Alumni Profiles
Advancing reconciliation through storytelling
25 at 25 | Ben Borne (CMU '13)
Ben Borne (CMU ’13) completed a BA with a major in Biblical and Theological Studies. His time at CMU nurtured his love for storytelling and community, shaping a career in communications and public relations focused on building relationships and advancing reconciliation.
"I have always been a storyteller," says Ben Borne over a Zoom call from his home in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. "And what I'm really good at is bringing people together."
Since graduating from CMU with a Bachelor of Arts in 2013, Borne's various endeavors and accomplishments—which are far too innumerable to list but include podcast host and founding his own Public relations firm—all share that similar theme: storytelling.
While describing his work, there is a clear intention behind his actions, and It's evident he strives to find new and electrifying ways to connect with the people he works with.
Aside from working as a sessional lecturer at the First Nations University of Canada or serving as a managing partner for Eagle Feather News, Borne's pride and joy has been Symmetry PR. As the founder, president, and chief operating officer, Borne's energy and passion for sharing ideas, meeting new people, and learning from one another are unequivocal.
Symmetry PR is a communications and public relations firm that works to strengthen communities, primarily through supporting and engaging with Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses.
"At the heart of generosity, and at the heart of dialogue is communication and relationship building," says Borne, reflecting on the coupling of public relations professionals as storytellers. "When we work with clients, we push them to be hospitable and to welcome difference audiences... We ask organizations to 'set the table' and have a discussion with the public."
Borne says that Symmetry PR tries to do everything socially responsibly. He refers to a section on the company's website stating, "more engaged, responsible, and connected communities working together to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples." As a member of Yellow Quill First Nation, Borne's work demonstrates his desire to engage and support his communities by bringing folks together to advance reconciliation and increase trust between settlers and Indigenous peoples.
Borne says that an emphasis on meaningful dialogue ought to be the standard for an industry dominated by detached metrics. "When I think about marketing, it's very focused on audiences—using passive and low interactive media formats. Public relations are very highly interactive. It's where you're going out and asking about public opinion, asking how organizations can align with public need," says Borne.
Borne graduated from CMU with a major in Biblical and Theological Studies with a heart set on pastoral ministry. As he became increasingly drawn to the world of communication, Borne says his skills transferred far more smoothly than expected. "It's still writing, storytelling, constructing a narrative, and calling people to action. The core tenants of preaching are still the same when it comes to communication," says Borne.
After 10 years in the workforce, Borne says the importance of relationships, community, and intentionality are the most valuable lessons from CMU that he still carries with him. "I'm really proud of the times that I've had at CMU."
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