Infinite Reach Facilitators are motivated and enthusiastic upper year Métis post-secondary students that act as mentors at universities and colleges throughout Ontario for the upcoming academic year. These positions are volunteer based with the opportunity to receive honoraria for applicable work.
Facilitator Eligibility Criteria
- Citizen, or in progress application for citizenship, of the MNO or one of the Métis provincial governing members
- Applicants may have a citizenship application in progress with the MNO Registry (or other provincial governing member), in which case their acceptance to the program will require an approved assessment of the application by MNO Registry.
- Enrolled and attending a post-secondary institution in Ontario
- Have completed at least one year of studies
- Committed to fostering a community of Métis learners
Facilitator Responsibilities
Throughout the academic year mentors will be responsible for the following:
- Attending the Infinite Reach training session
- Completion of training modules
- Meeting with incoming students
- Being knowledgeable of funding opportunities for Métis students
- Being knowledgeable of community council and Métis Nation of Ontario events and programs
Connecting incoming students with the Indigenous Student Resource Centre - Organize information sessions and cultural events throughout the year
- Present and promote postsecondary opportunities to Métis secondary school students
- Connecting incoming students with students supports available both at their institution but also through the MNO:
- Academic Counselling
- Counselling Services
- Disability Services
- Health Services
- Housing
Infinite Reach Facilitators
CONTACT:
If you would like to connect with one of our Infinite Reach Facilitators, please email InfiniteReach@metisnation.org and let us know which Facilitator you’d like to connect with!
Samantha Brabant
Seneca Polytechnic
Samantha Brabant, RSSW Seneca Polytechnic, Bachelor of Mental Health and Addictions. Over the past two years, I have established connections with the staff at Odeyto and across King campus, making me an excellent resource for new students to make those introductions. Additionally, as a mature student, I have plenty of lived experience in time management, maintaining balance when it feels impossible, navigating OSAP, applying for grants and bursaries and finding additional resources that students may need to be successful.
I have navigated Seneca both as a student and the parent of a student, providing with me perspective and hopefully the answers to most questions. As an SSW, I embrace and appreciate the opportunity to work with people from all walks of life, that is what enables me to expand my understanding and to be a better helper. As I progress in my career, I intend to work to effect systemic change in policy within Canada. Engaging with as many Metis students as possible not only allows me to build my community but also to hear from other Indigenous students about their experiences in the PSE system. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, need help navigating MySeneca or Blackboard, or just need someone to talk to!
Ben Cochrane
Queen’s University
My name is Ben Cochrane and I am a Life Sciences student from Queen’s University. Since attending university, I’ve experienced a multitude of Indigenous events and traditions, as well as been included in the growing Indigenous community that has supported me throughout my undergraduate studies. In being an IRF, I am excited to give back to our community by hosting events, helping students navigate their studies, and being someone that students can reach out to for support.
Ava Coulombe
Cambrian College
My name is Ava Coulombe. I am a fourth-year student at Cambrian College in the NURS Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. As a Métis student passionate about culture, community, and learning, I look forward to creating an inclusive environment where students can thrive academically and culturally while embracing their Métis identity. Join me in some fun activities over the next year! Don’t hesitate to reach out.
Emalee Fannin
McMaster University
Hi! My name is Emalee Fannin, and I’m a fourth-year student at McMaster University in the Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences (iBioMed) and Materials Engineering program.
I believe that strong, supportive communities are essential for Indigenous students’ academic and personal growth. As a Métis student, I’ve experienced how meaningful that support can be. I am excited to be an Infinite Reach Facilitator to give back and help create the same welcoming, empowering environment that made such a difference for me.
Grace Fisk
Brock University
My name is Grace and I am going into my third year of Medical Sciences at Brock University! I wanted to become an Infinite Reach Facilitator to provide students with support as well as provide them with the opportunity to learn more about the Metis community and I hope this year we can accomplish this and more! I am excited to see what this year holds!
Hailey Gignac
Trent University
Hey everyone! My name is Hailey Gignac and I’m a fourth year Psychology major at Trent University, I’m currently working towards my specialization in cognitive and behavioural neuroscience. I want to become an Infinite Reach Facilitator because I want to help students feel welcome and confident as they start their university journey. I remember how overwhelming it can be at first and I believe that everyone deserves a smooth transition and a supportive environment where they can thrive, learn, and make lasting memories. My goal is to provide a space where students can connect to their Métis roots while building a community with their peers.
Matthew Gordon
Collège Boréal
Hello! My name is Matthew Gordon, and I am a first year Paramedic student at Collège Boréal. I wanted to become an Infinite Reach Facilitator in order to learn more about my culture, become more involved in the community, and connect with more Indigenous students. I also hope to connect with new students and help make the transition from high school to post-secondary a little easier.
Lucas Grenier
Queen’s University
Taanishi/Hello! My name is Lucas Grenier, I am Métis from the Georgian Bay Métis Community in Penetanguishene. I am entering my fourth year of my Environmental Science Degree at Queen’s University. As a senior student, I wanted to become an Infinite Reach Facilitator to promote an inclusive community for incoming Métis students, ensuring the growth of Métis representation and resources. I hope to help Métis students build connections and develop a support system while away from home. Attend events and never hesitate to reach out!
Skyler Gruner
Queen’s University
Hi! My name is Skyler Gruner and I’m entering my third year at Queen’s University working on my Bachelor of Health Sciences. I became an Infinite Reach Facilitator to expand the network of Métis students at Queen’s as well as across the province. There is strength in community and beauty in our culture that deserves to be shared, and the Métis Student Solidarity Network is an excellent way to do just that. Many still don’t fully understand the distinction between Métis culture and other Indigenous cultures, and I hope to help educate others and strengthen the Métis community both at Queen’s and throughout Ontario. I’m super excited to connect with new students and for the opportunity to help where I can! Do not hesitate to reach out.
Mackenzie Halliday
Queen’s University
Hello! My name is Mackenzie Halliday and I’m a second-year student at Queen’s University in Concurrent Education, my teachables and major are History and Drama! I hope to help guide and foster other Métis students through their transition to University, and strengthen the Métis community here at Queen’s while ensuring each student is successful, supported, and confident in themselves. Feel free to reach out!
Amy Lynch
Yorkville University
Taansi! My name is Amy Lynch. I am entering into my final year in the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. As a graduate student, I have found my way through many obstacles in my own academic endeavours. I am happy to share that knowledge as Elders have so graciously shared with me.
Kim Mantha
University of Ottawa
I am Kim Mantha, a native French speaker currently enrolled in a social science bachelor with honours in Political Science and History at the University of Ottawa. My first year was hard to adapt, then I joined the Indigenous Student Association as Vice President of Events. I’ve realized that I enjoy putting on events. By becoming an Infinite Reach Facilitator, I wish to be able to gain knowledge and be able to put on better events for the Métis students of UOttawa.
Andrew Maurice
Lakehead University
My name is Andrew, I am currently attending Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. I am currently going through the Indigenous Education program to earn a high school teaching degree, with my major being Indigenous Studies and my minor being English. I wish to become an Infinite Reach Facilitator as I want to help promote the Metis culture within the school environment. I want to be able to help other Metis students reconnect with their culture and help them know there is a community here for them.
Lily Mick
Algoma University
My name is Lily Mick, and I am currently attending Algoma University in the Law and Justice program. As a Métis student navigating new opportunities in school, I also find it important to explore new opportunities within my culture and heritage. As an Infinite Reach Facilitator this year, I am hoping to share Métis culture with others, and hopefully inspire people to find a piece of themselves they didn’t know was missing.
Beatrice Perusse
University of Toronto
Beatrice Perusse is a Master of Information student at the Faculty of Information, University of Toronto. She grew up in Toronto and is a descendant of the Swanson/Robinson family line. She hopes that being an Infinite Reach Facilitator will help her connect with other students and support her community.
Mina Sandy
Lakehead University
Hi, my name is Mina Sandy. I’m a student at Lakehead University, currently in the Honours Bachelor of Social Work program. I became an Infinite Reach Facilitator to support younger students as they navigate the challenges of post-secondary education and to build relationships within the Métis community. Through this role, I’m looking forward to learning more about my Métis heritage and strengthening my sense of belonging.
Valerie Secord
University of Guelph
Hi, my name is Valerie Secord, and I am studying the Science of Agriculture with a major in Animal Science at the University of Guelph. I want to become an Infinite Reach Facilitator to deepen my understanding of my Métis culture and share this knowledge with others. This opportunity will allow me to connect with fellow Métis students and create art that reflects our rich history. I also hope to engage with students from diverse backgrounds across campus and share my love for our beautiful culture.
Maia Svenneby
Carleton University
My name is Maia Svenneby, and I’m in my third year at Carleton University, studying Communication and Media. I want to be an Infinite Reach Facilitator so I can better connect with Métis youth at my University. I believe that facilitation of cultural events not only fosters our connection to our culture but encourages us to share parts of ourselves with each other, our stories, our triumphs, our struggles and our hopes, and through this we build our future. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Alexis Uren
Brock University
Hi, I’m Alexis Uren but I often go by Lexi. I’m currently studying Kinesiology with a minor in Adaptive Physical Activity at Brock University in St. Catharine’s. I want to be an Infinite Reach Facilitator because I’m passionate about building community and supporting fellow Indigenous students in navigating their academic journeys. I hope to create a welcoming and supportive environment where students feel seen, heard and encouraged to succeed.