Newsroom > Press releases > 2022 > First cohort graduates from First Nations Executive Education

First cohort graduates from First Nations Executive Education

Monday May 9, 2022

Tiohtià:ke (Montréal), May 9, 2022 – It is with great pride that First Nations Executive Education HEC Montréal awarded last Friday (May 6, 2022) its first cohort with certification from this new educational institution designed to develop the skills of First Nations leaders by combining traditional knowledge with the best in contemporary management practices.

The 17 participants representing six different Nations include chiefs, grand chiefs and vice-chiefs of First Nations governments, board chairs and vice-chairs- as well as young community leaders of First Nations organizations.

Another of FNEE’s defining features is its innovative co-creation approach, with every course being jointly developed and taught by HEC Montréal professors and experienced First Nations trainers with recognized expertise in their given field. As a result, FNEE short leadership programs are decidedly focused on the future and embrace a broader world perspective, while still respecting the rich history of First Nations. The content has been developed specifically to address First Nations’ needs and values and reflect their identity.

The next cohort, composed of councillors and chiefs from First Nations governments and board members from First Nations organizations, will kick off May 19, 2022. This will be followed in a few months by programs for managers and entrepreneurs.

Executive Education HEC Montréal played an instrumental role in bringing FNEE to life, serving as an incubator for this new school.

 

"What sets FNEE apart from other training programs is the direct impact on communities, fuelled by the quality of the curriculum and the contributions of the people involved. I would like to congratulate each of the participants in the first cohort and thank them for giving their all to this demanding program."
Manon Jeannotte, FNEE Director
“My pride adds to the pride that everyone who participated in this first formation offered by FNEE. They have portaged the way for others to follow in their footsteps. On behalf of all the AFNQL chiefs, I congratulate them on their determination and their success. Our future, rooted in the full autonomy of our Nations, is definitely in good hands.”
Ghislain Picard, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador
“Our School and our instructors have been very honoured to be a part of this. It is a truly unique undertaking that holds a great deal of promise both for First Nations and for Quebec. Congratulations to all the graduates and those who taught them.”
Serge Lafrance, Director, Executive Education HEC Montréal
“This first graduating cohort, who have received an education that is consistent with the values and needs of First Nations leaders, speaks to the power of the collaboration that led to the creation of First Nations Executive Education. I am proud of the government’s contribution to this trailblazing initiative. I hope that this will foster leadership development by and for Indigenous peoples and that these leaders will inspire others to make their mark within their communities and beyond.”
Ian Lafrenière, Quebec Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs

 

About First Nations Executive Education

Launched on November 25, 2021, FNEE is the culmination of the vision of two McGill–HEC Montréal EMBA alumni, Manon Jeannotte (Mi’gma) and Ken Rock (Innu). Co-created with Executive Education HEC Montréal, FNEE offers university -level short programs in First Nations communities, in Montreal and online. This one-of-a-kind school brings together HEC Montréal faculty and First Nations trainers.

 

About Executive Education HEC Montréal

For over 65 years, Executive Education HEC Montréal has been there to foster the growth of the people and organizations who drive the economy, training 9,000 executives, professionals and leaders every year.

A member of UNICON, the leading global consortium for university-based executive education, with 110 members in more than 30 countries, Executive Education HEC Montréal will be delivering all its courses out of the new HEC Montréal building in the heart of the downtown business district as of fall 2022. 

 

List of participant

  • Suzanne Bacon Charland
    Innue, Pessamit
    Vice-Chief, Innus council of Pessamit
  • Robert ‘Arihote’ Bonspiel
    Kanien’kehá:ka, Kanehsatake
    President, First Nations Paramedics
  • Cedric Gray-Lehoux
    Mi’gmaq, Listuguj
    Young community leader, President, First Nations Quebec-Labrador Youth Network
  • Adam Jourdain
    Innu, Uashat mak Mani-utenam
    President, SEC Wemogaz
  • Monik Kistabish
    Anicinapek8e, Pikogan
    Chief, Council of Abitibiwinni First Nation
  • Bryan Mark
    Innu, Unamen Shipu
    Chief, Innus council of Unamen Shipu
  • Mike (Pelash) Mckenzie
    Innu, Uashat mak Mani-utenam
    Chief, Innu Takuaikan Uashat mak Mani-utenam
  • Philippe Tsaronsere Meilleur
    Kanien’kehá:ka, Kanehsatake
    President, Regroupement des centres d’amitié autochtones du Québec
  • Derek Montour
    Kanien’kehá:ka, Kahnawà:ke
    President, FNQLHSSC
  • Derrick Neeposh
    Cree, Oujé-Bougoumou
    President, CREECO
  • Jean-Charles Piétacho
    Innu, Ekuanitshit
    Chief, Innus Council of Ekuanitshit
  • Jonathan Pinette Grégoire
    Innu, Uashat mak Mani-utenam
    Young community leader
  • Nadia Robertson
    Mi’gma, Gespeg
    Prsident, Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n
  • François Rompré
    Innu, Mashteuiatsh
    President, FNQLEDC
  • Marjolaine Sioui
    Wendat, Wendake
    Vice-President, Fondation Nouveaux Sentiers
  • Jonathan St-Onge
    Innu, Uashat mak Mani-utenam
    Vice-President, Transport ferroviaire Tshiuetin
  • Jinny Thibodeau Rankin
    Anicinapek8e, Abitibiwinni
    President, Retirement Committee pf the Native Benefits Plan (NBP)

 

Information and interview requests

Éric Duguay
Media Relations Manager
514 377-1980
e.duguay@seize03.ca