Journeying through Action: How our 2nd Cohort Activates Economic Reconciliation

Discover the impact of 11 projects co-created by Indigenous and non-Indigenous duos.

Reconciliation begins with a meeting — two people, two stories, coming together to form a duo. From this first circle of exchange, a shared vision emerges, shaped over months of collaboration and learning. These projects, designed to generate lasting economic and social benefits for communities, highlight the power of connection and the enduring relationships being built between Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners.

Jennifer Jerome, Mi’gmaq from the community of Gesgapegiag, and Rocio Gueto have joined forces on a vertical farming project. Their initiative, Green Pathways, focusses on indoor hydroponic farms—a soil-free cultivation method that uses nutrient-enriched water to produce fresh food year-round, directly within communities. This innovative model, designed to strengthen food security, is intended to be replicable.

Annie Cyr, Innu from the community of Uashat-Maliotenam, and Stéphanie Brisson aim to develop an Opportunity Hub to champion a vision: “That Innu hiring becomes essential for all projects developing on Nitassinan”. As a first step, they are collaborating on organizing the Salon minier et métallurgique Kapakunaishenanut, a unique networking event taking place in Mani-utenam on September 24-25, 2025.

Benoit Loyer, Mi’gmaq from the community of Listuguj, and Susan Levinger, long-time business partners, have been walking a shared path of learning. From this journey came the idea to transform their commercial leasing company. In their own words: “What we are building today will be the legacy of future generations.” Their new venture, PANORAMA, will be officially launched on September 10, 2025, in Kahnawà:ke.

Claude Arseneault, Atikamekw from the community of Wemotaci, and Kawtar Lahkim are joining forces to strengthen the administrative and financial autonomy of Indigenous councils and organisations with a data extraction and document search solution powered by artificial intelligence. In Atikamekw, Icinam means “dream” or “vision,” evoking hopes and aspirations. Combined with the word Digital, it becomes Digicinam — an innovative project for communities.

Brigitte (Nipinishu) Skeene, Innu from the community of Mashteuiatsh, and Renée-Claude Turgeon have brought together their expertise in human resources to champion the recruitment and advancement of Indigenous talent. Through their company, Talent IQ, they partner with organizations to create meaningful career opportunities for Indigenous professionals. Their approach is anchored in three pillars: knowledge, connection and culture.

Nathan Uniam, Naskapi from the community of Kawawachikamach, and Mathieu Hudon share a passion for economic development. Their project, Naskapi Cultural Expeditions, offers immersive small-group journeys (6 to 8 people) to discover Naskapi territory, experience the culture, and build lasting connections with the community – inspiring visitors to return. The project also aims to boost the local economy through sustainable tourism.

Debby Flamand, Atikamekw from the community of Manawan, and Kelly LeBlanc, long-time collaborators on tourism initiatives, are now leading a new project: an independent cultural route connecting Manawan and Saint-Michel-des-Saints. Through interpretive panels, audio capsules, and QR codes, this immersive sound journey highlights the richness of Nitaskinan and Atikamekw culture, inviting visitors to discover the land’s beauty.

Jolianne Ottawa, Atikamekw from the community of Manawan, and Marianne Roberge are developing a project centred on the creation of customized immersive content. Together, they plan to co-facilitate small-group workshops that transmit and explore both traditional and contemporary knowledge, fostering meaningful and authentic engagement. This journey has also strengthened their connection and deepened their friendship.

Renee Boucher, Ojibwe from the Fort William First Nation, and Elsa Bruyère are leading the launch of Sodexo’s new internal program: the Indigenous Leadership Circle. Building on the success of the Management Academy Program with the Tahltan Nation, this initiative is designed to strengthen Indigenous leadership within the workplace. Rooted in traditional knowledge and guided by the Medicine Wheel, its purpose is drive leaders for meaningful change in their communities.

Michel Bacon, Naskapi from the community of Kawawachikamach, and Francis Simard present an immersive canoe-camping expedition for small groups of 6 to 8 participants. Guided by a community member, this all-inclusive journey offers a deep connection with nature and authentic encounters. Conceived as a sustainable, replicable model, the project promotes slow and transformational tourism, in harmony with the land and the richness of Indigenous knowledge.

Nicky Savage-Samson, Mi’gmaq from the community of Gespeg & staff member at FNEE, and Olivier Beaudoin are co-creating a music festival in Saint-Jérôme, envisioned as a vibrant space for reconciliation and dialogue. Their initiative seeks to spotlight Indigenous artists and build bridges with the local community through music and cultural exchange. Born from the vision of two young entrepreneurs, the project embodies a commitment to awareness, connection, and openness.

Interested in starting your own journey?

Registration to our programs is on a rolling-basis.

Our next cohort will begin in February 2026.