In the heart of Bordeaux, nestled between the historic streets and the rolling plains of the Gironde estuary, Valérye Tremblay, FNQLEDC Social Economy Advisor, Jinny Thibodeau Rankin, FNQLEDC Executive Director, and Emilie McKenzie, Development Advisor at Indigenous Tourism Quebec, immersed themselves in an ecosystem where solidarity, innovation and strong local roots are powerfully intertwined. 
 
For four days, the 2025 Global Forum for Social and Solidarity Economy (GSEF) served as their testing ground: a space where bold social economy initiatives were taking shape, while offering new perspectives that can inspire concrete actions in First Nations communities. 

From Sigalens to La Réole, between rurality and citizen mobilization, they observed inspiring models and structuring approaches, some of which resonate with our needs, realities, and aspirations. 
 
Here are the projects, meetings, and reflections that have particularly shaped their vision and that could open new avenues for the Indigenous social economy. 

DRAWING INSPIRATION FROM THE LAND: RURALITY AS A LABORATORY FOR INNOVATION  

For Valérye and Jinny, the GSEF regional tour acted as both a magnifying glass and a mirror. As a magnifying glass, to reveal concrete and ingenious practices implemented in rural France, and as a mirror, to reflect on what our own communities can build, strengthen… or dream of.

The South-Gironde tour, which took a total of 10 hours, highlighted a universal challenge: how can the challenges of rurality be overcome while consolidating sustainable collective projects?

The first visits took them to Sigalens, then to La Réole, where the social and solidarity economy (SSE) is taking root in a deliberate balance:

• Strong volunteer commitment ;

• Essential commercial activities ;

• Hybrid models where solidarity and economic viability coexist.

On site, they witnessed how local organizations mobilize to meet basic needs—food, education, community—while simultaneously generating recurring revenue to ensure the sustainability of these initiatives.

“Their volunteer involvement truly moved me: seeing people give so much of themselves to sustain essential initiatives, simply out of solidarity, was deeply inspiring.”  
– Valérye Tremblay 

These observations led to a clear conclusion: First Nations communities also have the potential to build social economy ecosystems that are rooted in their territories, traditions, and strengths. 

HEARTWARMING: SIGALE AND LE FOURNIL, OVEN-BAKED SOLIDARITY 

This project was a true inspiration. Sigale and Le Fournil propose a simple yet incredibly powerful model: a community bakery where professionals can rent space to bake bread and pastries, while providing local products that are accessible to residents.

It’s a perfectly balanced social economy model that:

• Meets a vital need (food) ;

• Supports local entrepreneurship ;

• Strengthens social cohesion ;

• Generates sustainable income.

For First Nations, such an approach could lead to promising avenues: training artisans, creating shared spaces, passing on culinary knowledge, all while making communities more food self-sufficient. This is a flexible, highly engaging model that can take root in many communities.

LA BULLE: WHEN COOKING BECOMES A TOOL FOR EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE TRANSMISSION  

In La Réole, an encounter with La Bulle, founded by Aline, opened new horizons. This association develops a range of activities that are centered on sustainable food: cooking workshops, training for professionals, event catering, project engineering… all within an intergenerational approach.

They focus on cooking, but also pedagogy, autonomy, and innovation. It’s a space where you learn by doing, where you share, where you nourish yourself with others, both literally and symbolically.

The idea of ​​a mobile canteen was particularly remarkable: a nomadic project capable of connecting communities, transmitting First Nations culinary knowledge, building bridges between generations, and strengthening food security. 

“I can’t help but imagine what such an initiative would mean for us: a space where the knowledge of our elders is passed down to young people, where food becomes a bridge between generations, and where every dish becomes a family treasure passed on.”  
– Jinny Thibodeau Rankin 

For the FNQLEDC, this meeting confirms a strong intuition: that food is a powerful lever for education, autonomy and social innovation and, even more importantly, a common language that unites, creates connections, and nourishes the identity of First Nations communities.

THE ID1N BEAR: A POWERFUL CULTURAL MEETING POINT  

Beyond the projects visited, another dimension of the mission proved essential: cultural visibility.  

Wherever they went, the traditional skirts and beaded straps worn by Valérye, Jinny and Emilie became gateways to profound conversations. The ID1N Bear, proudly displayed by the trio, fully played its role as a powerful symbol of identity. 

This simple gesture sparked:

• Exchanges about authenticity and culture ;

• Discussions about the importance of avoiding appropriation ;

• Awareness of the impacts of consumer choices, particularly by European tourists in Quebec.

The ID1N Bear therefore fully played its role: to inspire, raise awareness, and rally.

Highlights included:

• An interview with the Errol.coop media outlet ; 

• Visitors returning to ask for a pin and understand its meaning ;

• Spontaneous discussions around recognition for the work of artists and artisans.

These interactions reinforce the FNQLEDC’s ambition to form a strong First Nations and Inuit delegation for the 2027 GSEF, not only as participants, but above all as presenters, advocates and key players in the social economy in Quebec.

Turning inspiration into concrete action  

he GSEF is much more than a meeting place. It’s a space where the geopolitical realities, inequalities, hopes, and resilience of peoples around the world are expressed. 

Valérye, Jinny and Emilie returned with a broader vision, informed by diverse models that are rooted in the conviction that First Nations have everything they need to occupy a central—and distinctive—place in the social economy. 

The initiatives observed demonstrate that social innovation can be simple, accessible and profoundly transformative… when it is rooted in the land and driven by the community.

👉 Are you interested in developing a social economy initiative in your community? If so, our advisors are here to support you. Contact the FNQLEDC to bring your ideas to life.