Just a month ago, Michael Fortin opened the doors of C1NA, one of the few accounting firms that are majority-owned by First Nations people in Quebec. Behind this launch lies an extraordinary journey, a profound conviction, and a story of support that deserves to be told.
Originally from Chibougamau, Michael is a member of the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation, but he grew up outside the community. A jack-of-all-trades in the restaurant industry, he had a knack for business. That is, until the day he wanted to buy a restaurant and hit a wall: the numbers were beyond him. Rather than rely on someone else, he decided to become his own expert. He therefore set off for Sherbrooke to earn his CPA designation!
This career shift led him from the forestry industry to the FNHRDCQ, where he held the positions of Finance Director and Acting Executive Director. That’s where everything changed.
“I noticed an immense need for accounting services among Indigenous entrepreneurs. Representatives from the communities working with the FNHRDCQ kept saying it: we lack accountants, lawyers, and professionals to defend our interests.”
Discussions with organizations like the FNQLEDC have confirmed this finding: too many Indigenous entrepreneurs encounter professionals who don’t understand their realities, or worse, who constantly force them to justify their rights. Discouragement, barriers, loss of momentum—there are so many obstacles.
Michael could have remained a spectator. He chose to be a player by launching C1NA.
C1NA: A Name, a Mission, a Team
The choice of the name C1NA, also known as Comptabilité Premières Nations First Nations Accounting, is intended to be unambiguous:
“Many private firms are named after the person who started them, but that’s not the direction I wanted to take. It’s a bilingual name indicating that our services are for everyone, regardless of language. Its generic aspect is very intentional, because we are a team, not just Michael, and it clearly indicates that our services are particularly intended for First Nations people,” he explained.
The mission? To offer comprehensive accounting services encompassing bookkeeping, payroll, taxes, financial statements, tax advice, and much more to First Nations entrepreneurs and organizations, both in the communities and urban areas. But above all, to do so with a game-changing approach:
“In a non-Indigenous firm, there can be many barriers. Entrepreneurs are forced to make themselves understood, justify themselves, and sometimes even fight for their tax rights. At our firm, they don’t have to defend the fact that they do indeed have rights, and they don’t need to compromise to receive good quality services. We create a relationship of trust with gradual support that is adapted to the realities of First Nations people.”
Training the Succession and Keeping Wealth in the Community
One of Michael’s strongest ambitions is to train a new generation of Indigenous accounting professionals.
Already, an intern is part of the three-person team. With a long-term vision, the objective is clear: to integrate Indigenous talent and, above all, to allow them to work remotely so as not to drain the communities of their talents.
“If you take the person out of the community, you take the money out of the community. That’s not how you help economic development. The goal is for wealth to remain in the territories and for First Nations to finally have access, wherever they may be, to accountants who understand them inside and out. If we succeed, well, I hope that one day our firm will have a representative for each community in Quebec.”
A Movement Bigger Than Himself
What makes Michael most proud since the launch of C1NA? “Being part of the community, feeling supported and encouraged. C1NA is seen as a structuring element, and I truly feel that pride.”
What motivates him daily is seeing the First Nations economic development movement and the growing presence of his peers in the entrepreneurial world: “We’re really starting to see our economic development leaders shine. There’s an incredible leadership movement that makes me want to join the wave, do my part, and contribute to the solution.”
And his message to Indigenous entrepreneurs who are still hesitant?
“Don’t wait for perfection. Otherwise, you’ll always have excuses for never taking the plunge. Take the leap, surround yourself with the right people, and the rest will fall into place.”
A Supported Entrepreneur, a Structured Project
Michael Fortin didn’t embark on this venture alone. His project was supported by the FNQLEDC, which assists First Nations entrepreneurs in developing their business projects. This support, though discreet, helped structure the idea, clarify the vision, and lay the solid foundations for C1NA to become a reality.
That is because, beyond the numbers, Michael knows: “The biggest challenge is being clear about your mission and vision, staying focused, and having a concrete game plan. It’s also incredibly important to surround yourself with the right people; you can’t be good at everything, nor have all the answers.”
He also applies this advice to his clients: “Accounting is rarely an entrepreneur’s passion. But neglecting your numbers adds stress. What I say is: you focus on your sales, I’ll focus on the accounting, and together we’ll look at the big picture.”
Do you have a business project and don’t know where to start?
The FNQLEDC team offers personalized support at every stage, from the initial idea to implementation, including financial structuring and startup. Like for Michael Fortin, good support can make all the difference!
To learn more or to start your project, please feel free to contact our team!
