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Category: Local Economic Development

Mistissini: Where we Find Dedicated and Proactive Entrepreneurial People

Why go into business?

Mr. David Coonshish is the owner of Construction Renovation Eenou Enterprise. He has dreamed of building houses since he was a child. Making things with his own two hands is what he has always really wanted to do. It was his father who passed on this love of construction to him. In 2003, he decided to follow his dreams and start his own company. What he found most difficult was all the administrative aspects and finding the necessary funding to start his project. Today, among other things, David builds homes and garages while also doing all the possible renovations that a house or building may require.

Mr. Albert Matoush is the owner of Mats Electric inc. He shared that he wanted to become an electrician when he was 17. In 2002, he obtained his degree and was able to begin his career as an electrician. Shortly thereafter, he founded several companies by teaming up with other entrepreneurs. In 2017, he decided to start his own business after having accumulated the experience and knowledge necessary to stand on his own two feet.

Mr. James Paul Shecapio is a former heavy machinery contractor who in the past had a business where he had his own machinery. Today, he works for Chantier Chibougamau as a heavy machinery operator, but an entrepreneurial fire still burns within him. Mr. Shecapio is currently contemplating a future entrepreneurial project that he cannot reveal for the time being.

From an early age, Mr. Jonathan Petawabano always wanted to own his own company. Today, he is a general contractor and owner of two companies: Nick Construction and CNS Cree Nation Supply. At 18 years old, he was already working with his father in the field and had become passionate about this profession. Helping people and being able to build what he wants are part of what make him happy to practice his profession.

Mr. Simon Mianscum and Ms. Kathy Petawabano are a couple who own the Cree Nord Excavation company. In 2012, they took the necessary steps and registered the company together. As specialists in excavation, they undertake many projects in the community. Simon works on the construction sites while Kathy keeps the books and handles the administrative aspects. Having the opportunity to be their own bosses allowed them to enjoy a stable family life.

It looks to me as though the recipe for making their business projects work surely includes a heapingMistissini entrepreneurs spoonful of courage and a generous serving of passion. In addition to these wonderful ingredients, time and energy must also be added to the recipe so that the business project can come to fruition. Being focused, seeking help, obtaining training for self-improvement, breaking down the doors of fear, forging linkages with other entrepreneurs and even finding a mentor are all additional ingredients that can lead to helpful tools and answers.

In closing, I wish to applaud loud and clear these people who are truly inspirational for all members of Indigenous communities. Taking action and working hard to start-up a business also means demonstrating leadership and creating successful role models in our communities.

To peruse other business portraits, please visit our blog.

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29

Feb

2024

In 2023, the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC) awarded eleven (11) Nikanewin Bursaries of $2,500 in addition to one $5,000 Bursary. These grants were awarded specifically to First Nations people aged 18 and over living in Quebec (inside or outside the communities) who have a business project in mind and want to take action. Today, we present to you one of the recipients of the 2023 edition, Ms. Lily Duchesneau, and her Hutte de médecine étoilée (starry medicine hut) project.

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