MNOYC Representatives
Meet your Métis Nation of Ontario Youth Reps!
The Métis Nation of Ontario 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.
Learn more about the governance structure of the MNOYC
Additionally, there is a Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO) Youth Representative elected to the PCMNO who meets with the MNOYC as part of their duties. MNOYC’s mandate is to identify issues affecting Métis youth and to work with the MNO to ensure these issues are addressed. Members of the MNOYC communicate on a regular basis, take part in meetings and community events across the province, including the MNO’s Annual General Assembly (AGA), and often attend youth driven and focused conferences representing Métis youth across Ontario. Additionally, each MNO Community Council has a position for a local Youth Representative who promotes youth initiatives, works directly with the MNOYC and represents the voice of Métis youth in their area. The MNOYC representatives are appointed in province-wide elections held every four years.
Evan Accettola
MNOYC President & PCMNO Youth Representative
evana@metisnation.org
Learn more about Evan
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 Master of Arts in Sociology at Simon Fraser University. Licensed as a Practical Nurse in 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.
Claire Accettola
MNOYC Chair
mnoyc@metisnation.org
Learn more about Claire
Claire Accettola (She/Her) was born in Owen Sound and raised in rural Ontario. Claire is a descendant 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 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 has previously held 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.
Ryan Lafleur
Post-Secondary Representative
ryanl@metisnation.org
Learn more about Ryan
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.
Timea Enge
Region 1 Representative
MNOYCR1@metisnation.org
Learn more about Timea
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.
Madyson Campbell
Region 2 Representative
MNOYCR2@metisnation.org
Learn more about Madyson
Madyson Campbell was born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario, with her Métis roots in the Red River. Since 2020, she has been the Region 2 Representative on the Métis Nation of Ontario Youth Council. She completed a BSc at the University of British Columbia in 2023 and is currently a second year medical student at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University. Madyson is passionate about advocacy and health research and is actively involved in several research initiatives focused on Métis health, mental health and substance use, and health services.
Bryanna Bielek
Region 3 Representative
MNOYCR3@metisnation.org
Learn more about Bryanna
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.
Celeste Bond
Region 4 Representative
MNOYCR4@metisnation.org
Learn more about Celeste
Celeste (She/Her) was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie. She is a Metis Nation of Ontario citizen and a descendant of the Sayer family line. Celeste is the Region 4 representative of the Metis 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.
VACANT
Region 5 Representative
This position is currently vacant
To learn more, contact mnoyc@metisnation.org
Cole Netherton
Region 6 Representative
MNOYCR6@metisnation.org
Learn more about Cole
Cole is a proud citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario, from the Sault Ste. Marie Métis community and now residing in Peterborough. He hails from the Lesage-Schwink Métis family line, with deep roots in the community and a long family history of involvement in the MNO. Cole’s grandmother was first cousins with Steve Powley, highlighting a strong familial connection to Métis rights advocacy. Cole has previously served as the youth representative for the Peterborough & District Wapiti Métis Council. Passionate about amplifying youth voices, Cole is also skilled in traditional practices such as beading and foraging.
With an Associate in Project Management designation from the Project Management Institute and 6+ years in healthcare administration, he is committed to bridging cultural traditions with modern practices and empowering youth involvement in initiatives that benefit the Métis community.
Bennett Woods
Region 7 Representative
MNOYCR7@metisnation.org
Learn more about Bennett
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 recently graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, and is now pursuing his Master of Business Administration. He also competes on the University’s Varsity Track and field Team, and in his spare time he enjoys fishing and spending time outdoors.
Gabrielle Moreau
Region 8 Representative
MNOYCR8@metisnation.org
Learn more about Gabrielle
Gabrielle (she/her) is a proud MNO citizen from Toronto. She is a descendant of the Perrault family line, and her 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, and is particularly interested in Indigenous environmental governance. 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!
Kaitlyn Anderson-Mitchell
Region 9 Representative
MNOYCR9@metisnation.org
Learn more about Kaitlyn
Taanishi! My name is Kaitlyn Anderson-Mitchell, and I am the Region Nine Youth Representative on the Metis Nation of Ontario Youth Council. I am a proud Metis woman descended from the Desmarais, Bercier, Anderson, and Erasmus families. My family comes from the Red River Settlement and Northern Manitoba, although I have lived in Region Nine all my life. I am a student at Huron University College at Western University in London, and I am majoring in religious studies. I am an avid beader, and I enjoy horseback riding, sewing, and reading. I previously served as the Youth Representative on the Thames Bluewater Metis Council for six years.