Since the signing of the James Bay Agreement in 1975 and the Paix des Braves in 2002, the First Nations have undertaken to organize themselves on Quebec territory. A movement that continues to grow and is embodied today in the desire of First Nations business leaders to assert themselves more economically.
With the proliferation of development projects in partnership with Aboriginal communities, such as the Apuiat wind farm on the North Shore or the royalty payment agreements within the framework of several mining development projects in northern Quebec, First Nations leaders Nations have more means to ensure the development and sustainability of their communities.
It is in this spirit that the School of First Nations Leaders (EDPN) was born two years ago, an initiative created by representatives of the various Aboriginal communities in partnership with the School of Leaders of HEC Montreal.
Under the impetus of Manon Jeannotte, who was chief of the Mi’kmaq Nation of Gespeg, and Ken Rock, general manager of the Economic Development Corporation of Uashat Mak Mani-utenam, the EDPN undertook training last year different cohorts of chiefs, elected officials, administrators and program managers from the 10 major First Nations communities.
This winter, the EDPN welcomed its first group made up exclusively of entrepreneurs. A total of 16 business leaders took part in the four major training periods that took place in three-day modules in Montreal, Uashat, Wendake and again in Montreal. Some thirty professors associated with HEC Montréal are part of the group responsible for the various teaching modules.
And it was on Friday, March 31 that the 16 First Nations entrepreneurs obtained their certification during a simple and warm ceremony that took place in the premises of the HEC Montréal School of Leaders.
It was a great success. Participants arrived well prepared. They had brainstormed and articulated a strategic vision for their business when they made their presentation.
Ken Rock, General Manager of the Economic Development Corporation of Uashat Mak Mani-utenam
“It was an opportunity for them to meet professionals and talk to each other; this is where you learn a lot like at the EMBA [programme de gestion pour cadres en exercice]. I think they come out better equipped,” Ken Rock told me, a few minutes before the certification ceremony.
Learning and exchanges
The exchange between the participants seems indeed to have been one of the key elements of this training of a hundred hours, according to the testimonies collected from several business leaders.
This is particularly the opinion of David Cloutier, who took over the company from his father, David Cloutier et Fils, specializing in coatings and floor coverings and which has existed for more than 40 years in Wendake.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
Business leaders Ken Rock (left), David Cloutier, Yves Tremblay and Joël Malec
“I worked for several years in Sept-Îles in the start-up and development of Aboriginal businesses, mainly Huron and Innu. I took over my father’s business five years ago and really enjoyed my training at the School. It allowed me to develop a network of contacts and above all to share my reality with that of my colleagues,” observes David Cloutier.
Joël Malec, owner of Foresterie Mikuan, in Mingan, participated in the EDPN training because he wanted to have more tools to progress and to better develop his relationships with the big companies with which he does business.
“I also wanted to share information with other entrepreneurs who have issues that are similar or different from mine,” says the Innu entrepreneur, who is starting a new business using drones to inspect power lines. transmission from Hydro-Québec or to collaborate with the Society for the Protection of Forests against Fire.
It’s easier to get young people on board who are used to tablets. There is good potential for training.
Joël Malec, owner of Foresterie Mikuan
Finally, Yves Tremblay, whom readers of The Press probably know since he founded 25 years ago Eyes from the sky, an aerial photo agency whose shots taken from the sky are often used by The Press to illustrate reports from across Quebec, has made his training an identity process.
“I immersed myself in Innu culture again four years ago, when my father died, who was born in Pessamit, but who was raised in a Quebec family. My mentor, François Colbert, comes from HEC and it was a great way for me to learn more about leadership, management and community spirit,” says the aerial photographer.
The training for First Nations leaders was done on the theme “Strengthening and sharpening one’s entrepreneurial skills”, and it was this impression of agile strength that the entrepreneurs I met at HEC gave me.