Press release
For immediate release
Assessment of the 2024 Annual Gathering:
A renewed commitment to the pursuit of economic reconciliation
TIOHTIÀ:KE, MONTREAL, QC, June 4, 2024 – The First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission and the First Nations Executive Education are proud to highlight the success of the 2024 Annual Gathering of the Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples and Quebec. This networking event, which brought together more than 300 participants from the Indigenous and Quebec business communities on Monday at the Hélène Desmarais building of HEC Montréal, aimed to be an opportunity to continue and reaffirm the collective commitment to economic, civic and societal reconciliation with the Indigenous Peoples in Quebec.
One of the highlights of this edition was the inspiring discussion between Mr. Michael Sabia, President and CEO of Hydro-Québec, and Mr. Ghislain Picard, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador. Together, they explored the crucial issue of energy transition in Quebec while highlighting the challenges and opportunities related to economic reconciliation with the First Nations and the Inuit. Their conversation emphasized the importance of authentic and respectful collaborations along with strong partnerships for a sustainable and equitable future.
The favourable context of the 2024 Annual Gathering will have made it possible to achieve the objectives of the movement, which are namely to develop lasting business relationships and generate significant commitments with tangible socioeconomic benefits that are mutually beneficial for all participants, in addition to maintaining and strengthening the mobilization of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous economic and political players.
The day concluded with the handover ceremony for the next edition of the regional economic circle. In this regard, the organizing committee is pleased to announce that the next Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples and Quebec event will be hosted by the Atikamekw Nation from November 12 to 14, 2024 in Trois-Rivières.
The success of the 2024 Annual Gathering of the Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples and Quebec demonstrates the continued and growing commitment of the Quebec business community to economic, civic and societal reconciliation. The First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission and the First Nations Executive Education would like to sincerely thank all the participants, panellists, partners and stakeholders for their contribution to this collective success.
Quotes
“In 2021, in the midst of a pandemic, we undertook the ambitious challenge of bringing together elected officials and the business communities of Indigenous Peoples and Quebec as part of an event aimed at promoting the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in Quebec’s economy. Almost three years and five economic circles later, I am happy to see that there are still so many people who are willing to take on the challenge and especially to affirm that we have won our bet”, said Mr. Ghislain Picard, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador.
“First Nation Executive Education is honored to have hosted the 2024 Annual Gathering of the Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples and Quebec at HEC Montréal’s new premises in the heart of downtown. This event brilliantly fulfilled its role as a catalyst for business networking, while inspiring participants with enriching conferences and high-profile guests. Economic reconciliation, a key driver for FNEE, is also the central theme of our latest program “Economic Leaders – Grand Circle”, launched earlier this year in partnership with FNQLEDC. As the first cohort draws to a close, it seemed natural and important to us to associate ourselves with this day to strengthen our involvement in the Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples and Quebec (GECIPQ) movement”, states Mr. Ken Rock, General Director of the SDEUM; FNEE Co-initiator and Director of Entrepreneurial Initiatives.
About the Movement of the Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples and Quebec (GECIPQ)
Coordinated by the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission, the GECIPQ is a vast movement of economic reconciliation that has been underway since 2021 in which the business community, industries and the municipal sector are invited to mobilize and commit to allowing greater inclusion of Indigenous peoples in the Quebec economy.
About the First Nations Executive Education (FNEE)
Supported by the HEC Montréal Executive Education, the FNEE is a management school by and for First Nations that offers short-term qualifying university training in communities, online and in Montreal. Its objective is to strengthen the skills of leaders by combining ancestral knowledge with best practices in contemporary management. For more information, please visit: edpn.ca
