MNO Youth Leadership Conference 2025

Evan Accettola
President, MNOYC and Youth Representative, Provisional Council of Métis Nation of Ontario

Evan Accettola (he/him), is deeply rooted in his Métis heritage from the Georgian Bay Métis Community and is a descendant of the Dusome-Clermont Métis family. A dual citizen of Canada and the United States, Evan was born in Texas and raised in Guelph, Ontario, Evan has lived his life immersed in the traditions and culture of his Métis community. As the current President of the Métis Nation of Ontario Youth Council and Youth Representative on the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario, Evan is a dynamic leader committed to advancing the rights and interests of Métis youth in Ontario.

Evan’s dedication extends to healthcare, as evidenced by his position on the Canadian Nurses Association Indigenous Relations Circle. Evan is also academically accomplished, diligently completing his Honours Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with minors in Criminology and Indigenous Studies at Simon Fraser University. Licensed as a Practical Nurse in both British Columbia and Ontario, Evan holds a Practical Nursing Diploma from George Brown College and specialized certificates in Health Studies, Aging & Gerontology, and Indigenous Knowledges from Toronto Metropolitan University. His heart and soul are dedicated to nurturing the Métis culture and supporting the community he calls home.

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Claire Accettola
Chair, MNOYC

 Claire Accettola (She/Her) was born in Owen Sound and raised in rural Ontario. Claire is a descendent of the Dusome-Clermont family line, and is the 7th generation great granddaughter of Marguerite Dusome. She grew up in the Grand River Region, planting roots in Guelph in her adolescence. Claire is a recent graduate from the University of Guelph, obtaining a Honours Bachelor’s degree in Canadian History, with a focus in political science. While completing her studies, Claire was a part of the Infinite Reach Student Solidarity Network, and was a prominent member of the University of Guelph History Society.

Claire is currently working in Arts and Culture at the City of Guelph, creating and delivering education programming centred in local history and identity at the Guelph Civic Museum. Claire also holds an elected position on the Métis Nation of Ontario 2SLGBTQ+ Interim Council as the Region 9 representative. Claire has had the privilege of representing Ontario youth at a variety of events with topics such as language preservation, climate protection, and early education

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Timea Enge
Region 1 Youth Representative

Timea (she/her) was born and raised in Fort Frances Ontario, where she spent a lot of her time in and around Rainy Lake where her Métis roots are. She is currently the Region 1 Representative on the MNOYC. Timea is now pursuing a degree in Biomedical science with a goal of later becoming a doctor. With this position she hopes to make more connections with her community.

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Madyson Campbell
Region 2 Youth Representative

Madyson Campbell was born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario, with her Métis roots in the Red River settlement. She is currently the Region 2 Representative on the Métis Nation of Ontario Youth Council. She is a third-year medical student at NOSM University. Her research interests include mental health and substance use disorder, Métis health, and the improvement of health systems.

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Bryanna Bielek
Region 3 Representative

Bryanna Bielek (she/her) is a proud citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario, born and raised in Timmins, Ontario. She earned a bachelor's degree in criminology with a minor in psychology from the University of Ottawa, where she developed a strong understanding of human behavior, social justice, and mental health, core principles that continue to guide her work. Bryanna is deeply committed to mental health advocacy, cultural inclusion, and community empowerment. In her role at Parents partenaires en éducation (PPE), she focuses on enhancing Indigenous cultural competence, helping families from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities feel a stronger sense of belonging within academic communities. With a continued focus on mental health, lifelong learning, and personal growth, Bryanna is dedicated to driving positive change. Her commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and cultural respect shines through in every aspect of her work. 

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Celeste Bond
Region 4 Youth Representative

Celeste (She/Her) was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie. She is a Métis Nation of Ontario citizen and a descendant of the Sayer family line. Celeste is the Region 4 representative of the Métis Nation of Ontario Youth Council. Celeste is currently in her third year at Wilfrid Laurier University studying in the Community Music (BMus) program and minoring in French. Celeste sits on Laurier’s Indigenous Education Council and is the current Peer Academic Coach at the Waterloo Campus Indigenous Student Centre.

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Bennett Woods
Region 7 Youth Representative

Bennett Woods was born and raised in the Tiny Township/Penetanguishene area. He is a citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario and a descendant of the Berger-Beaudoin Family Line. Bennett has been involved in the MNO as a Summer Youth Program Facilitator, an Infinite Reach Facilitator, and is now the Region 7 Representative on the Métis Nation of Ontario Youth Council.  Bennett is currently attending the University of Guelph, where he is enrolled in his 4th year of Biomedical Sciences. He also competes on the University’s Varsity Track and field Team, and in his spare time he enjoys fishing and spending time outdoors.

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Gabrielle Moreau
Region 8 Youth Representative

Gabrielle (she/her) is a proud MNO citizen from Toronto whose Métis ancestry comes from the Red River. She is in her fourth year studying geography at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and environmental policy at Duke University. Gabrielle is interested in incorporating Indigenous environmental knowledge into climate policy, and has previously interned with the Harvard Project on Indigenous Governance and Development.

She serves as the Table Youth at the Goose Moon Climate Table and on Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Youth Council. She hopes through this position to create opportunities for youth in Region 8 to connect and play a role in the MNO’s continued self-government process. In her spare time, she is an avid beader, loves kayaking around the Toronto islands, and is trying to learn some Michif!

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Cole Netherton
Region 6 Representative

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Ryan Lafleur
Post-Secondary Representative on the PCMNO

Ryan Lafleur is the newly acclaimed Post-Secondary Representative to the PCMNO and plays a collaborative role with the MNOYC. Ryan is completing their undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Ottawa and works in public service alongside their role at PCMNO. They plan on pursuing a part-time master’s degree in 2025. Ryan was born and raised in Northern Ontario as a proud French speaker, his family line hailing from Red River where his mother was born. Until recently, Ryan was the Youth Representative on the Ottawa Region Métis Council and had worked in the secretariat’s Summer Youth Program for four consecutive summers; Ryan also found the time to serve as Infinite Reach Facilitator in the 2023-2024 academic year.

Ryan looks forward to acting as the voice of Métis students on the PCMNO. They hope to play a positive role in upcoming nation-to-nation dialogue to ensure our students are supported. As an openly queer and Indigenous student, Ryan understands how our intersecting identities make for unique experiences and struggles. They believe education is a right, not a privilege, and are committed to upholding that right.

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TUESDAY,  AUGUST 12th, 2025 – The Water Tower Inn, Sault Ste Marie, ON

Download a printable version of the Agenda HERE

All Day
Travel Day

• Participants travelling from outside of Sault Ste. Marie are to check in at The Water Tower Inn
• MNO Staff will be in the lobby from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. to greet you

WEDNESDAY,  AUGUST 13, 2025 – The Water Tower Inn, Sault Ste Marie, ON

Download a printable version of the Agenda HERE

9:30 – 9:40 AM
KEYNOTE: Founding MNO President Tony Belcourt

• Claire Accettola

• Workshop 1: Self Government - Métis Constitution - Your Future with Brian Black – East Room Grand Hall

• Workshop 2: Fish Skin Tanning and Harvesting Chats with Connor McNamara – Courtyard Room

• Workshop 3: Perspectives on Métis Rights and Identity with Theresa and Hayden Stenlund – West Room Grand Hall

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2025 – The Water Tower Inn, Sault Ste Marie, ON

• Workshop 1: Youth Health Priorities with Abigail Simms – East Room Grand Hall

• Workshop 2: Clay Sculpting with George Simard – Courtyard Room

• Workshop 3: Knowing Your Stories with Paul Robitaille and Cassidy Caron – West Room Grand Hall

• Workshop 1: Novel Writing 101 with Britney Supernault – East Room Grand Hall

• Workshop 2: Paddle Painting with Alicia Brink – Courtyard Room

• Workshop 3: The Roundtable Game: Post Secondary and Career Goal-Setting with Ryan Lafleur and Bryanna Scott-Kay – West Room Grand Hall

11:45 – 11:55 AM
2025 Youth Leadership Award Presentation

• Located at The Water Tower Inn and shuttle to pick up at 4 p.m. to bring to canoe arrival

Keynote: Tony Belcourt

Born in the historic Métis community of Lac Ste. Anne, Alberta, Tony Belcourt’s career spans over 55 years of experience and significant achievement as an advocate for Métis people and their rights. In the 1970’s he was Vice-President, Métis Association of Alberta and founding President of the Native Council of Canada. He was instrumental in creating a national voice for Canada's Métis and Non-Status Indians and his efforts were an important contributing factor in the Métis being recognized in the Constitution Act, 1982,as one of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada.

As founding President of the Métis Nation of Ontario (1994-2008), he helped to achieve recognition of existing Métis Constitutional rights in the 2003 Supreme Court decision in R v. Powley. He was a member of the Board of Governors of the Métis National Council and as Métis Nation Ambassador for International Issues, represented the Métis Nation in the negotiations on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Tony Belcourt was a long-standing member of the Aboriginal Education Councils at OCAD University and at Trent University. He received the National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Public Service in 2006, an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Lakehead University in 2010 and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2013. He has been carried by the Pipe since 2004.

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Remarks from Jordyn Garner: Jordyn (she/her) was born and raised along the shores of Georgian Bay. Jordyn is a citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario and a descendent of the Dusome-Clermont family line. Jordyn previously served as the President of the MNO Youth Council and Youth Representative on PCMNO between 2020-2024 as well as the Region 7 Youth Representative on the MNOYC from 2016-2020. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work within the Indigenous field of study program from Wilfrid Laurier University, a Bachelor of Social Work from Lakehead University and a Bachelor of Arts Honors in Sociology and Canadian Studies.

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Knowing Your Stories with Paul Robitaille and Cassidy Caron

Cassidy Caron is a proud Métis woman with roots in the historic Métis communities of Batoche and St. Louis, Saskatchewan. Deeply connected to her Métis traditions, heritage, and culture, Cassidy is guided by the values of respect, honesty, and responsibility passed down through her family and community. Cassidy was the youngest person and first woman elected as the President of the Métis National Council—the recognized national and international voice of the Métis Nation—in which she served from 2021-2024.

Paul Robitaille is a Métis Nation citizen from Penetanguishene, ON with a wealth of professional and lived experience in advancing Métis rights recognition, relationship building, and socioeconomic development. He has worked extensively within community and with leading Canadian organizations, earning a strong reputation for fostering collaborative solutions. He is the founder and CEO of Advocate Strategies, a 100% Métis-owned and operated communications and design company.

Our Métis stories ground who we are as a distinct Indigenous people, born from and deeply rooted in the lands and waters of our Métis Homelands. As Métis people, it’s vital that we know our Métis stories and proudly share them, so that we can continue to live and hold them for future generations. Learn how to tell and be proud of yours in this dialogue-based workshop, led by two of the Métis Nation’s most sought-after storytelling experts.

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Novel Writing 101 with Cree Nomad (Britney Supernault)

The Cree Nomad (a.k.a Britney) (She/They) is a Métis-Cree, two-spirit, Treaty 6-based author,artist, activist, and social media personality. Born in Amiskwaciwâskahikan but raised between East Prairie Métis Settlement and various other towns, Britney has embraced their nomadic ancestral traits since childhood.

Cree Nomad published their debut novel ‘Hey, June’ in 2024 and has many other projects ongoing. When they’re not perfecting their writing craft, they champion Indigenous Rights and Sovereignty at the forefront of Climate Change. Britney works in International Climate Action as an activist with several organizations and serves as the North American Youth Delegate Knowledge Holder for LCIPP under UNFCCC. Britney also works as a content creator on various social media platforms, where they discuss Indigenous issues, share Native humor, and dance for fun.

Novel Writing 101 with Cree Nomad (Britney Supernault) will be an informative session on the different steps behind crafting a novel. Aspiring writers and authors will learn everything about Novel Writing from outlining to publishing and can have their questions answered by a published author. We'll discuss plot progression, characterization, first chapter requirements, and world-building; basically everything you need to know to get started on that book you've always wanted to write. 

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Self Governance – Métis Constitution – Your Future with Brian Black

Government journey and the development of a Métis Constitution. This session will explore what Self- Join Brian Black, Director of Self-Government Strategy, for an in-depth look at the MNO’s Self-Government means, how the Statement of Principles will guide the Constitution-building process, and how Youth can see themselves reflected and actively involved in shaping the future of the Métis Nation of Ontario.

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Clay Sculpting with George Simmard

George Simard was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario and now resides in Simcoe.  George studied sculpting at Toronto School of A and is a figuitive clay sculpture. He is also a Judo instructor of 30 years, President of Kooshkopayiw Métis Art’s Council, and a co-curator of the MNO AGA Kooshkopayiw art exhibit.

Brought back by popular demand, George will be hosting a sculpting workshop where participants will have the opportunity to learn the techniques of clay sculpting.

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The Long Game Roundtable: Post-Secondary and Career Goal-Setting with Ryan Lafleur featuring Bryanna Scott-Kay

Join Post Secondary Representative Ryan Lafleur for an engaging and interactive roundtable discussion focused on your academic and career goals. This session invites participants to share their aspirations and explore the types of academic training and support that can help achieve them. Ryan will be joined by featured guest Bryanna Scott Kay, Director of the MNO Education and Training Branch, who will offer insight into her own professional journey in academia and the MNO public service. Whether you are just getting started or planning your next steps, this workshop will help you think strategically about your future.

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Paddle Painting with Alicia Brink

Alicia Brink is a Métis multidisciplinary artist and educator living in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Her family names are Morsette, and Flett.

As a youth she spent her formative years playing and exploring the boreal forest on the shores of Lake Superior.  Alicia received her masters in English, and a teaching degree in 2013, and spent over ten years working in Indigenous education at both the university and college level. She designed a STEAM college program, built a birch bark canoe, and even got to collaborate with the Canadian Space Agency to run a community event.

Alicia is the artist behind Raven Craft Designs, where she designs enamel pins, cards, custom bead work, and original carvings. She can be found on Instagram @raven_craft_designs

In this hands-on workshop, participants will have the opportunity to paint hand-carved cedar paddles. They will learn about the history and cultural significance of paddles to the Métis people and their role in the fur trade. The session will also explore how paddles are traditionally made and the tools used in their creation.

In addition, participants will engage in a discussion on Métis beadwork and how its patterns and aesthetics have inspired a distinct Métis painting style. All materials—including paddles, paints, and brushes—will be provided, along with visual inspiration to guide the creative process.

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Tiny Birch Bark Canoe Ornaments with Alicia Brink

The birch bark canoe (Kano dékawrs) is made entirely of materials harvested from the boreal forest. Rock art in Ontario show many depictions of canoes, dating them hundreds if not thousands of years ago. This technology is said to have been a gift to the First Nations peoples from Nanabijou. And that gift was shared with the Métis.

In this workshop you will make your own tiny bark canoe ornament. I will also share pictures, tangible examples and resources on a full-size canoe build, as well as how and when to harvest materials. Connect your hands and your heart as you learn the basics of bending and sewing birch bark.

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Youth Health Priorities with Abigail Simms

This workshop will include a presentation on and discussion about the health priorities of MNO citizen youth (16 to 29 years of age). Over the last few years, a research project starting in 2022 has been exploring the health priorities of MNO citizen youth. This is a youth-led project and has included engagements with youth, a survey, virtual interviews, and a land-based engagement.

In the future we will be releasing a community report and academic publications on our findings. We would love for youth to join this session to continue the conversation on this important topic! Light beverages and snacks will be provided. A senator will join us to open and close the discussions in a good way. 

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Perspectives on Metis Rights and Identity with Theresa and Hayden Stenlund

Theresa Stenlund is currently serving her fifth term as Region 1 Councillor for the Northwestern Ontario Métis Community (NWOMC) and chairs the Region 1 Consultation Committee. She has been involved in Métis governance for over two decades, first serving on the MNO Kenora Métis Council from 2001 to 2008 before joining the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO) in 2008. Theresa is a dedicated advocate for Métis rights, cultural revitalization, and community empowerment. She has released one book on behalf of the region, Under the Stars at Rainy River, and is currently working on a second. Both books serve as important resources to share and preserve the history of her community.

She will be joined by her son, Hayden Stenlund, a proud and active young Métis citizen who is a councillor on the Kenora Metis Council and has been making meaningful contributions within the MNO and working to support the future of our Nation.

Together, they will lead a thoughtful and engaging session focused on Métis rights, identity, and lived experience. Through personal stories, reflections on community work, and Theresa’s journey writing her upcoming book, participants will be invited into a dialogue that encourages them to reflect on their own paths. The session will also include a space for open discussion and a hands-on activity to foster connection and shared learning.

Participants who have been assigned to the Métis Tours session will have the opportunity to take part in both walking and canoe tours in Sault Ste. Marie. Tours will begin at 1:30 p.m. sharp at the Parks Canada offices beside 1 Canal Drive. A shuttle will transport participants from The Water Tower Inn to the starting point. If you have been assigned to the workshop session, there will be a Birch Bark Canoe Ornament workshop with Alicia Brink at the Water Tower Inn.

CLICK HERE for map of Métis Tours

Following the Métis Tours, participants who have opted in for the boat cruise will be shuttled to the Roberta Bondar Marina. Dinner will be served on board during the cruise. Participants who are not attending the boat cruise will be transported back to the hotel.

Friendly Reminder: All outdoor activities will proceed rain or shine. If weather does not permit, participants scheduled for the Métis Tours will instead visit the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre as an alternative activity.  If you are participating in the canoe and walking tours, please come prepared for outdoor activities. For those staying for the AGA, it will also be held outdoors this year at the Roberta Bondar Pavilion.

Please contact Melissa St Amant if you have any questions or concerns during the conference.

• Text or call Melissa at: 705-529-9957 
• Email: MelissaS@metisnation.org

If you have any travel related questions or concerns please contact Sydney Hannusch.

• Text or call Sydney at: 249-525-6846
• Email: SydneyH@metisnation.org 

If you cannot reach Melissa or Sydney, you can also contact Patricia Messenger.

• Text or call Patricia at: 613-852-6238
• Email: PatriciaM@metisnation.org 

If you have an emergency please call 911. The closest hospital to the Sault Area Hospital located at 750 Great Northern Rd, Sault Ste Marie ON P6B0A8

Taxi Services

• Soo Yellow Cab at (705) 942-0005

AGA Agenda

Please note there is no continental breakfast for Youth Conference participants at the Water Tower Inn prior to the start of AGA. You have been given per diems to cover the expense of breakfast.

Shuttles will begin at 7:30 a.m. and make rounds to hotels every 30 minutes to take you to Roberta Bondar Pavilion. The AGA will begin at 8:30 a.m. sharp. Please ensure you have eaten and do not forget your AGA badge.

Learn more about the AGA here