8th Cohort of the Women Leadership Program
At First Nations Executive Education, each cohort of the Women Leadership Program is much more than participants gathering — it’s a living crossroads of Indigenous lands. From remote roads to long flights, women leaders do not hesitate to travel hundreds, sometimes thousands of kilometres, to come together, learn, and build lasting connections.
Connecting Pathways
From Whapmagoostui to Kawawachikamach, passing through Mashteuiatsh, Waswanipi, Wôlinak, Kahnawà:ke, Temiskaming and Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam, the 26 participants of our latest Women Leadership cohort – the 8th one! – carry with them the cultural richness of their Nations and personal stories.
Click on the photo carrousel below
They did not hesitate to take on this journey—sometimes long and demanding—by bus, plane, car, or metro, driven by the same desire to learn and connect.
“I took the Intercar bus at 8:15 a.m. to Québec City and arrived at 7:10 p.m. I spent one night in Québec and then took the bus from Québec to Montréal,” shares Jocelyne Jean-pierre Bellefleur, Innu from Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam.
“I came by plane from Whapmagoostui. It was a 2.5-hour flight to get to Montréal,” notes Lizzie Masty, Cree, inspired by the women leaders in her region.
“I travelled with my own vehicle and drove 60 km on gravel and the rest on paved roads. Altogether, it took me about three hours,” says Mélanie Petiquay, Atikamekw from Manawan.
“I took two planes—starting from the Manitou Islands to Toronto, then to Montreal. I’m truly happy to be here,” adds Melanie Francis, originally from Timiskaming First Nation.
26 Indigenous women, including 12 English speakers, from across the land
Paving the Way
These distances reflect a deep commitment to women leadership. They show how strongly participants believe in their roles, their strength, and the importance of gathering with peers to share, grow, and gain new tools.
Through this program:
“I’m learning to speak up for myself and for other women,” says Annie, Naskapi from Kawawachikamach.
Noémie, Innu from Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam, adds: “I want to speak out more about the issues that matter to me. Not to hesitate—just to go for it!”
A Shared Vision: Nadia and Josée, an Indigenous and non-Indigenous facilitator duo
The Land as a Common Thread
Beyond the distance travelled, it’s the connection to land that unites women leaders. A physical land, of course—but also a cultural, spiritual, and political one, where each voice echoes with stories passed down and futures yet to be built.
Our Women Leadership program becomes a meeting place—between Nations, generations, visions, and life paths.
From across the land, Women leaders come together at FNEE for a training that brings together a richness of exchanges from different Nations.
With gratitude
FNEE would like to thank its partner Québec Native Women (QNW) for covering transportation and accommodation costs for this cohort.
→ Read Eva Cable’s Eastern Door article, Uplifting women leaders
→ Learn more about FNEE’s Women Leadership program
→ Register
