Blog

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

Published by 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

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.

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.

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.

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-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.

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

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 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.

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.

20 May 2020

Présentation de l’Initiative d’innovation autochtone, un programme qui s'adresse aux entreprises et organisations autochtones innovantes.

Lorraine Rhéaume, Secretary

A Program for Indigenous Innovators

You are a private or social business, organization or Indigenous group and you have designed a product or products to meet the needs of your community? You may be eligible for the Indigenous Innovation Initiative, a program that has just been launched.

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.

14 May 2020

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Preparing a Business Contingency Plan

This article presents some ways in which businesses and organizations can prepare an emergency plan, which will enable them to prepare their responses to crises and disasters.

30 Apr 2020

Cette semaine, de nouveaux détails ont été dévoilés à propos du Fonds d'aide aux entreprises autochtones, dont voici un résumé.

Steve Laveau, Economic Development Advisor

COVID-19: Indigenous Business Assistance Fund

This week, new details were unveiled about the Indigenous Business Assistance Fund, which are summarized below.

28 Apr 2020

Presentation of advice on how to apply social distancing in a business.

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

COVID-19: Applying Social Distancing in your Business

Presentation of some advices on how to apply social distancing in a business in the context of COVID-19 pandemic.

28 Apr 2020

Frédérick Martel, CPA, Entrepreneurship Technical Advisor

COVID-19: Incentive Program to Retain Essential Workers (IPREW)

Presentation of IPREW, a program for essential workers in the context of the COVID-19 crisis.

24 Apr 2020

Voici quelques étapes à compléter afin d’accélérer le processus de demande dans le cadre du programme Subvention salariale d’urgence du Canada.

Frédérick Martel, CPA, Entrepreneurship Technical Advisor

Preparing Your Application – Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy

As of April 27, 2020, it will be possible to apply under the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program. In the meantime, a few steps can be completed to speed up the application process.

20 Apr 2020

Cet article vise à faire à une précision sur l’accessibilité du programme Aide d’urgence aux petites et moyennes entreprises.

Frédérick Martel, CPA, Entrepreneurship Technical Advisor

Emergency Assistance for SMEs : Can Indigenous businesses access it?

The purpose of this article is to provide clarification on the accessibility of the Emergency assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises program.

14 Apr 2020

Frédérick Martel, CPA, Entrepreneurship Technical Advisor

COVID-19: Federal Financial Assistance Measures for Individuals

This article summarizes three financial assistance measures announced by the Government of Canada for individuals, indicating some specificities for First Nations members.

06 Apr 2020

Véronique Édé, Communications Officer

COVID-19: Launch of an App to Help First Nations

To deal with COVID-19, the FNQLEDC created an app that allows First Nations to easily and quickly identify the assistance programs to which they have access.

15 Apr 2020

Résumé des mesures d'allègement annoncées par les institutions financières ayant des succursales au Québec.

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

COVID-19: Measures Announced by Financial Institutions

Summary of relief measures announced by financial institutions with branches in Quebec.

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.

03 Apr 2020

Cet article résume ce que les entreprises doivent savoir concernant le

Frédérick Martel, CPA, Entrepreneurship Technical Advisor

COVID-19: Canada Emergency Business Account

This article summarizes what there is to know about the Canada Emergency Business Account, a government measure to address the impacts of COVID-19 on businesses.

27 Mar 2020

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

A New Market Niche for Groupe Aishkatsh: Division forêt

On March 3rd, Groupe Aishkatsh of Mashteuiatsh announced the start-up of a new forestry division which will help create many jobs.

25 Mar 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19) : Conseils et informations

Véronique Édé, Communications Officer

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance and Information

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC) has been keeping watch and disseminating information on this pandemic.

16 Mar 2020

Annick Tremblay, Social Economy Officer

Call for Project Proposals Under the INNOGEC Fund

On February 24, 2020, Filaction announced the relaunch of the Innovation Fund for Governance and Management of Collective Enterprises (Fonds INNOGEC). Projects submitted within the framework of this fund will allow collective enterprises to receive professional management consulting and governance services.

03 Mar 2020

Les ADEC anglophones lors d'un atelier de travail.

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Our CEDOs Participate in a Project Management Training

In Quebec City, from February 25th to February 27th, 2020, our team of advisors facilitated a training session on the specific topic of Project Management and Networking. Despite last minute cancellations due to bad weather conditions, some fifteen Community Economic Development Officers (CEDOs) were still able to attend this training.

27 Feb 2020

Frédérick Martel, CPA, Entrepreneurship Technial Advisor

Excellent Exposure for First Nations Entrepreneurship

On February 12 and 13 2020, the 3rd edition of Expo Entrepreneurs took place at Place Bonaventure in Montreal. This event, which gathered thousands of entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship support organizations and experts, aimed at stimulating entrepreneurship in Quebec.

18 Feb 2020

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Workshops on the Social Economy in Kanesatake

On January 23, 2020, our Social Economy Officer, Annick Tremblay and our Youth Entrepreneurship Advisor, Myriam Vallières, traveled to Kanesatake to present a workshop and a conference on the social economy.

18 Feb 2020

Frédérick Martel, CPA, Entrepreneurship Technical Advisor

Presentation of the Investment Readiness Program

We are presenting a funding program designed to better equip organizations, and prepare them to approach funding providers to get financing for the start-up of a project that will increase the impact of their social mission: the Investment Readiness Program (IRP).

18 Feb 2020

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

An event to develop and strengthen your CEDOs network

On May 19 to the 21, 2020, the FNQLEDC invites all the CEDOs to participate in a retreat which will be held at Station touristique Duchesnay, in Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier.

18 Feb 2020

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Launching of an International Report on Economic Development

From January 21 to 23, 2020, representatives of several First Nation organizations and communities across Canada gathered in Wendake to participate in a discussion in connection with the launching of the report entitled Linking Indigenous Communities to Regional Development Project. This report, produced by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), is the result of close to three years of consultations.

18 Feb 2020

Gail Nelson, propriétaire de Bayside Convenience

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Bayside Convenience: One Building – Several Vocations

In Kanesatake, Mohawk entrepreneur, Gail Nelson is the proud owner of Bayside Convenience, a business that started out as a carpentry workshop and is now a convenience store.

18 Feb 2020

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Company Profile: First Nations Paramedics

In operation for 35 years now in the Mohawk community of Kanesatake, First Nations Paramedics is the only Indigenous private business offering ambulance service in Quebec. Here is the inspiring story of this company that would like to share its expertise with other Indigenous communities in Quebec.

18 Feb 2020

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Many Projects on the Drawing Board

Kanesatake, a community located in the beautiful Laurentians region, is surrounded by farmlands, orchards and beautiful sceneries. Therefore, the Economic development team would like to develop projects that will allow the community to build on these advantages.

18 Feb 2020

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

A Community With a Strong Entrepreneurial Mindset

In the Mohawk community of Kanesatake, there are currently 18 private businesses. Following is an overview of the initiatives put in place by the economic development team to promote entrepreneurship and provide support for local entrepreneurs.

13 Feb 2020

The Anicinabe Gasini gas station is in operation since January 21 2020 in the Anishnabe community of Lac Simon.

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

The Lac Simon Gas Station is Now in Operation

The Anicinabe Gasini gas station of Lac Simon is in operation since January 21 2020. However, its official opening will only take place on February 13 2020. This project was made possible thanks to the hard work of the elected officials of the Anishnabe community and the Director of the Corporation de développement économique Wabak Pimadizi, Mr. William Cheezo.

10 Dec 2019

Steve Laveau, Economic Development Advisor

Speed-Meeting or Speed Networking, an Interesting Formula for Establishing a Network of Contacts

For the past few years, a new kind of activity, speed business networking or speed-meeting, has become increasingly popular in the business world. This formula facilitates the development of businesses, by way of meetings limited to 15 minutes. In fact, the FNQLEDC tried out this formula at an event held this past November 19th, in Quebec City.

22 Nov 2019

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Welteg: a Buyers Club Turned into a Web Shop and Retail Store

Anna Isaac is a Mi’gmaq entrepreneur in Listuguj, who with her spouse Frank Brisk, owns Welteg, an e-shop and brick and mortar store. In business for some years now, Anna has a very inspiring entrepreneurial path which shows the positive impact that mentorship can have in the life of a person.

14 Nov 2019

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

From Selling T-Shirts to the Construction Industry: A Portrait of an Inspiring Entrepreneur

If there’s one thing you can say about Victoria LaBillois, a Mi'gmaq from the community of Listuguj, is that she has an entrepreneurial spirit! This entrepreneur loves challenges and creating new businesses in response to any opportunities that may arise. A portrait of this inspiring entrepreneur follows.

05 Nov 2019

Listuguj and Mashteuiatsh, youth entrepreneurial camps

Véronique Édé, Communications Officer

The succession process has taken place in Listuguj and Mashteuiatsh

The months of July and August were very rich in teachings for the youths of Listuguj and Mashteuiatsh. Actually, three entrepreneurial camps were organized this past summer to help ignite a passion for entrepreneurship amongst the young generations of these two communities.

05 Nov 2019

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Several Economic Development Projects on the Table

The Mi'gmaq community of Listuguj is located on the banks of the Restigouche River, in the beautiful Gaspésie region. Things are going quite well in terms of entrepreneurship, since there are about fifty private companies that are active in various sectors. In addition to entrepreneurship, the economic development team is busy working on several projects. Here are a few of them.

05 Nov 2019

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

2019-2020 Board of Directors of the FNQLEDC

The FNQLEDC is pleased to present its 2019-2020 Board of Directors, composed of one representative per nation.

05 Nov 2019

Symposium de développement économique de Listuguj

Myriam Vallières, Youth Entrepreneurship Advisor

Listuguj Underscores the Importance of Economic Development by and for the Community

On September 10th and 11th 2019, Listuguj held the first edition of its Economic Development Symposium. The event was organized by the Economic Development Department, with the objective of stimulating and fostering private entrepreneurship in the community.

05 Nov 2019

Listuguj est l’un des actionnaires de l’entreprise Zenabis Global inc.

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Investing in an Industry with Strong Economic Potential

Since 2016, the Listuguj Mi'gmaq Government has been a shareholder of Zenabis Global Inc., which has cannabis production facilities that are located near the community. Before making the decision to invest in this industry, several steps were taken which are covered in this article.

05 Nov 2019

Frédérick Martel, CPA, Entrepreneurship Technical Advisor

Developing in a Structured Manner

Economic development in Gesgapegiag, a Mi’gmaq community located along the Baie-des-Chaleurs, has been growing steadily in recent years. This progress is due for the most part to good practices put in place in the community in terms of strategic planning.

05 Nov 2019

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

A Great Place to Stop

The Relais de la Cache is a company owned by the Micmacs of Gesgapegiag. Located in the middle of the Gaspésie region, about 70 km from Gesgapegiag and in proximity to the Gaspésie National Park, the site is equipped with a gas station, a motel, a convenience store and a restaurant. The following article tells the young company’s story from its acquisition to the challenges that its owners and managers have had to overcome.

05 Nov 2019

Chalets de l’Anse-Ste-Hélène, réplique de la Grande Hermine

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Chalets with a View on the Baie-des-Chaleurs

The Micmacs of Gesgapegiag purchased the Chalets de l'Anse Ste-Hélène in September 2017. Located on the outskirts of the Baie-des-Chaleurs (Chaleur Bay), the property includes six chalets, all of which were built in the early 2000s, and is located in Maria, just outside the boundaries of the Mi'gmaq community. This acquisition allowed the community to create five to six jobs for its members.

05 Nov 2019

Du 27 au 30 octobre a eu lieu la 26e conférence annuelle de CANDO (Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers) à l’hôtel Hilton Lac-Leamy de Gatineau. Un événement qui a rassemblé plus de 350 participants, principalement des conseillers en développement économique provenant de toutes les provinces et territoires du Canada.

Steve Laveau, Economic Development Advisor

FNQLEDC was Well Represented at a National Event

The 26th CANDO Annual Conference (Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers) was held in Gatineau, from October 26 to 30, at Hôtel Hilton Lac-Leamy. The important event brought together more than 350 participants, mainly advisors from the economic development sector that came from every province and territory in Canada.

29 Oct 2019

Véronique Édé, Communications Officer

StartUP Nations 2019 in pictures: A social economy event for First Nations youth

The FNQLEDC and the First Nations Social Economy Regional Table (FNSERT) are proud to present the video of the second edition of the StartUP Nations, an event targeting First Nations youth and focusing on youth collective entrepreneurship.

26 Sep 2019

Véronique Édé, Communications Officer

Two Young Entrepreneurs in the Construction Industry

S.M.D Construction Inc. is a young start-up company based in Wendake. Officially launched in April 2019, it specializes in construction works and holds a general contractor permit from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ).

23 Jul 2019

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

As a New CEDO, Having the Right Tools is Key

Stéphane Lecours-Aubin stepped into position as a Community Economic Development Officer (CEDO) in the fall of 2018. Formally trained as a Human Resources Advisor, the economic development sector was totally new to him. That being said, he had to seek out the right tools for the job in order to support Wôlinak and Odanak entrepreneurs. Based upon his experience and with his collaboration, you will find below, a few tricks that may be useful to other newly appointed CEDOs.

23 Jul 2019

Martine Bergeron-Milette possède une entreprise dans le secteur du transport et du terrassement. Voici le portrait de cette entrepreneure.

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Company Profile: Transport Déménagement DEC

In Wôlinak, Martine Bergeron-Milette owns an active business in a traditionally male dominated sector: transportation and landscaping. Below, we’ve painted a brief portrait of this entrepreneur’s journey along with her company, Transport Déménagement DEC.

28 Jun 2019

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

A Wide Range of Services

In the past few years, the Grand Conseil de la Nation Waban-Aki (GCNWA) has developed a wide range of services which include a variety of technical services, territorial consultation services, social services, etc.

28 Jun 2019

L'entreprise Fromagerie Odanak, située à Odanak.

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Ensuring the Visibility of the Abenaki Nation and its Enterprises

Wôlinak and Odanak are small communities, but still, together, they have over thirty enterprises, in addition to an industrial park. To make their business known and to foster the development of their business, a number of very specific actions have been implemented.

28 Jun 2019

Véronique Édé, Communications Officer

Indigenous Youth: a Driving Force for Economic Growth and Cultural Transmission

More and more First Nations Youth are showing their determination to contribute to the economic and cultural prosperity of their communities through the perpetuation of traditions. Frédérique Gros-Louis meets exactly this definition. She is a young entrepreneur of the Huron-Wendat Nation and she creates regalia and customised beadwork.

28 Jun 2019

Les participants de Ma chance de devenir entrepreneur

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

A Contest to Stimulate Private Entrepreneurship in Wemotaci

From June 10th to the 13th, 2019, Nikanik Economic Development Corporation, in collaboration with the FNQLEDC, organized a contest entitled “My chance to become an entrepreneur” aimed at stimulating the creation of businesses in Wemotaci.

28 Jun 2019

L’équipe de Listuguj présentant son projet devant les Dragons.

Véronique Édé, Communications Officer

Diversified and Promising Collective Entrepreneurial Projects

Eight teams participated in the StartUP Nations. This represents as many great collective projects run by young entrepreneurs from several communities. Following is an overview of the different projects.

28 Jun 2019

Véronique Édé, Communications Officer

When First Nations Youth Are Especially Coveted by Collective Entrepreneurship

The second edition of StartUP Nations took place on May 23rd to the 25th at Concordia University, in Montreal. Forty or so young people, aged 15 to 35, representing seven First Nations and eight communities, gathered to acquire tools that will enable them to develop their projects of collective entrepreneurship.

28 Jun 2019

Véronique Édé, Communications Officer

Social Economy: An Opportunity for First Nations Young People

Social economy groups together all the economic activities with a view to meeting the responsibility of a social mission and contributing to the general interest. It is not focused on financial profitability, but on the benefits it brings to the collectivity. Social economy enterprises offer products and services in innovative sectors, and as diverse as those offered in traditional enterprises.

28 Jun 2019

Quelques-uns des jeunes participant au projet Niona.

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Discovering Abenaki Culture Through Information Technologies

The Niona Project is related to exploring, living and transmitting Abenaki culture and First Nations in general by way of information technologies. It’s also a social project aimed at developing diverse skills among Abenaki youth between the ages of 12 and 17.

01 Apr 2019

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Osekwan Minic: Traditional Processing of Blueberries, an Economic Project

In Wemotaci, Association Nikawi is the instigator of the Osekwan Minic project, whose aim is to increase economic independence for women, while enhancing their valuable know-how in the processing of wild blueberries.

01 Apr 2019

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Depanneur Wemok of Wemotaci

In July 2016, Réjeanne Petiquay and Jean-Guy Boivin opened Dépanneur Wemok Convenience Store in a former construction trailer, with 700 $ worth of products in inventory. Almost three years later, the business doubled its floor area and it now employs six persons, an incredible accomplishment, without any external financial support.

01 Apr 2019

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

A variety of activities next to La Tuque

Club Odanak is an area of 45 km2 located within the traditional domain of the Atikamekw Nation, at approximately 20 minutes from La Tuque.

28 Mar 2019

Véronique Édé, Communications Officer

Awastoki – 3D Technology Is Introduced to Aboriginal Communities

Awastoki est une jeune entreprise autochtone, basée à Wendake, spécialisée dans la création numérique 3D, notamment pour la visualisation architecturale ou médicale, les médias interactifs (jeux vidéo, réalité virtuelle et augmentée), ainsi que l’impression 3D matérielle.

28 Mar 2019

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Stimulating Entrepreneurship in First Nations Communities

More and more First Nations communities hold ‘entrepreneurial days’ to promote entrepreneurship as a career option and encourage new business start-ups.

28 Mar 2019

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

An Agriculture Project Is Currently in Development in Opitciwan

As early as this summer, the population of Opitciwan will be able to grow its own vegetables or buy some at the grocery store, thanks to an exciting and promising project which is arousing a great deal of enthusiasm and hope in the Atikamekw community.

28 Mar 2019

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Developing Self-Esteem in Youth Through School Entrepreneurship

For some years now, special needs students of Wemotaci’s Nikanik Secondary School have had the opportunity to participate in a program called « Les deux lois de la réussite », (The two rules of success) which draws on the example of PCR (perseverance + competence = réussite (success) developed in the Algonquin community of Lac Simon. Following is an overview of this inspiring project.

28 Mar 2019

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

A Brief Overview of Some of the Projects

Following is a brief overview of some of the projects due to be completed in a near future in Wemotaci.

28 Mar 2019

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

The Manouane Sipi Project Will Finally Get Underway

On February 15 2019, an agreement for the purchase of electricity was signed with Hydro-Québec, thereby confirming the start of construction of the micro-hydro power plant, which will generate major economic spin-offs for the community of Wemotaci.

28 Mar 2019

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Structuring Is Essential to Enhancing Growth

Several economic development projects are on the way in the Atikamekw community of Wemotaci. This has been made possible, thanks to the renewed emphasis placed on this activity sector over the past few years, and to a major restructuring.

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