About the movement

ABOUT THE GECIPQ

The Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples and Quebec (GECIPQ) is an economic reconciliation movement that empowers businesses, organizations, and political bodies to promote greater inclusion of Indigenous peoples in the Quebec economy.

 

Its goal is to build strong bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous business communities to build a sustainable and mutually beneficial economic future. Organizations can contact the GECIPQ at any time via our website and participate in our events!

 

The GECIPQ organizes one or two events per year. These events, which are hosted by either the GECIPQ or First Nations communities, foster a better understanding of the economic issues faced by Indigenous peoples with a view to better addressing them—and developing mutually beneficial partnerships.

background

background

pourquoi s'engager

The movement was initiated by former Chief Ghislain Picard of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL). Mr. Picard initially wanted to organize a province-wide event focused on the inclusion of First Nations in the Quebec economy, which would contribute to the long-term socioeconomic development of First Nations.
 
Among other factors, the post-pandemic economic recovery and the reconciliation movement of recent years have created momentum for this inclusion. It is in this context that the first provincial event was held in Montreal on November 25 and 26, 2021, to strengthen relations between Indigenous peoples and Quebec.
 
The Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples and Quebec (GECIPQ) then became much more than a one-off event: it became a movement aimed at allowing Indigenous peoples to take back their rightful place in the Quebec economy.
 
Since then, in addition to supporting our committed partners, the movement has spread to several regions through Regional Economic Circles, which are community-led events. By bringing about real change for Indigenous peoples, this historic movement is helping to pave the way for reconciliation.

Objectives and scope

Beyond a single event, the movement seeks to spark a mobilization that will go beyond mere words and translate into real actions by businesses, organizations, and political bodies. The movement will move to the different regions and economic centres in Quebec and will aim to: 

  • Create a context that is conducive to the involvement of the various players in the Quebec business community; 
  • Enable the development of significant partnerships in economic development, tourism, employment and training, supply, housing, entrepreneurship and major territorial projects; 
  • Generate concrete benefits that are conducive to the realization of the socioeconomic ambitions of Indigenous Peoples as set out in the Vision for the Future. 

Coordination

Le mouvement du GCÉPAQ est coordonné par la Commission de développement économique des Premières Nations du Québec et du Labrador (CDEPNQL) et supporté par l’APNQL, le gouvernement du Québec et le gouvernement du Canada. 

Why get involved