonization on campus, she was recently awarded the Seven Grandfather Teachings Award by the Alma Mater Society at Queen’s.
We recently spoke with Skyler about her work, advocacy, and experiences as a Métis student.
March 12, 2026
Madeleine Rae is a Documentation Specialist with the MNO’s Early Learning and Child Care team. Her work focuses on illustrating early learning books for Métis children and designing education kits that are shared with Métis families. Madeleine is also passionate about motion graphics and animation, skills she is now bringing to Moose River, a Métis children’s web show currently being developed by the ELCC team. We recently sat down with Madeleine to learn more about her work and introduce her to the wider community.
December 10, 2025
Brooke Wiens is a Métis elementary school educator, business owner, musician, and community leader currently based in Fonthill, Ontario. Over the past decade, Brooke has taught with the Edmonton Public School Board, Greater St. Albert Catholic School Board, Ridley College, and the District School Board of Niagara. Her experience includes working as an elementary music specialist and classroom teacher, leading school choirs, mentoring new educators, and organizing community arts initiatives. Brooke and her husband run Métis Expression, an arts education company that creates Métis-inspired lesson kits and curriculum for Music and Visual Arts classrooms.
We recently sat down with Brooke to ask a few questions and introduce her to the wider community!
October 3, 2025
Born and raised in Tiny Township/Penetanguishene, Bennett Woods is the Region 7 representative on the MNO Youth Council. He is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at the University of Guelph with a specialization in Management and Sustainability. A recent graduate of Guelph’s Biological and Biomedical Sciences program, Bennett also competes on the varsity track and field team. He has previously served as an MNO Summer Youth Program Facilitator for two years and as an Infinite Reach Facilitator for another two.
We recently had the chance to ask Bennett a few questions to introduce him to everyone!
Olivia Beausoleil
August 20, 2025
Olivia Beausoleil is an incoming Doctor of Medicine student at the Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine. A recent graduate from McMaster University’s Bachelor of Science Kinesiology program and member of the school’s women’s football team, Olivia also co-founded McMaster’s Indigenous Student-Athlete Council, served as an MNO Infinite Reach Facilitator for two years, and advocated for Indigenous health awareness through McMaster’s Indigenous Health Movement club. For her hard work and commitment to her community, Olivia recently received the President’s Award of Excellence in Student Leadership from McMaster University!
We recently had the chance to ask Olivia a few questions to introduce her to everyone and delve into her inspiring work with the McMaster community!
Wendy Thompson
July 3, 2025
Wendy Thompson is a Métis parent, recent graduate of the Indigenous RECE Pilot Program, and pre-school teacher in the Niagara region. She recently shared some insights with us and introduced herself! Read on to learn more about Wendy’s work and own story! We also invite you to leave comments and ask any questions for Wendy you may have!
Steve J. Neville
May 30, 2025
Steve J. Neville is a Métis musician and PhD candidate in Communication & Culture at York University and Toronto Metropolitan University. His research explores how media technology, sound, and surveillance intersect, focusing on Métis song and “silent records” as ways to reconnect with culture. His latest album, Off Track (2022), reached #5 on the Indigenous Music Countdown. Steve’s work has appeared in journals like Culture, Theory & Critique, Social Media & Society, and the Canadian Journal of Communication. He also co-authored the book The Politics of Media Scarcity.
We recently had the chance to ask Steve some questions to introduce him and his research.
Sarah Tate
April 25, 2025
Sarah Tate, a former grade school teacher, is a new member of the MNO Post-Secondary Education team. In her role as Education and Partnership Advisor, she fosters relationships between the MNO and universities and colleges across Ontario.
We recently had the chance to ask Sarah a few questions to introduce her to everyone!
Trudy Sachowski
March 28, 2025
As Chair of the Association of Local Public Health Agencies (alPHa) Board of Directors, Trudy Sachowski is a dedicated advocate for public health in Ontario. She also serves on the Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) Board of Health, appointed by the Municipality of Machin and the City of Dryden. Trudy has devoted years to advancing public health, healthcare, and education through leadership and advocacy. Her contributions have been honoured with the Ontario Volunteer Service Award and alPHa’s 2022 Distinguished Service Award.
We recently had the chance to ask Trudy a few questions to introduce her and her work to everyone!
Abigail Simms
February 28, 2025
Abigail Simms is an epidemiologist at ICES (formerly the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences) and works with the MNO through a secondment. The MNO has a data-sharing agreement with ICES, which supports population health research. Abigail began working with the MNO/ICES research team as a practicum student in 2021 and was hired as a full-time epidemiologist at ICES in 2022.
We recently had the chance to ask Abigail a few questions to introduce her and her research to everyone!
Laura McCarthy
January 31, 2025
Laura McCarthy, a Métis parent and licensed home child care provider in North Bay, recently shared some insights with us to help introduce herself! Read on to learn more about Laura’s work and her strong beliefs on the importance of family!
Kelsey Piché
December 27, 2024
Formerly an Infinite Reach Facilitator (2022–2024) and Summer Youth Program Facilitator (2021–2023), Kelsey Piche is one of the newest members of our Post-Secondary Education team at the MNO! Kelsey is an Education and Partnership Advisor, meaning she builds and maintains relationships between the MNO and universities and colleges across Ontario.
Although some of you may have met Kelsey in the past, we recently asked her a few questions to help introduce her to the rest of you.
Ryan Lafleur
November 29, 2024
Formerly an Infinite Reach Facilitator (2023–2024), Summer Youth Program Facilitator (2020–2023) and Ottawa Region Métis Council Youth Representative (2023–2024), Ryan is the newly elected Post-Secondary Representative for the Provisional Council of the MNO (PCMNO), meaning that he supports post-secondary Métis students to ensure their voice is heard by the PCMNO’s decisions.
Although some of you may have met Ryan in the past, we recently asked him a few questions to help introduce him to the rest of you.
Morgan Turcotte
October 25, 2024
Formerly an Infinite Reach Facilitator (2021–2024) and Summer Youth Program Facilitator (2020–2023), Morgan Turcotte is one of the newest members of the Post-Secondary Education team at the MNO! Morgan is a Student Support Officer, meaning she directly helps support post-secondary students with financial aid opportunities.
Although some of you may have met Morgan in the past, we recently asked her a few questions to help introduce her to the rest of you.
Claire Accettola
September 27, 2024
Formerly an Infinite Reach Facilitator (2022–2023), Claire Accettola is the newly elected MNO Youth Council Chairperson! The MNO Youth Council is a group of youth representatives from across Ontario who advocate on behalf of the concerns and interests of Métis youth at the provincial level. We recently spoke with Claire to tell us more about her work and to introduce herself!