Blog

22 Oct 2021

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Strategic Advisor

The AFNQL and the Government of Quebec Are Inviting the Quebec Business Community to Make Commitments for Indigenous People

As part of the Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous People and Quebec, which will take place on November 25 and 26, 2021, the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador, the Government of Quebec and the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC) are launching a call for commitment.

21 Oct 2021

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Strategic Advisor

The Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous People and Quebec: An Invitation to Create Linkages Between the Business Communities of the Indigenous Peoples and Quebec

The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) and the Government of Quebec are proud to present the Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous People and Quebec, an event that will take place in person at the Centre Sheraton Montreal as well as online.

18 Oct 2021

Lorraine Rhéaume, Secretary

2021-2022 Board of Directors of the FNQLEDC

The First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC) held its Annual General Assembly on September 29, 2021 and proceeded to the election of the members of its Board of Directors.

14 Oct 2021

Isabelle Gros-Louis, Communications and Public Relations Officer

A Woman Entrepreneur at Heart

To be a First Nations education consultant was a dream that Nathalie Chantal, a 53-year-old Wendat woman, had cherished for some time. She had always told herself that she wanted to end her career as a consultant.

29 Sep 2021

Isabelle Gros-Louis, Communications and Public Relations Officer

A Community of Practice Totally Dedicated to CEDOs

On September 28, 2021, the FNQLEDC launched a community of practice entirely dedicated to Quebec First Nations Community Economic Development Officers (CEDOs). The purpose of this online community of practice is to promote the sharing of information and to create opportunities for meetings.

16 Sep 2021

Mathilda Fontaine de Uashat mak Mani-Utenam et son entreprise de création, conception et couture Création Puamun

Isabelle Gros-Louis, Communications and Public Relations Officer

Mathilda Fontaine From Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam and Her Creation, Design and Fashion Company Création Puamun

At 59 years of age, Mathilda Fontaine, a young retiree, has the wind in her sails with her creation, design and fashion business which is gaining in notoriety and popularity. Création Puamun refers to the name of her little girl and means Dream, because for Mathilda, her business involves making one of her dreams come true!

08 Sep 2021

Isabelle Gros-Louis, Communications and Public Relations Officer

Abenaki Aventure Tourist Project

The Abenaki Aventure tourist project began with the opening of the campsite on the Odanak Abenaki community last July 29. This brilliant idea came from Martin O’Bomsawin and his two sons who have a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

17 Aug 2021

Isabelle Gros-Louis, Communications and Public Relations Officer

A Multitude of Services Offered by the Quebec Native Friendship Centre

The Quebec Native Friendship Centre (Centre d’amitié autochtone de Québec - CAAQ) celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2021. Are you familiar with the assistance and integration services that the CAAQ offers to First Nations who arrive in the city for new challenges? Jacinthe Picard, Executive Assistant, offers an overview of the development of their range of new services.

10 Aug 2021

Isabelle Gros-Louis, Communications and Public Relations Officer

COOLBOX Accommodations in the Community of Wemotaci

The project of the Atikamekw community of Wemotaci aimed to build an inn featuring 22 rooms on its territory for 2021. With all the changes caused by the pandemic and the sharp increase in the costs of wood materials, they had to rethink the project and develop a plan B for the acquisition of accommodations at a lower cost.

19 Jul 2021

L’éco-agriculture en serre et en terre à kanesatake

Isabelle Gros-Louis, Communications and Public Relations Officer

Greenhouse and Soil-Based Eco-Agriculture in Kanesatake

Grandir Ensemble, an economic development project geared towards food self-sufficiency, came to life in Kanesatake last March. The project aims at achieving food self-sufficiency in the community and has a vision of internal and external reconciliation among community members.

09 Jul 2021

Innuberge : Chalets touristiques à Unamen Shipu

Isabelle Gros-Louis, Communications and Public Relations Officer

Innuberge: Tourist Cabins in Unamen Shipu

In January 2020, Dolorès Bellefleur and Jean-Michel Perron, owners of the Innuberge, in the company of the Director of the Société de développement économique et touristique Mukutan, Lionel Hervieux, as well as the whole community of Unamen Shipu, inaugurated this wonderful tourist accommodation project located on the Innu Unamen Shipu territory.

28 Jun 2021

Formation sur l’analyse des projets de développement économique

Frédérick Martel, CPA, Entrepreneurship Technical Advisor

CEDOs Have Been Trained in Economic Development Project Analysis

Last June, approximately 20 economic development community stakeholders participated in a four-hour training opportunity on the specific topic of Economic Development Project Analysis. This training offered by the FNQLEDC was held during two distinct two-hour sessions on the Zoom platform.

18 Jun 2021

Isabelle Gros-Louis, Communications and Public Relations Officer

The First Centre for Indigenous Artists in Montreal: Interview With a Wendat Artist

Created by four Indigenous women, two Mohawk artists and two Anishinaabe artists, Hannah Claus, Nadia Myre, Caroline Monnet and Skawennati, the Daphne Art Centre is a new self-managed centre for Indigenous artists located in Tiohtià:ke / Mooniyang / Montreal.

16 Jun 2021

Emmanuel Bertrand-Gauvin, Women Entrepreneurship Advisor

The FNQLEDC Unveils the Winners of the Nikanewin Bursaries

The First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC) is proud to unveil the names of the ten Nikanewin Bursaries winners, who are sharing a total of $30,000 in bursaries. The main objective of these bursaries was to encourage as many First Nations people with a business plan as possible to move from the idea stage to the action stage.

09 Jun 2021

Marie Hanquez, Social Economy Advisor

Indigenous Cultures in the Spotlight at Startup Nations Ikwe 2021

It is with great pride that the 10 participants of the StartUP Nations Ikwe 2021 successfully completed their training course in social economy, which began on March 8th. Coordinated by the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC) and by Quebec Native Women (QNW), the 12-week virtual training course ended on May 31, 2021.

25 May 2021

Le 8 avril 2021, un incubateur accélérateur nordique a été lancé pour accompagner le développement de projets touristiques au nord du 49e parallèle.

Isabelle Gros-Louis, Communications and Public Relations Officer

Innovation for the Support of Tourist Projects North of the 49th Parallel

On April 8, 2021, a Northern incubator-accelerator was launched in support of the development of tourist projects north of the 49th parallel. Mr. Dave Laveau, Executive Director of Indigenous Tourism Québec, answers our questions about this major project.

18 May 2021

Isabelle Gros-Louis, Communications and Public Relations Officer

A Marina on the Kebaowek Territory Coming Soon

As of next June, the marina built by Kebaowek First Nation, an Algonquin community in the south of Temiscamingue, will be open for you to discover, as announced with great pride by local economic development officer, Mr. Justin Roy.

30 Apr 2021

Mishtik : Un projet d’hébergement par et pour les Premières Nations à Roberval

Frédérick Martel, CPA, Entrepreneurship Technical Advisor

Mishtik: A housing project by and for First Nations in Roberval

The lack of housing in First Nations communities has been a well-known fact for a long time. However, this issue is not raised as much in urban settings. Yet, the consequences of the lack of housing in various communities are often that many First Nations members end up in the city looking for housing. The lack of affordable housing in many regions, over and above the discrimination First Nations members must often deal with coming from landlords, makes this search exceedingly difficult.

21 Apr 2021

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Strategic Advisor

Federal Budget 2021: What You Need to Know

On April 19th, the Government of Canada presented its 2021-2022 budget, the first to have been tabled since 2019. It goes without saying that this budget includes measures to respond to the pandemic we are currently experiencing, but its common thread is undoubtedly economic stimulus. Here is a summary of what you, as a community economic development officer (CEDO) or entrepreneur, should take away from this budget.

31 Mar 2021

Véronique Édé, Communications Officer

Synergy of the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

On March 15, 2021, the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC) facilitated a roundtable entitled “Synergy of the Indigenous women's entrepreneurial ecosystem” as part of the first virtual edition of the “Expo Entrepreneurs” gathering. Here is a portrait of this ecosystem and its interest to diversify the economic opportunities offered to women.

23 Mar 2021

Le développement économique : Un outil de réconciliation et de collaboration avec les Premières Nations

Véronique Édé, Communications Officer

Economic Development: A Tool for Reconciliation and Collaboration With First Nations

On February 11 and 23, 2021, the Assembly of First Nations Québec-Labrador (AFNQL) facilitated two virtual roundtables with the theme “Economic development as a safeguard against racism and discrimination toward the First Nations”. Following is a summary of the highlights from these roundtables.

15 Mar 2021

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Special Offer: Website Starting at $1,500

FNQLEDC offers Indigenous businesses the opportunity to improve their online presence through a professional turnkey website available for as little as $1,500.

25 Feb 2021

StartUP Nations Ikwe : Des projets d’entrepreneuriat collectif ancrés dans leur milieu et portés par les aspirations des femmes

Marie Hanquez, Social Economy Advisor

Startup Nations Ikwe: Collective Entrepreneurship Projects Rooted in Their Communities and Driven by the Aspirations of Women

The StartUP Nations Ikwe 2020 came to a wonderful end on December 7, 2020 with the participation of all three teams in a completely virtual event inspired by “Dragon's Den”. An overview of the three projects that were presented follows.

25 Feb 2021

Myriam Vallières, Youth Entrepreneurship Advisor

Crowdfunding: An Interesting Source of Financing for Enterprises

This article presents the MILLE et UN Fund for Young People (FM1) and the COVID-19 MILLE et UN Fund for Young People (COVID-19 FM1).

29 Jan 2021

Myriam Vallières, Youth Entrepreneurship Advisor

SDEI at the Helm of Quebec’s First Indigenous Mentoring Cell

Under the banner “Success is shared! Dare to mentor!”, the Société de développement économique Ilnu (SDEI) is adding a mentoring program to its service offering. Initiated by Ms. Louise Bergeron, Director of Business and Financial Services, the unit was created in 2017. Ms. Bergeron then called on Réseau M to offer a structured program to entrepreneurs in her community.

28 Jan 2021

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

3 Ways to Improve the Visibility of your Business Online

After now ten months of pandemic and two periods of total containment, it can be said that more than ever before, it is essential in 2021 that all companies have an online presence. However, currently, few First Nations businesses benefit from good online visibility. In this article, we present three ways to remedy this situation without leaving all your savings behind.

16 Dec 2020

Indigenous Perspectives on Territorial Development

Véronique Édé, Communications Officer

Indigenous Perspectives on Territorial and Socio-Economic Development

As part of Social Economy Month 2020, the First Nations Social Economy Regional Table (coordinated by the FNQLEDC) and the Pôle des entreprises d'économie sociale de la Capitale-Nationale presented the “Indigenous Perspectives on Territorial Development” national conference. Here is a summary of the highlights of this conference.

14 Dec 2020

Emmanuel Bertrand-Gauvin, Women Entrepreneurship Advisor

Nikanewin Bursaries: Supporting First Nations Private Entrepreneurship

The Nikanewin bursaries aim to stimulate private entrepreneurship among First Nations members by supporting people with a business project in order to encourage and help them move from ideas to action.

24 Nov 2020

Marie Hanquez, Social Economy Advisor

The Social Economy for Women: A Glance at the Startup Nations Ikwe

November is social economy month throughout Quebec. Meanwhile, the activities of the training course in collective women’s entrepreneurship, entitled "StartUP Nations Ikwe", are in full swing. Since September, three urban Aboriginal communities and organizations accompanied women’s groups in the development of a social economy project.

09 Nov 2020

Un centre d’affaires est présentement en construction à Wemotaci. Ce centre mettra à la disposition des entrepreneurs divers services communs.

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

A Business Center Will Soon Be Opening in Wemotaci

A business center is currently under construction in Wemotaci. This center, which should open its doors very soon, will facilitate the creation of businesses in the community, notably by providing them with a range of shared services, as well as personalized support.

05 Nov 2020

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

A Wood-Processing Plant Soon Under Construction in Wemotaci

In the summer of 2021, a wood processing plant will begin operations in the community of Wemotaci, a project made possible by investments of $1.3 million from the Conseil des Atikamekw de Wemotaci (CAW) and Indigenous Services Canada.

30 Oct 2020

Véronique Édé, Communications Officer

Social Economy Month 2020: A Solution for a Better Economic Recovery in Quebec

Everywhere in Quebec, November is Social Economy Month. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about this business model and discover both the economic and social benefits generated in the various regions of Quebec.

30 Oct 2020

This article summarizes the highlights of the conference The impacts of COVID-19 on businesses and economic recovery, which was presented by Mr. René Vézina on October 15, 2020.

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Economic Recovery: Prospects for First Nations

This article summarizes the highlights of the conference The impacts of COVID-19 on businesses and economic recovery, which was presented by Mr. René Vézina on October 15, 2020.

20 Oct 2020

Membres du conseil d’administration 2020-2021

Véronique Édé, Communications Officer

2020-2021 Board of Directors of the FNQLEDC

The FNQLEDC is pleased to present its 2020-2021 Board of Directors, composed of one representative per nation.

07 Oct 2020

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Supporting Kanesatake’s Food Self-Sufficiency in Times of Pandemic

In Kanesatake, what was supposed to be an economic development project aimed at selling vegetables has finally become a social initiative, The Gardens of Hope project.

24 Sep 2020

Une des industries ayant été le plus affectées par la crise de la COVID-19 est sans contredit celle du tourisme. Dans cet article, une de nos organisations partenaires, Tourisme Autochtone Québec, dresse un état de situation du tourisme autochtone et de ce qui a été fait et mis en place pour aider les entreprises touristiques.

Marie-Pierre Lainé, Development Advisor, Québec Aboriginal Tourism

The Survival of an Indigenous Tourism Industry in Pandemic Times

One of the industries most affected by the COVID-19 crisis is undoubtedly tourism. In this article, one of our partner organizations, Québec Aboriginal Tourism, provides an overview of the Indigenous tourism situation and what has been done and implemented to help tourism enterprises.

23 Sep 2020

Steve Laveau, Economic Development Advisor

COVID-19: Indigenous Community Business Fund (ICBF)

The ICBF provides $17 million in funding, which is dedicated to community and collective enterprises and microenterprises of the First Nations of Quebec.

28 Aug 2020

Communications and Public Relations Advisor

A Sugar Bush Under Construction for the Micmac Nation of Gespeg

The Micmac Nation of Gespeg is entering the maple syrup industry. In operation since the spring of 2021, the state-of-the-art sugar bush will allow the Nation to produce and sell maple syrup locally.

27 Aug 2020

Myriam Vallières, Youth Entrepreneurship Advisor

Innovation, Achievement and Pride: The Third Edition of the Entrepreneurial Camp Nimeshkanam Was a Success

The Société de développement économique Ilnu (SDEI) has been organizing the Nimeshkanam camp, an entrepreneurial camp for young people from Mashteuiatsh and the Domain-du-Roy MRC, for a few years now. In this year of pandemic, the SDEI has revised its formula to offer a virtual edition.

26 Aug 2020

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

A Hand Sanitizer Inspired by Mi’gmaq Culture

N’tus Skincare & Cosmetics (N’tus), a Gesgapegiag business owned by entrepreneur Christianne Bernard, launched its first product this summer, which is a hand sanitizer. The following is an overview of this brand-new company, which took advantage of an opportunity created by the COVID-19 pandemic to start its activities.

06 Aug 2020

Cet article résume les informations disponibles au sujet des programmes Prestation aux pêcheurs et Subvention aux pêches.

Frédérick Martel, CPA, Entrepreneurship Technical Advisor

COVID-19: Support Measures for Fish Harvesters

This article summarizes the information available on the Fish Harvester Benefit and Fish Harvester Grant programs.

29 Jul 2020

Présentation de la nouvelle mouture de la Subvention salariale d'urgence du Canada (SSUC).

Frédérick Martel, CPA, Entrepreneurship Technical Advisor

COVID-19: Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)

New version of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) is introduced.

21 Jul 2020

Frédérick Martel, CPA, Entrepreneurship Technical Advisor

Indigenous Forestry Initiative

The next application deadline for Natural Resources Canada's Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) is Thursday, August 20, 2020. Applications received should be assessed during the month of September so that selected projects can be announced by the end of October 2020.

30 Jun 2020

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

A Non-Profit Organization Serving First Nations Artisans

Founded in 1974, Les Artisans indiens du Québec is a non-profit organization which specializes in the sale of raw materials for arts and craft. For nearly 50 years, the corporation has been providing Aboriginal artisans from Quebec and all over Canada the raw materials needed to create their craft items. Following is a picture of one of the oldest Aboriginal non-profit organizations in Quebec.

29 Jun 2020

Marie Hanquez, Social Economy Advisor

Indigenous and Forestry Collective Development Is on the Move in Opitciwan

The Coopérative de Travail Inter-Nations (CTIN) was born in Opitciwan in 2009. Specialized in the field of forest management and integrated natural resource management, it has established itself in its territory and is now multiplying development projects.

29 Jun 2020

Paddles (apowai) with traditional Atikamekw patterns produced by the Tapiskwan collective

Marie Hanquez, Social Economy Advisor

Coop Nitaskinan: A Cooperative Focused on the Socioeconomic and Cultural Development of Communities

The Coop Nitaskinan is an Indigenous cooperative registered under the Cooperatives Act. The mission of this social economy enterprise, which was founded in 2015, is to create quality jobs for its current and future members while contributing to the socioeconomic and cultural development of First Nations.

29 Jun 2020

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

A Multipurpose Centre Managed by a Cooperative

In 2014, the Corporation de développement économique Wabak Pimadizi (CDEWP), which is located in the Anishnabe community of Lac Simon, implemented a project on which its team had been working for several years: the construction of a multipurpose centre featuring a grocery store and a community hall. To administer this centre, the CDEWP opted for the creation of a cooperative, a model that aligns well with the sharing of Anishnabe culture.

29 Jun 2020

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Improving the Quality of Life of the Kitcisakik Population

In Kitcisakik, an Anicinabe community located about an hour away from Val-d'Or, a solidarity cooperative specializes in carrying out renovations and construction in order to meet important needs in this area.

17 Jun 2020

Présentation du Fonds d’aide et de relance régionale (FARR), un programme qui vient avec une enveloppe de 211 M$, un investissement qui double pratiquement l’enveloppe totale disponible pour les régions du Québec pour les 12 prochains mois.

Steve Laveau, Economic Development Advisor

COVID-19: Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)

Presentation of the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), a program that comes with an envelope of $211 million, an investment that practically doubles the total envelope available for the regions of Québec for the next 12 months.

26 May 2020

Aide d’urgence du Canada pour le loyer commercial

Frédérick Martel, CPA, Entrepreneurship Technical Advisor

COVID-19: Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA)

In order to support small businesses and commercial building owners who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in meeting their ongoing expenses, the Government of Canada has established the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA). Here's a brief overview of what you need to know about this program and how it can help you.

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