The Régis-Pilot sisters move forward together
From March 23 to 27, the 11th cohort of our Women Leadership program took place at HEC Montréal, bringing together women from 10 First Nations and Inuit communities who sought to strengthen their leadership.
Two sisters offer a unique perspective on women’s leadership, rooted in relationships and shared growth: Maude and Maggie Régis-Pilot from the community of Uashat mak Mani-utenam. Around them, the 11th cohort reflects this same dynamic: meaningful connections built, a wider circle, and strengthened knowledge.
Working together isn’t always easy. As sisters, in both professional and community contexts, it becomes a unique strength. This is the unique dynamic embodied by the Régis-Pilot sisters, who have been engaged for several years in environmental projects that carry deep meaning for their community.
Both scientists share a professional path within their Council: one as a biologist and environmental advisor, the other as an environmental project manager. Their roles, as well as their leadership styles, naturally complement each other. Their expertise allows them to play a key role: bridging Western science and the realities of their community by translating complex language into concrete, accessible actions.
“Having people internally who understand scientific jargon is essential. It allows us to translate and take back control over the issues that affect us,” explains Maude
Their work focuses on projects rooted in the land, protecting the Mishta-Shipu (Moisie River), the Utshashumeku (salmon), and the Atiku (caribou), at the heart of their community’s identity and land. Taking part in the Women Leadership program together was an obvious choice.
“I couldn’t have lived this experience without my sister. It was unthinkable,” shares Maggie
This shared experience not only strengthens their bond but also deepens their collective reflection: the learning does not stop with the program. It continues on the journey home, through dialogue, and is carried back into the community.
The program also transformed their vision of leadership. Long perceived by Maude as directive and strategic, it now reveals itself as plural. “There are many forms of leadership, and they are all valid. They complement one another,” the sisters say, in sync, often finishing each other’s sentences. One is guided by the heart, the other by a more courageous approach. Together, they embody a complementary leadership grounded in collaboration.
Around them, the 11th cohort reflects this same dynamic: meaningful connections built, an expanded circle, and strengthened knowledge.
Through their journey, the Régis-Pilot sisters demonstrate that women’s leadership and sisterhood are living practices, rooted in relationships, complementarity, and collective responsibility. A form of leadership that is never lived alone, but always together. Nanitam mamu.
