On January 28, 2026, the 6th cohort of the Governance program officially launched, marking the beginning of a learning journey focused on cultivating agile and innovative leadership. Over the coming months, cohort members will build meaningful connections among leaders through a structured program delivered across four modules, running through June.
8 Nations represented
A collective learning journey in Governance
Throughout the program, leaders will explore different forms of governance and value-creation models to deepen their expertise and apply them in their roles as elected officials or board members. Here is how participants describe their journey at the beginning of this training experience:
Valerie Diabo, Kanien’kehá:ka, Kahnawà:ke
I want to learn a new set of governance skills, especially in negotiation, and share what I learn in this program with my community.
Randy Legault-Rankin, Anicinape, Pikogan
I registered to gain the tools needed to become a lasting agent of change within my organization. To learn more about corporate techniques while using methods from our Nations, such as the Two-Eyed Seeing approach, which brings different ways of knowing together.
Yan Malleck, Innu, Unamen-Shipu
I registered for this program to see whether I had leadership in me. Here, I discovered my ability to be a good leader. Once I complete the program, I will feel confident using my leadership to serve my community.
Louise Nattawappio, Naskapi, Kawawachikamach
I took the program to enhance my skills in governance, especially in making good decisions and ensuring everyone’s needs are met. I want to become a better leader in my community and be a strong team member for the people I serve.
Marie-Claude Néquado, Atikamekw, Manawan
What I am learning here is full of ideas and hope, sharing, and lived experiences from other communities. It has done me a lot of good, and the networking as well.
Karine Régis-Pilot, Innu, Uashat mak Mani-Utenam
To strengthen my leadership and show confidence in my role. My values or motto: respect as the foundation and the future as the direction. I registered in the program to be inspired by others, to build political courage, and to stay grounded in our values.
Nancy St-Gelais,Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk
I am undertaking this program to his program to deepen my knowledge and gain additional tools in my role as a councillor.
Nathalie Vincent-Sirois, Wendat, Wendake
I enrolled in the Governance program to build meaningful connections with other First Nations and to learn from one another, as well as alongside one another. I am committed to fully investing in this experience so I can actively contribute to my community, drawing on my past experience and strengthening the skills I will continue to develop throughout the program.
Larry-John Wapachee, Eeyou/Cree, Whapmagoostui
I registered for this program as a councillor for my community because I want to do a good job representing our people. Every day, we learn and every day is a new day.
The cohort in pictures from January 28 to 30, 2026:
