Ghislain Picard appointed Adjunct Professor

April 24, 2025

Ghislain Picard, a major political figure in Quebec and among First Nations, is appointed Adjunct Professor at HEC Montréal.

As Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) from 1992 to 2025, he was one of the main interlocutors of the governments of Quebec and Canada, for over 30 years, on all issues relating to First Nations in Quebec and Labrador.

Since 2021, he has been collaborating on the programs of First Nations Executive Education (FNEE), a project for and by First Nations, propelled by Executive Education HEC Montréal. The FNEE offers Indigenous leaders short-term, university-level training programs, with a view to promoting self-determination and improving the socio-economic conditions of First Nations.

As an Adjunct Professor, Mr. Picard will play a major role in the continuity, enhancement and influence of the FNEE’s activities, in addition to continuing to contribute to the various programs of Executive Education HEC Montréal. His appointment will allow a broader group to benefit from his extensive experience and expertise related to the historical and current understanding of issues affecting Indigenous peoples.

His contribution to HEC Montréal’s educational activities may take different forms, such as lectures or interventions in certain programs.

About Ghislain Picard

An Innu from the North Shore community of Pessamit, Ghislain Picard was Chief of the AFNQL from 1992 to 2025. The AFNQL is composed of representatives from 43 First Nations communities representing a total of 10 nations spread over an immense territory.

Prior to his political career with the AFNQL, Ghislain Picard held a number of positions with groups representing Indigenous communities, including the Conseil des Atikamekw et des Montagnais. In the 1980s, he founded the Société de communication Atikamekw - Montagnais (SOCAM), dedicated to broadcasting programs in the native language.

Since 2021, he has chaired the McCord Stewart Museum Board of Directors and the FNEE Advisory Committee. He is also co-author of De Kebec à Québec - Cinq siècles d’échanges entre nous, with Denis Bouchard and Éric Cardinal.

Partial list of Mr. Picard’s distinctions:

• Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Québec (2003);
• Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur de France (2005);
• Honorary citizen of the City of Montréal (2017).