Blog

09 Mar 2022

Isabelle Gros-Louis, Communications and Public Relations Officer

BOURSES NIKANEWIN : Helping to Make Your Entrepreneurial Projects a Reality

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.

08 Feb 2022

Isabelle Gros-Louis, Communications and Public Relations Officer

Rowy’s Preservation Nation

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.

24 Jan 2022

Nikanewin Bursaries 2022: Supporting First Nations Private Entrepreneurship

Emmanuel Bertrand-Gauvin, Women Entrepreneurship Advisor

Nikanewin Bursaries 2022: Supporting First Nations Entrepreneurship

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.

16 Dec 2021

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Strategic Advisor

A Gala to Recognize the Work Accomplished by Players in the Indigenous Tourism Industry

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).

13 Dec 2021

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Strategic Advisor

A Successful Event

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.

22 Nov 2021

Isabelle Gros-Louis, Communications and Public Relations Officer

Indigenous Business Directory: Showcase the Know-How of First Nations Communities

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.

17 Nov 2021

Le Grand cercle économique des Peuples autochtones et du Québec : Une invitation à créer des liens entre les communautés d’affaires des peuples autochtones et du Québec

Marie-Christine Tremblay, Strategic Advisor

The Program for the Grand Economic Circle Is Now Unveiled

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.

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

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.

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.

16 Jun 2021

Emmanuel Bertrand-Gauvin, Women Entrepreneurship Advisor

The FNQLEDC Unveils the Winners of the Nikanewin Bursaries 2021

The First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC) is proud to unveil the names of the ten Nikanewin Bursaries 2021 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.

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.

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.

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.

14 Dec 2020

Emmanuel Bertrand-Gauvin, Women Entrepreneurship Advisor

Nikanewin Bursaries 2021: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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'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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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