Day 1 of the program – 24 January 2025

Our first day of training falls on International Day o f Education, and our Governance programme embodies this inter-Nation strength with 9 Nations represented. 

 In the morning, we explore emotional intelligence with Ghislain Picard and Estelle Morin, and discover how leadership starts with self-awareness and listenting. 

 At lunchtime, we take part in a photo session and the cohort gets together to share a meal.

  In the afternoon, we dive into managerial courage with Brigitte Skeene and Raymonde Lévesque.   

Through this program, we build knowledge and skills, honouring our Indigenous knowledge, to support self-determination and serve our communities. 

Découvrez les objectifs de parcours d’apprentissage à travers les voix des participantes et participants de 9 Nations  : 

Abenaki Nation

Dominique Landry, Abenaki from Wôlinak, is involved in her community because she wants members to be able to forge connections with each other, despite being scattered across Quebec. “It was my growing desire to get more involved with members that led me to enrol in FNEE’s Governance program. The program has shown me that positive, collaborative leadership can make an incredible difference in our community. I feel privileged to be able to take these courses and would recommend this programme to all elected council members.”

Anicinape Nation

For Nycia McDougall, Anicinape from Pikogan, joining the program is driven for her Nation’s self-determination.  “The sharing within the group and the transmission of knowledge help me take on challenges with the confidence of being a transformational leader for my community and my Nation.” 

Atikamekw Nation

Guylaine Ottawa, Atikamekw from Manawan, grounds her learning journey in "Indigenous governance practices and approaches that respect our values and traditions. This is essential to strengthening the autonomy and well-being of our Nation. I want to engage in a more informed and impactful way." 

Cree / Eeyou Nation

Bert Hester, Cree Nation from Waskaganish, shares that he is motivated to learn new skills to motivate action for his community and to “inspire the younger generations to continue learning and follow their dreams”. He also adds that he wishes to learn new tools to “be more efficient and effective doing his job”.

Innu Nation

For Marcel Mestokosho, Innu from Nutashkuan, the Governance program aligns with his vision of leadership as a continuous learning process: “As a leader, I am convinced that leadership is a skill that must continuously evolve in terms of management, decision-making, and mobilization. My goal is to acquire tools that will help me think more strategically and anticipate developments in my sector. I want to equip myself with the best tools to elevate my current leadership.”

Nation Kanien'kehá:ka

Tammy Beauvais, Kanien'kehá:ka from Kahnawake, shares that she joined the program to launch Matritust, a country-wide non-profit organization empowering Indigenous women on their financial journeys, from the early traumas around money to financial literacy and investing. "I joined the Governance program to learn how to set up and lead a non-profit organization and its Board of Directors, as well as funding and grant writing." 

Mi’kmaq Nation

Stephanie Bond, Mi’kmaq from Gespeg, shares that after her Management program at FNEE, she wanted to join the Governance program to “be with authentic leaders who share a commitment to our Nations’ futures.” She adds that she wishes to “influence change in a good way.” 

Naskapi Nation

Noah Swappie, Naskapi from Kawawachikamach, he joined the Governance program to acquire tools to better serve his organization and community. He's also seeking to improve "my negotiation skills, as well as to better my approach when facing and resolving issues." 

Wendat Nation

Catherine St-Marie, Wendat from Wendake, in her role at the New Pathways Foundation decided to participate in the Governance program to "contribute more significantly to Indigenous issues and help advance various causes." 

Day 2 of the Program – 25 January 2025 

For this second day of training, we dive into the essence of conscious and authentic leadership with Marine Agogué and Ian Picard.  

 In the morning, we strengthen our leadership circle by sharing what leadership means to each of us, through objects, photos or songs.  

Tammy Beauvais – with the object she is sharing with the group (pictured) – presents her vision of empowering women in finance, a dream she carries.  

This is followed by a fun and creative workshop.  

In the afternoon, we focus on the essential aspect of creating authentic links in our relationships as leaders, managers or board members.  

We look forward to discovering the trajectory and emerging projects of the participants over the course of the program, which ends in June.  

If you would like to register for the next cohort of the Governance program, which will start in January 2026, register now.