The Interregional Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples was organized by the Secretariat to the Cree Nation Abitibi-Témiscamingue Economic Alliance (SCNATEA) team, on the sidelines of its annual event, Business Exchange Day. This Circle was aptly named, since it brought together representatives of four different nations (Anishnaabe, Cree, Atikamekw and Inuit) as well as many businesspeople from the region. At the very least, it needs to be said that, over the course of that week, the city of Val-d’Or swayed to the rhythm of the Indigenous Peoples!

Course of the event

On November 14^th, participants were invited to an opening banquet during which dishes inspired by Indigenous gastronomy were served. Musical performances by artists such as Cree Rising, Juurini, and Régis Niquay were also presented to the audience’s delight. The banquet therefore kicked-off the event in style for the following days.

Throughout the day of November 15^th, many discussion circles on various themes, such as Indigenous leadership, community economic power and the workforce, were presented. Interestingly, each discussion circle was made up of panelists from all the nations present at the event as well as non-Indigenous businesspeople and elected officials, which made it possible to encourage a wide variety of points of view. As in previous circles, participants were invited to make commitments to Indigenous Peoples, which led to some twenty concrete commitments being made during the event.

As for the day of November 16^th, it was marked by the holding of Business Exchange Day 2022, which, through numerous meetings in a speed meeting format, allowed registered participants to get to know each other, talk about their companies and create business connections.

Announcement of the next circle

At the end of the day, on November 15^th, the SCNATEA President, Dr. Ted Moses, proceeded to pass on the Circle by announcing the location of the next Regional Economic Circle, which will take place in Gatineau from March 22 to 24, 2023. The Circle was received by Chief Monik Kistabish of Abitibiwinni First Nation (on behalf of Chief Dylan Whiteduck of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg community) and by Ms. France Bélisle, Mayor of Gatineau. The 2023 Great Gathering, which will bring together the 3^rd Summit of First Nations and Municipalities on Reconciliation and the 3^rd Regional Economic Circle, will aim to lay the foundations for new socioeconomic partnerships. More details will be revealed in January 2023.

The FNQLEDC would like to congratulate the entire SCNATEA team for brilliantly rising to the challenge of organizing a regional economic circle!

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