On the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we celebrate the strength, resilience and leadership of the Nations that shape the lands we share.
Today, we take immense pride in having reached every First Nations community in Québec: each of the province’s 41 communities now includes at least one person trained at FNEE. This milestone reflects the dedication of our team, which has spent the past five years building relationships and connecting directly with Nations and communities across Québec.
The more perspectives we bring together, the stronger the learning experience becomes. That’s why continuing to welcome new voices from across First Nations communities remains such an important part of what we do. Reaching all 41 First Nations Communities in Québec is the foundation we will continue to build on.
Tiohenta Lahache-Mccomber, Kanien’kehá:ka, Kahnawá:ke, Participant Recruitment Advisor
Our training model also reaches beyond southern regions to respond directly to northern realities. With seven communities represented across Nunavik and Nunavut, FNEE continues to strengthen its role as a trusted partner in Inuit governance.
The Management Program opened many doors for me. I expanded my skills and knowledge and developed the abilities needed to become a better Indigenous leader. FNEE then recognized my potential and invited me to co-facilitate a module on women’s leadership. Today, I am proud to be both an FNEE graduate and co-facilitator, and deeply grateful for this experience.
Mona Belleau, Iqaluit, Inuit, participant of the Management program and co-facilitator of the Women Leadership program
In recent years, FNEE has experienced significant growth across Canada. Today, our reach extends to five additional provinces and territories: Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories with 19 communities already represented, as well as two communities located outside Canada.
I am returning to British Columbia with a strong desire to share what I have learned and apply these new skills in my work, my community involvement and the various leadership roles.
Israyelle Claxton, Coast Salish community, Nation Squamish, Women Leadership program participant
In keeping with our strategic commitment to exploring opportunities for new institutional partnerships across Canada and internationally, FNEE is taking concrete steps to make knowledge-sharing accessible to an increasingly broad and diverse audience.
We continue to adapt our learning experiences to the realities of the people and communities we serve. The launch last March of our first fully English-language cohort of the Management Program reflects this commitment to inclusion and accessibility. It provided a tailored space for learning and exchange within a network in which 40% of participants are English-speaking.
On this day of celebration, we reaffirm our commitment to equipping the leaders of today and tomorrow, from coast to coast and beyond.
Nathalie Huntley, Ilnue, Masteuiatsh, FNEE Director
