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 or find their email below.
Olivia Beausoliel
Hello! My name is Olivia Beausoleil and I am entering into my third year at McMaster University studying Kinesiology. I wanted to become an Infinite Reach Facilitator as I have a passion for learning and sharing the Métis heritage. I am interested in sharing the culture within my school’s community to better educate other students. I look forward to building relationships with fellow Métis students, as I hope to build upon my creative skills and grow my own Métis knowledge.
Dale Bellaire
My name is Dale Bellaire. My pronouns are she/her. My family is Algonquin and French and originate from Mattawa/Ottawa River/Nipissing area of Ontario. I am a PhD student at the University of Waterloo in the Faculty of Health. I study the psychosocial aspects of aging and sport. I enjoy giving back to the community and have experience as a volunteer, as a coach in basketball and golf, and as a teaching assistant and tutor. These roles have provided me with an opportunity to encourage and support others in achieving their goals. Being an Infinite Reach Facilitator will allow me to use these skills to help other Metis students succeed in a post secondary environment.
Ava Coulombe
My name is Ava Coulombe. I am a third-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 – Acoul2424@gmail.com
Deanna Croteau
Aanii!! Deanna Croteau nindizhinikaaz. Baawaating Nindoonjiba. Wiisikode Nindaaw. I am a second year combined Sociology and Anishinaabe Studies Major at Algoma University on a journey towards cultural reclamation. I hope to help guide other Metis students towards our own unique traditional skills and practices and to help navigate the supports available to them at the University level. I hope to increase the visibility of the Metis people on our campus, and to come together as a group to build strength and offer encouragement in a reciprocal, judgement free space.
Katelyn Cudmore – Email
My name is Katelyn Cudmore and I attend Nipissing University. Last year I completed my Bachelor of Physical and Health Education and now I am completing my Education degree. As an Infinite Reach facilitator I want to be able to connect with other Metis students and help them transition into University. I also want to be able to plan and facilitate events for these students so they can see their Metis history and culture presented at the school. I hope to complete at least 1 event each semester and have many students (Indigenous or not) come out to participate to learn something new.
Claire Cunningham
Claire Cunningham will be entering her final year at The Smith School of Business at Queen’s University and completing her Certificate of Social Impact. She is honored to be an incoming Infinite Reach Facilitator, aiming to empower and educate fellow Métis students about their culture and enhance their opportunities to pursue post-secondary education. She looks forward to building relationships and deepening her own Métis knowledge while establishing a strong Métis community at Queen’s University.
Xavier Desroches-Borelly
Name: Xavier Desroches Borelly Post-Secondary Institution: Western University Program of Study: Computer Science Bio: I am Xavier, a 3rd-year student pursuing Computer Science at Western University. I am excited to become an Infinite Reach Facilitator to support incoming Métis students in their academic journey. I believe in the power of community and cultural solidarity in education. I hope to create a welcoming environment for new students and help them navigate their post-secondary experience with confidence.
Emma Gelinas
My name is Emma Gelinas. I’m a Métis student at Western University in Health Sciences. I want to be a resource for Métis students and someone they can talk to about anything for which they might need assistance in my capacity as an Infinite Reach facilitator. I’m eager to introduce Western University students to my Métis culture. I’m always up for a conversation and glad to help out however I can! Please don’t hesitate to reach me at egelina@uwo.ca
Sacha Gendron
My name is Sacha Gendron, I’m taking Sociology at Trent University and I wanted to help fellow Metis students overcome barriers to success while ensuring their social, personal and cultural needs are being met. I had many barriers to my academic success so I would love to help create a network of Metis students that can help support one another!
Hailey Gignac
Hey! I’m Hailey, I go to Trent University in Peterborough Ontario and my program is BSc Honours in Psychology with a specialization in Psychological Development. I signed up to be an infinite reach facilitator because I wanted to be apart of a community that shares the same values I hold dear to my heart. I remember being very confused in my first year during the transition to university life, so my goal is to help newer students coming in feel confident and ready to take on any challenges.
Audrey Gignac
My name is Audrey Gignac. I attend Brock University for the Concurrent Teacher Education program with teachables in English and History. I want to be an Infinite Reach Facilitator to assist Metis students in the transition to post-secondary school, including navigating a new educational facility and maintaining good time management. My goal is to help build a sense of community among Brock Metis students. This could include organizing meet and greets, guest speakers, and cultural workshops.
Matthew Gordon
Hello! My name is Matthew Gordon, and I am a fourth year biomedical biology student at Laurentian 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 at my university. I also hope to connect with new students and help make the transition from high school to university a little easier.
Melissa Henry
My name is Melissa Henry. I am a new Metis citizen myself, and love to get to know more about this wonderful culture. I am currently a second year student in the practical nursing program at Confederation College in Dryden Ontario. I am a mature student, and mother of 3 school aged children. In the past, I took the law and security administration program at Confederation College in Thunder Bay. I currently work as a direct support professional at Community Living Dryden-Sioux Lookout and I have been there for 18 years. I have always loved helping people and wanted to give back by attaining my nursing diploma and possibly move on with bridging into the Bachelors of Science in Nursing Program upon completion of the PN program. I am a testament to following your dreams at any age!
Haley Lance-Grant
Hi there, my name is Haley Lance-Grant. I’m from North Bay. I am a registered Métis citizen from Region 5, with ties to the Algonquin and Mi’kmaq tribes. I graduated from the two year business administration program at Canadore College with honours. I was delighted to be selected amongst hundreds of student to receive the program achievement award. I plan to return to Nipissing University in the fall to continue my education in business administration. I am excited for the opportunity to help other students along the way!
Ethan Michalenko
Hello, my name is Ethan Michalenko. I am a Métis student in my first year of Medical School at McMaster University. This is my third year as an infinite reach facilitator, and I applied as I wanted to strengthen the Métis community at McMaster. As a Facilitator this year, I hope to be a source of information for incoming and current students that can help direct them to helpful resources and share with others at the university about Métis culture and heritage.
Charlotte Romain – Email
My name is Charlotte Romain and I am very excited to be returning as an Infinite Reach facilitator! I am a Cell and Systems Biology (neuroscience) Master’s student at the St. George campus of the University of Toronto. I enjoy connecting with other Métis students, supporting other Métis students in their post-secondary journey, sharing our culture, and continuing to learn from our community. This year I aspire to continue to help grow our community, share our knowledge, and expand Indigenous representation and Traditional Knowledge in the sciences.
Victoria St Amant
Hello! My name is Tori St. Amant, and I am entering my fourth year of Kinesiology at the University of Guelph-Humber. (University of Guelph located on the Humber College North Campus). I wanted to become an IRF to be more involved and expand my knowledge within the Metis community. I look forward to being a resource for students at both the University of Guelph-Humber as well as Humber College and make meaningful connections where we can share our culture and heritage within our school Métis community.
Sonny Walton
My name is Sonny Walton and I’m currently a student at Humber/Guelph in a bachelor of public relations and communications program. As a Métis individual, I have a strong sense of pride and connection to our heritage. Becoming a facilitator allows me to embrace and share my cultural identity, helping others understand and appreciate the rich history and traditions of the Métis people. I’m passionate about advocating for the rights and interests of the Métis community. As a facilitator, I aim to represent my peers and community, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed. Education is a powerful tool for change. By becoming a facilitator, I can promote educational opportunities, share resources, and inspire other Métis students to pursue their academic and personal goals. This role also offers an opportunity for personal growth and development. I hope to enhance my leadership, communication, and organizational skills, which will not only benefit you in this role but also in your future career and personal endeavors.
Bennett Woods
My name is Bennett Woods and I am a 4th year student at the University of Guelph where I am enrolled in an honours Bachelor of Science program. I wanted to become an Infinite Reach Facilitator because I enjoy being active in my community, and I am passionate about my Métis culture. I am also the Region 7 Representative on the Métis Nation of Ontario Youth Council. I look forward to connecting to other students and sharing my knowledge of MNO culture and programs!