2023 Conference

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Download the program (PDF, 6,5 Mo)
Conference poster (PDF, 1 Mo)

The 2023 conference, "Indigenous entrepreneurship and SMEs: How to build trust capital", is the result of a close collaboration between Laval University, the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC) and the First Nations Human Resources Development Commission of Quebec (FNHRDCQ). This year, the conference will be held on Thursday, November 16, at the Hotel-Musée Premières Nations à Wendake.

The event aims to provide a space for reflection and dialogue to better understand the winning conditions for promoting entrepreneurship and SMEs in Quebec and Canada.

PROGRAMME

The day will be moderated by Michèle Audette, Senator and Senior Advisor for Reconciliation and First Peoples’ Education at Université Laval.

The discussions will address fundamental themes such as respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples, inspiring models of Indigenous entrepreneurship, challenges in human resources management and the keys to success of several organizations. Our rich and diversified programming will enable people from different backgrounds to share their experience and their knowledge. 

07:00  Reception, networking and coffee
08:00  Opening ceremony by Cheryl Tenasco
08:15  Opening remarks

Dave Laveau, Economic Development Manager of the Huron-Wendat Nation
Francis Verreault-Paul, chief of staff, Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador
Ian Lafrenière, Minister of First Nations and Inuit Relations of the Government of Quebec, and Sylvain Lévesque, Member of Parliament for Chauveau
Michèle Audette, Senator and Senior Advisor on Reconciliation and First Peoples’ Education at Laval University

08:45 Panel – Respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples – Perspectives on economic reconciliation
Watch the panel (YouTube)

Moderator: Paul Robitaille (Senior Advisor, Indigenous Relations, Sustainable Forestry Initiative)
Lennard Joe (Chief Executive Officer, Bristish Columbia First Nations Forestry Council and Member of the Shackan Indian Band of the Nlaka’pamux First Nation);
Ariel Taylor (Executive Director, Indigenous Relations Branch, Bristish Columbia Ministry of Forests)

10:00 Networking and coffee break

10:45 Panel – Role models – Testimonials from Indigenous entrepreneurs and SMEs
Watch the panel (YouTube) 

Moderator: Étienne St-Jean (Professor, holder of the Canada Research Chair in entrepreneurial careers, Université du Québec à Trois Rivières)
Pamela Perreault (Owner/Director, The Firelight Group)
Marie-Ève Potvin (Executive Director, Groupe Aishkatsh)
Lara Sioui (Owner/Director, Onquata)

12:00 Lunch and networking

13:30 Panel – Human resources management – Challenges facing Indigenous entrepreneurs and SMEs
Watch the panel (YouTube) 

Moderator: Marie-Ève Dufour (Co-chair of the Center for research on management and development of persons and organizations, Laval University)
Peggy Brimsacle (Liaison Officer, First Nations Human Resources Development Commission of Quebec, FNHRDCQ))
Chris Cooper (Senior Project Manager, Cree Lumber)
Wanda Lafontaine (Coordinator of Support and Partnership, First Nations Human Resources Development Commission of Quebec, FNHRDCQ)
Jean-Sébastien Roy (Mishtuk Corporation)

14:45 Networking and coffee break

15:30 Panel – Keys to success – Role of support organizations
Watch the panel (YouTube) 

Moderator: Maripier Tremblay (Chair in Leadership in teaching on developing entrepreneurial spirit and entrepreneurship, Laval University)
Tabatha Bull (President & CEO, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, CCAB)
Olivier Gill-Sioui (Director of Business Development and Operations, Native Commercial Credit Corporation, SOCCA)
Frédérick Martel (Team Leader, Services To Entrepreneurs, First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission, FNQLEDC)
Valéry Roy-Gosselin (Economic and Community Development Officer, First Nations and Inuit Relations Secretariat, Government of Quebec)

16:45 Closing Remarks

17:00 Networking activity, cocktail-dinner reception and Huron-Wendat Museum visit.

19:00 Cultural evening with artists Keyara Gros-Louis and Samian