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!
Algoma University
Deanna Croteau
My name is Deanna Croteau, and I am a mature student in my fourth year of a Sociology degree at Algoma University. As a mature student and returning Infinite Reach Facilitator, I enjoy working alongside the Shingwauk Anishinaabe Students’ Association to support the Indigenous student body and help build a strong sense of community, connection, and belonging for students on campus.
Lily Mick
Taanishi! My name is Lily Mick, and I am a third year student at Algoma University pursuing a double major in Law and Justice and Political Science. I wanted to become an Infinite Reach Facilitator because I enjoy supporting and connecting with others while helping students feel welcomed. As a Métis student and throughout the course of the year, I hope to create strong relationships and contribute to a positive and inclusive community where students feel comfortable and supported.
Brock University
Grace Fisk
I will be going into my fourth year of Medical Sciences at Brock University.
I wanted to become an Infinite Reach Facilitator to provide students with a safe environment where they can come learn about the history of Metis while completing fun workshops. I also wanted to provide a space where students and others are welcome to ask for advice and feel comfortable to ask any questions they might have.
This year, I hope to create a safe and welcoming environment while deepening my connection with my culture, as well as building connections with other students at Brock U.
Lakehead University
Andrew Maurice
My name is Andrew and I’m currently attending Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. I’m in the Indigenous Education program hoping to become a teacher. I want to be a facilitator as I love teaching and learning about my culture, and I want to be able to share this love and passion with those around me
Ashley Sheriff
My name is Ashley Sheriff! I am a second year student attending Lakehead University studying kinesiology but hope to go into a vet school later in life!
I wanted to become a Infinite Reach Facilitator as I want to be closer to my community and to get closer to my culture. I love attending events like the YLC, AGA and community events but find it hard to hear about them. So when I heard about this opportunity I thought if I were to host them then I would be able to help my community hear about the events to attend and help them become closer to their culture!
Chloe Lavoie
My name is Chloe and I am a piano major at Lakehead University. I wanted to become an Infinite Reach Facilitator because I grew up disconnected from my culture and reconnecting with that part of myself is very important to me. I hope to help others experience the joy that I get myself from participating in Indigenous events 🙂
McMaster University
Emalee Fannin
Hi! My name is Emalee Fannin, and I’m a fifth-year student at McMaster University in the Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences (iBioMed) and Materials Engineering program. As a Métis student, I understand the importance of present, supportive communities and staying connected with Indigenous community at McMaster. I’m excited to be an Infinite Reach Facilitator to help students connect, build community, and feel supported throughout their university journey.
NOSM University
Sudbury Campus
Matthew Gordon
Hello! My name is Matthew Gordon, and I am a first-year medical student at NOSM University. 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’m looking forward to meeting and connecting with other Métis students and the community.
Thunder Bay Campus
Ben Cochrane
My name is Ben Cochrane and I am entering my first year of medical education at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM). Since attending university, I’ve been fortunate to have had access to various growing Indigenous groups and communities that have supported me throughout my undergraduate studies. In being an IRF, I am excited to give back to our communities by hosting events, helping students navigate their studies, and being someone that students can reach out to for support.
Queen’s University
Kiah Seppala
Hi! My name is Kiah Seppala, and I’m entering my third year of the Commerce program with a minor in French Studies at Queen’s University.
I’ve enjoyed connecting with Queen’s Indigenous communities and can’t wait to embrace my own. Queen’s values mentorship and community, and as an Infinite Reach Facilitator, I look forward to contributing to these values.
My culture is integral to who I am, so I’m excited to be part of other people’s journeys by embracing Métis culture.
Skyler Gruner
Taansi/Hello! My name is Skyler Gruner and I’m entering my fourth year at Queen’s University working on my Bachelor of Health Sciences. 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! Don’t hesitate to reach out!
University of Guelph
Raymond (Ray) Rumiel
Hello,
My name is Raymond Rumiel, I am a University of Guelph political science student with aspirations of pursuing a Masters of Urban Planning. I wanted to become a Infinite Reach Facilitator because it gives me the opportunity to give back to the Metis community for everything they have done for me. I also am passionate about becoming a Infinite Reach Facilitator because I hope to take my Masters at Guelph in their Rural planning program and specialize in the Indigenous communities planning stream. I hope to be a outlet for new students to voice any questions or concerns and want to make a positive impact on anyone’s academic and social life that I can!
Valerie Secord
Hi everyone! My name is Valerie Secord, and I am a student at University of Guelph studying to obtain my Masters in Animal Nutrition. I became an Infinite Reach Facilitator because I am passionate about supporting students as they transition into post-secondary education and helping create a welcoming, inclusive community where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and getting involved. As a Facilitator this academic year, I hope to help students build confidence, connect with campus resources, and make meaningful friendships and experiences throughout their academic journey. I’m excited to meet new students and support them however I can!
University of Ottawa
Kim Mantha
I am Kim Mantha, a native French speaker attending the University of Ottawa. My first year was hard to adapt, then I joined the Indigenous Student Association (ISA) as Vice President of Events. I’ve realized that I enjoy putting on events. I have now been elected as Co-President External of the ISA, being the Infinite Reach Facilitator for Ottawa, allows me to learn from others, while enabling me to create more safe spaces, and programming for Métis students on campus.
Western University
Ella Mahon
Hi, my name is Ella, and I am a fourth-year student at the University of Western Ontario studying Biology with a minor in Chemistry. I wanted to become an Infinite Reach Facilitator because I value the opportunity to support Métis students as they navigate post-secondary life. I hope to help create a welcoming space, share my experiences, build connections, and encourage students to feel confident, supported, and proud of their culture. I also hope to help students with the transition from high school to post-secondary!
Isabella (Bella) Ziegler
My name is Isabella Ziegler, and I am a fourth-year student at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Management and Organizational Studies with a specialization in Commercial Aviation Management (BMOS CAM). Additionally, I am also working towards my Integrated Commercial Pilots License. I understand the importance of a strong cultural support system and became an Infinite Reach Facilitator to help fellow Métis students feel connected within our community.
Melissa Bodi
My name is Melissa Bodi, I attend Western University. I am going into my third year of bachelors for Media Information and Technoculture and doing a double minor in Indigenous studies and writing. I became involved with the Metis community at Western as quickly found a strong sense of community. I want to empower my fellow Metis students and create a space we can all freely express our culture, passions, and support one another.
York University
Billy Parrell
My name is Billy Parrell, pronouns they/she, and I am Red River and Two Spirit. Our family is from St. Francois Xavier Métis settlement in Manitoba. I am completing the final year of my Bachelors degree at York University. The representation for Métis culture is limited in Toronto. I hope to explore opportunities to change that with the support of the Infinite Reach program. As a facilitator I plan to organize social gatherings and lead workshops to build a strong community of academic Otipemisiwak. The bigger vision would be to propose an event to be hosted on campus to showcase the art and research of local Métis students.
Marissa Weekes Dane
Within York’s Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, I have been a peer mentor for the past year and will be transitioning into a Senior Peer Mentor role this July. In addition to peer mentorship, I am a work/study student at the Centre for Indigenous Student Services (CISS), where I serve as a Student Success Mentor Lead. Through these roles, as well as my personal experience living with generalized anxiety disorder, I have developed a strong appreciation for the importance of mentorship, community and student support. I am interested in becoming an Infinite Reach Facilitator because I would like to continue supporting Indigenous students at York and this is just one more opportunity for me to do so. I believe that creating welcoming spaces and fostering meaningful relationships can make a significant difference in a student’s post-secondary experience. I aspire to help take the “scariness” out of university, especially for students who may be navigating mental health challenges, uncertainty or barriers to accessing support. If I just help even a handful of students I think I’ve accomplished my goal, I hope to also maybe show others they can pursue mentorship opportunities like this and that they are for everyone, even for those of us who get a little anxious from time to time.
Contact: Infinite Reach Network
If you would like to connect with one of our Infinite Reach Facilitators, please send a question below to InfiniteReach@metisnation.org and let us know which Facilitator you’d like to connect with!