FNEE’s customized programs

First Nations Executive Education (FNEE) currently has five regular programs designed specially to meet the needs and circumstances of Indigenous learners. The main purpose of these programs is to support the development of First Nations leaders and to create an inter-Nation and intercommunity network of leaders who can then make their own contributions to the growth and prosperity of the communities they represent.

Besides these core programs and in keeping with its ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence, FNEE offers customized programs to address organizations’ specific leadership, awareness-building and governance needs.

Programs tailored to the requirements of First Nations communities and organizations

These customized programs are built around the same pillars that underpin its executive training curricula, with an added angle and approach rooted in fundamental Indigenous principles, such as the importance of circles, consensus-building, the circular economy and community-based enterprises.

As an example, FNEE custom-developed a program on non-profit governance for the Board of Directors of Quebec Native Women. The lessons learned through this program represent a tremendous added value for any organization interested in incorporating a First Nations mindset into its professional activities.

In the summer of 2021, a hybrid in-person and virtual workshop on collaborative culture was organized for First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC), a valued FNEE partner, to coincide with the organization’s annual general meeting.

Customized content aimed at non-Indigenous individuals and organizations

In one of FNEE’s customized training programs entitled “Les clés pour développer des relations en contexte autochtone” (Keys for Developing Relationships with Indigenous Communities), participants are taught about the historical context of First Nations in Quebec. They also become more familiar with the diversity of Indigenous cultures and the legal provisions First Nations must contend with, including those in the Indian Act.

During this program, which is currently offered in a half-day or full-day format, participants are introduced to the experience of a sharing circle. They are also given the opportunity to take part in a smudging ceremony, a privilege that is greatly appreciated by non-Indigenous learners.

This is a unique window into the world and realities of First Nations, during which non-Indigenous participants can interact directly with First Nations trainers and participants and get answers to the questions they may have otherwise been reluctant to ask. One of the objectives of the program is to bring Nations together and awaken participants’ interest in learning more about First Nations.

Through both of these types of programs, FNEE is breaking new ground in the executive education space, empowering organizations and individuals alike to set their sights on excellence and build lasting bridges between the Quebec business community and First Nations.