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.
The projects that young people wish to implement vary widely. They cover the sectors of tourism, accommodation, Native culture, food and restaurant industry, services for people and community-based development.
Uashat-Maliotenam Team, “Utapi Project”
Creation of a cultural site offering a “typical” immersion in the Innu culture. The project’s main objectives would be to share traditional knowledge and bring together both Aboriginals and Non-Aboriginals. The project proposes a camping ground, workshops, an arts and crafts store and seasonal activities. It would target both community members and tourists.
Ekuanitshit Team (Mingan), “Innu héberge Café” Project
Creation of an inn offering a diverse range of services, including: “typical” lodging, restaurant, food tasting, traditional activities, canoe and Zodiac expeditions. This place would be a venue to regroup the individual entrepreneurship projects of the group of women who bear this collective project. The main objective would be to propose an “unforgettable” stay in a site that offers comfort and peace and tranquility. Its target clientele would be the members of the community and those of the surrounding areas, and visitors as well.
Manawan Team, “Nikiska” Project
Development of a public community beach on the shores of Metabeckeka Lake. The project’s objective would be to create a safe swimming space to lessen the risks of drowning. This project came into being as a result of the large number of drownings reported in the community. It would target the members of the community and visitors as well.
Mistissini Team, “Moose Hide Preparation” Project
Expansion of the moose hide processing plant. This project aims to bring together Elders and youth to perpetuate the tradition of moose hide preparation. This project would also help combatting waste. In addition, it would make it possible to craft objects, footwear, garments and moose hide by-products. The project would target community members.
Quebec Team, “Centre Mamu” Project
Establishment of a multi-service infrastructure in Nutashkuan. The project would be broken down into four specific activities: Seniors’ residence, healthy lifestyle choices, transfer of culture knowledge, traditional cuisine. The aim of the project would be to meet the needs identified by the community. The project would target the community members, and the general public.
Mashteuiatsh Team, Traditional Food Restaurant Project
Creation of a restaurant offering traditional Ilnu and Atikamekw meals. This project would foster the sharing of the traditional gastronomic culture. The project would target a clientele from the community and the Roberval region.
Pessamit Team, “La Coop Uashkaikan” Project
Implementation of a school restaurant in the secondary school of the community. The project aim is to avoid junk food consumption in the community and promote healthy eating habits. The target clientele comprises the students and the school staff.
Listuguj Team, “Ta’n Wetapegsulti’gw” Project
Creation of a cultural centre offering various services, which include: the sale of Aboriginal artists’ products, cultural transmission workshops, activities on the territory, traditional cuisine. The goal of this project is to provide an opportunity to share Indigenous culture and art. The project targets the residents of the Listuguj community and the surrounding areas (Gaspé, New Brunswick), as well as tourists.
To learn more about the StartUP Nations, we invite you to read the article When First Nations Youth are Especially Coveted by Collective Entrepreneurship.
Further information on the social economy, we invite you to visit our social economy section and to consult our tools on this subject.
