Blog

The Société de développement économique Ilnu (SDEI) of Mashteuiatsh will be presenting on June 3rd the Grande journée des petits entrepreneurs (great day of little entrepreneurs), an activity that aims to develop the entrepreneurial spirit of young people in the community aged between 5 and 17 years old.

Not everyone can be an entrepreneur. Few people at school say "I want to be an entrepreneur when I grow up". It's true, today entrepreneurship is in a "glamour" wave. Not as much as firefighter or astronaut if you ask me, but who knows? Maybe there will be more young people in the next generation who will see entrepreneurship as their dream career choice.

Since 1972, Bastien Industries has been manufacturing and distributing moccasins and other Indigenous arts and crafts. The company, which is in the community of Wendake near Quebec City, is recognized for the excellence of its products that are worthy of their Huron-Wendat heritage.

In the Innu community of Essipit, the economic development model is community-based, meaning that the Conseil de la Première Nation des Innus Essipit owns most businesses in the community, which are managed today by Les entreprises Essipit.

In April, to mark the launch of the First Nations Business Transfer Service (FNBTS), we decided to present a few articles on the theme of business transfers and purchases. In this article, we present the different steps of a business transfer as well as the support that the FNQLEDC can provide.

On April 13, 2023, the FNQLEDC announced the recipients of the 2023 edition of the Nikanewin Bursaries.

In April, to mark the launch of the First Nations Business Transfer Service (FNBTS), we decided to present a few articles on the theme of business transfers and acquisitions. In this first article, we are presenting the structure of this new service that is offered free-of-charge by the FNQLEDC.

On this International Women’s Day, we would like to introduce you to the Oushata’ Artisan Smokehouse in Wendake, which is co-owned by Wendat entrepreneur Marie-Claude Sioui. Oushata’ specializes in the production of smoked salmon, whose smoking technique comes from ancestral customs and practices.

During my visit to the community of Mistissini last November, I had the great pleasure of meeting two of the five Brien sisters who own the ADEL’S family restaurant.

The Niaka Agence creative autochtone (Niaka Indigenous graphic design agency) was one of the recipients of the second edition of the Nikanewin Bursaries. This Indigenous company is to date the only one to be registered in graphic design. It was created by Megan Hébert-Lefebvre and Valérie Laforce, two Abenakis from the community of Wôlinak.

The Bear is an official brand that promotes the movement focused on the affirmation of Indigenous identity. Since December 2021, it has supported artists, artisans, entrepreneurs, and communities by certifying that their products and services come from First Nations.

The First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC) awarded eleven Nikanewin Bursaries with a value of $2,500 each last winter. Today, we introduce you to one of the recipients, Ms. Valéry Larouche, Mikuniss Collection owner and designer.

The First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC) is proud to continue stimulating entrepreneurship among First Nations members. To this end, the FNQLEDC is launching a third edition of the Nikanewin bursaries, which will be awarded to people with a business project to encourage them and help them move beyond the ideas to actions.

During my visit to Mistissini last November, I met a dozen entrepreneurs who shared their experiences, their contributions to the community, how they started their entrepreneurial journeys and where the idea of being their own boss came from. The following is a summary of my encounters.

Myriam Vallière, Youth Entrepreneurship Advisor, accompanied by Aroussen Gros-Louis, Communications and Public Relations Officer from the FNQLEDC, visited the community of Mistissini on November 22nd and 23rd. The mission of this trip was to provide business plan training to students from the Sabtuan Adult Education Services and to meet with Cree entrepreneurs.

From November 14 to 16, 2022, it was the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region’s turn to hold a Regional Economic Circle.

On November 8th and 9th, approximately 100 people gathered in Montreal to take part in the second edition of the Social Economy Gathering of Indigenous Peoples (SEGIP).

The Annual General Assembly of the FNQLEDC was held face-to-face on September 20th at the Manoir du Lac Delage on the outskirts of Quebec City. FNQLEDC employees had the opportunity to inform participants about the activities that were carried out over the course of the year and present the 2021-2022 annual report. Also, senior management presented the new organizational structure of the FNQLEDC as well as the new strategic directions for 2022-2023.

Maryline Launière, an Innu from Mashteuiatsh, has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Inspired by her parents who were themselves once entrepreneurs, she started her own company called API biscuits. “Api” means “sit down” in her Innu native language. She wanted her origins to be transposed into her business. The following is a portrait of this entrepreneur.

This is how the new business in the community of Wendake draws our attention to its new multifunctional training centre.

Interview with Stéfanie O’Bomsawin, Organization and Pedagogical Development Coordinator and Registrar at Kiuna College The Kiuna Institution is located in the Indigenous community of Odanak. Although all its programs are designed by and for First Nations, they are also open to non-Indigenous people!

MusiqueNature is a non-profit organization (NPO) that develops, promotes and enhances events that combine nature and musical performances. The following is a portrait of this artistic company that also happens to be one of the recipients of the second edition of the Nikanewin Bursaries, which are awarded by the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC).

One of the first omnichannel technology firms in Canada. Specialized in the integration of marketing technologies, multi-platform digital campaigns, website creation and more!

Our Social Economy Officer, Ms. Annick Tremblay, traveled to Scotland last April for the Social Enterprise Ecosystem & Community Asset Ownership event. She joined a delegation as a representative of the First Nations Pole for the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC).

Demand the REAL fresh, low carb and high protein pasta with ZERO guilt!“After searching in vain for a satisfactory alternative to pasta, my wife and I decided to create it ourselves”, said Mr. Panadis. La Sublime pasta is delicious, tender, quick to cook and perfectly compatible with a healthy, low carbohydrate diet. Each serving offers over 28 grams of protein and only 3.2 grams of NET carbs!

The Innu community of Mashteuiatsh hosted a First Nations Regional Economic Circle on June 15 and 16, 2022. This was the very first event stemming from the Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous People and Quebec, which was held last November in Montreal.

Under the theme of social innovation for regional development, a two-day meeting was held on May 25 and 26 at the Monastère des Augustines in Quebec City. This meeting was also presented in virtual mode.

Shania Gass is a 25-year-old Wendat entrepreneur who is the mother of two children and married to a man from the community of Uashat mak Mani-Utenam. This wonderful Indigenous family has lived in the Sept-Îles region in the community of Uashat mak Mani-Utenam for just over four years.

Spring allows companies looking to advance their entrepreneurial ideas to bloom! Here is an entrepreneur of Atikamekw descent who has developed an innovative business in the sports and outdoor activities sector.

Megane Veillette, a 20-year-old Abenaki young woman with her secondary 4 in her pocket, started baking pastries in her home in Wôlinak in the fall of 2021. She is the only one operating in this niche market in her community. Demand is high and her business is becoming increasingly popular.

Niaka Agence créative autochtone (Niaka Indigenous graphic design agency) opened its doors on February 2, 2022. This company was born from the shared passion for graphic design of two young women entrepreneurs who decided to go for it and believe in their entrepreneurial project!

The First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC) is proud to support the Nikanewin Bursaries initiative. This bursary is offered specifically to members of the First Nations in Quebec who have a business project in mind and are looking to take action.

Here is an entrepreneurial story that leads us to believe that when we have creativity and ambition, the path of destiny is paved with possibilities and opportunities that can help us bring our projects to life.

An enterprising Mohawk couple from Kahnawake have the wind in their sails because they dared to go into business by sharing their passion for cooking.

This article presents the RJCCQ's Entreprendre Ensemble project, which aims to offer personalized support to young self-employed workers and Indigenous entrepreneurs.

In 2022, the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC) is proud to continue stimulating entrepreneurship among First Nations members. To this end, the FNQLEDC is launching a new edition of the Nikanewin bursaries, which will be awarded to people with a business project to encourage them and help them move beyond the ideas to actions.

Canadians living in regions affected by a lockdown or capacity restrictions can now access the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB). This assistance program was presented in October 2021 and entered into force on December 17, 2021.

Born in the city of Sept-Îles and originally from Nitassinan (Innu territory), Josée Leblanc is the Executive Director for Atikuss Canada. This entrepreneur created the Bottes de l’Espoir (Boots of Hope) and promotes her culture throughout the world by sharing the talents of Indigenous women through ancestral art.

The Indigenous Tourism Quebec Recognition Gala allowed, on the one hand, to award eight awards to players in the Indigenous tourism industry and, on the other, to mark the 30th anniversary of Indigenous Tourism Quebec (ITQ).

The Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples and Quebec, which took place on November 25 and 26, 2021 in Montreal, was a great success. Here is a summary of the highlights of the event.

Social Economy Month 2021 ended on a high note for the First Nations Social Economy Regional Table (FNSERT) with the Rendezvous of Culture with the Social Economy, which was held on November 30, 2021 in a hybrid format.

The First Nations of Québec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC) is proud to announce the launch of its Indigenous business directory, entirely revised, with a new and simplified interface.

The program for the Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous People and Quebec, which will be held at the Centre Sheraton Montreal on November 25 and 26, 2021, is now unveiled.

November is Social Economy Month across Quebec. This is a special time during the year to learn more about this business model and to highlight social economy initiatives in our regions.

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.

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 on November 25 and 26, 2021, in person at the Centre Sheraton Montreal as well as online.

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.

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.

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.

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!