Participant's Guide | GR2023GATINEAU | EN

Participant’s Guide

2023

Great Gathering

of Indigenous Peoples and

Municipalities of Quebec

3 rd Summit First Nations and

Municipalities on Reconciliation

3 rd Economic Circle of Indigenous

Peoples and Quebec

#GR2023Gatineau

March 22 nd , 23 rd and 24 th , 2023

Maison du citoyen, 25 Laurier Street, Gatineau

Table of contents

Welcome!/Pījashig

Schedule of activities..................................................................................................................................................4

Messages from our dignitaries

• ●A message from Chief Dylan Whiteduck ............................................................................................................................................................................5

• ●A message from Gatineau’s Mayor .........................................................................................................................................................................................6

• ●A message from Grand Chief Savanna McGregor ...................................................................................................................................................... 7

• ●A message from Chief Ghislain Picard ...................................................................................................................................................................................8

• ●A message from the President of the UMQ .......................................................................................................................................................................9

• ●A message from the President of the FQM .....................................................................................................................................................................10

• ●A message from Montreal’s Mayor ..........................................................................................................................................................................................11

• ●A message from Quebec City’s Mayor ...............................................................................................................................................................................12

Background

• ●Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action for municipalities....................................................................................................13

• ●Reconfiguration of the roles, powers and responsibilities of municipalities ..........................................................................................16

• ●Reconciliation and the municipal world...............................................................................................................................................................................17

• ●Map of Indigenous communities in Quebec...................................................................................................................................................................20

About the 2023 Great Gathering

• ●Algonquin presence on the Quebec-Ontario transborder territory................................................................................................................21

• ●City of Gatineau projects and initiatives conducted in partnership with Indigenous communities.......................................22

• ●An original artwork tribute to the 2023 Great Gathering! .....................................................................................................................................23

• ●About our Master of Ceremonies ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 24

3 rd Summit of First Nations and Municipalities

• ●Demystifying the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples...................................................................... 25

• ●Panel on municipal public structures and Indigenous Peoples .................................................................................................................... 25

• ●Discussion circle – Reconciliation in common...............................................................................................................................................................27

• ●Female leadership: What if women stewarded the reconciliation?...............................................................................................................27

• ●Discussion circle on housing: common issues and success stories.............................................................................................................28

• ●Promoting Indigenous culture… authenticity and diversity...................................................................................................................................28

• ●Presentation on First Nations Identification.....................................................................................................................................................................28

3 rd Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples and Quebec

• ●Discussion circle – Municipal economic development structures and Indigenous Peoples ................................................... 29

• ●Discussion circle – Indigenous tourism, a tool for rapprochement............................................................................................................... 29

• ●Discussion circle – Prosperity for all through First Peoples’ innovation .................................................................................................. 29

• ●Discussion circle – Environment, sustainable development and structuring projects..................................................................30

• ●Booths and networking area, presented by BDC and Innovation Canada................................................................................................31

Learn more...

• ●A tasty Great Gathering!.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 33

• ●Exhibition of Indigenous art ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 34

• ●Movie night............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 34

• ●Sunrise ceremony................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 35

• ●Spotlight on our guest artists ....................................................................................................................................................................................................36

• ●The Museum invites you!................................................................................................................................................................................................................37

• ●Be sure to remember the children’s voice!........................................................................................................................................................................37

• ●The downtown comes alive for the Great Gathering!..............................................................................................................................................38

Our thanks to all our partners and sponsors...................................................................................................... 39

The 2023 Great Gathering | March 22 nd , 23 rd and 24 th , 2023

Welcome/Pījashig

The Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council

and the City of Gatineau are pleased to welcome

you to the 2023 Great Gathering, an event that

encompasses the 3 rd Summit of First Nations and

Municipalities on Reconciliation and the

3 rd Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples and

Quebec, on March 22, 23 and 24, 2023 in Gatineau.

This 2023 Great Gathering will give us the

opportunity to highlight the many productive

collaborations among Quebec municipalities and

Indigenous peoples. In addition, the 2023 Great

Gathering will help strengthen our connections,

foster reconciliation and encourage civic, cultural

and business partnerships.

Previous editions of the Summit enabled everyone

to get to know each other better. It is now time to

take these relationships to the next level. The 2023

Great Gathering is the ideal opportunity to pursue

discussions started during the previous summits,

all with the aim of achieving true reconciliation

and creating close friendships among nations,

communities, cities and municipalities.

The 2023 Great Gathering –

a Sustainable Event

The Great Gathering is pleased to be assisted by the Enviro Éduc-Action team in bringing you a

sustainable (eco-friendly) event and reducing its environmental footprint. Your support is important, and

every gesture counts! Remember to:

• ● bring your reusable water bottle;

• ● carpool or use public transit to get to the Maison du citoyen;

• ● sort your trash after meals and throughout the Gathering;

• ● hand in your badge at the registration desk after the event; and

• ● access this guide online rather than printing it out!

• Check the bus schedule at planibus.sto.ca and travel in less than 20 minutes from the Double

Tree by Hilton to Maison du citoyen!


Schedule of activities

Please note that this program is subject to change without notice.

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

OPENING

Salle Jean Despréz et agora Gilles-Rocheleau de la Maison du citoyen

2:00 p.m. Registration desk opens

4:00 p.m. Opening ceremony

5:00 p.m. Welcoming cocktail

6:00 p.m. Official banquet

8:00 p.m. Film viewing – My “Indian” Name

Thursday, March 23, 2023

3 rd Summit of First Nations and Municipalities on Reconciliation

Agora Gilles-Rocheleau et salle des Fêtes de la Maison du citoyen

7:00 a.m. Continental breakfast (until 8:30 a.m.)

7:00 a.m. Sunrise ceremony (Canadian Museum of History) (30 min)

8:30 a.m. Recap of previous summits and objectives

9:15 a.m. Explaining the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

10:00 a.m. Break and networking

10:30 a.m. Panel on municipal structures and Indigenous Peoples

11:15 a.m. Discussion circle – Reconciliation in common

12:00 p.m. Conference lunch – Female leadership: What if women stewarded the reconciliation?

1:45 p.m. Discussion circle on housing: common issues and success stories

3:15 p.m. Promotion of Indigenous culture… authenticity and diversity, and presentation

on First Nations Identification

4:10 p.m. Presentation by the Service de police of the City of Gatineau

4:30 p.m. Review of the day and commitments

5:00 p.m. Networking cocktail presented by Outaouais Tourism

7:30 p.m. Show – Lyle Odjick and the Northern Steam

Friday, March 24, 2023

3 rd Grand Regional Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples and Quebec

Salle Jean Despréz, salle des Fêtes et agora Gilles Rocheleau de la Maison du citoyen

7:00 a.m. Continental breakfast (until 8:30 a.m.)

7:00 a.m. Sunrise ceremony (Canadian Museum of History) (30 min)

8:30 a.m. Opening remarks

9:00 a.m. Discussion circle – Municipal economic development structures

and Indigenous peoples

9:45 a.m. Discussion circle – Indigenous tourism, a tool for rapprochement

10:30 a.m. Health break

10:45 a.m. Booths and networking area, presented by BDC

12:00 p.m. Networking luncheon presented by the First Nations Executive Education

1:00 p.m. Discussion circle – Environment and sustainable development

2:00 p.m. Discussion circle – Prosperity for all through First Peoples’ innovation

and structuring projects

3:00 p.m. Commitments

3:30 p.m. Circle transfer ceremony

4:00 p.m. Closing remarks


A message from

Chief Dylan Whiteduck

HOST

COMMUNITY

Kwey kakina pemàdizidjig ashidj mino pìjàyeg godj wìn iyo

màwandòseyang òndaje Anishinàbeg- Algonquin akìng, omà kichi

òdenàw, Kichi Sìbìng (Ottawa-Gatineau). Kitigan Zibi Ogima Dylan

Whiteduck, nidijikàz.

Greetings and welcome to everyone gathered here on our Algonquin

unceded territory. Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg is proud to serve as the

host First Nation for the Great Gathering of Indigenous Peoples and

Municipalities of Quebec. We feel it is important to promote dialogue

among chiefs, mayors and governments, and to connect Indigenous

services with others, and vice versa, to better serve both Indigenous

people and Quebec residents.

It is my hope that you will take away constructive information for

the future that will lead to enriched partnership and to projects that

will benefit equally in terms of consultation, rights recognition and

Indigenous perspectives on our vast lands and territories.

The need to create a positive environment for our youth, women,

men, families and seniors is something we all agree upon. The

purpose of this conference/gathering is to achieve more of the

results that benefit everyone.

Anishinabe artistry ranging from the blues, classical to contemporary

art, traditional lifestyle, culinary art, dance and cinema will be on

display this week. Greet, meet, and learn from one-another during the

various sessions.

Employment, infrastructure, the preservation of languages and

culture, health, social and community development, education and

training are key areas that require our attention. May we all bring

good spirits and energy to our work during this Great Gathering as we

discuss important matters.

Angwàmizin gaye kichi mìgwech (Good Luck and Big Thanks),

Chef Dylan Whiteduck

Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg


HOST CITY

A message from

Gatineau’s Mayor

Listening, talking, getting to know one another, drawing inspiration,

getting involved and bringing to fruition our shared projects, together.

For the past several years, throughout Quebec, many initiatives have

taken shape to strengthen collaboration among our municipalities

and Nations. Every project, action and collaboration lends

momentum to true reconciliation. Let’s keep talking, getting to know

each other, and drawing inspiration from one another.

Stretching along the Ottawa River and respectfully acknowledging

the lands on which it is located as ancestral lands of the Algonquin

Anishinabe Nation, Gatineau is humbly happy to welcome

participants from the four corners of the province for this unique

event, imbued with a sincere desire to be tangibly involved in

advancing our common projects.

This Great Gathering, organized around the theme of economic

development, encompassing the 3rd Summit of First Nations

and Municipalities on Reconciliation and the 3rd Grand Regional

Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples and Quebec, will enable

us to discuss economic, social and tourism ideas and projects,

collaborating nation to nation for the common good, sustainable

development and the prosperity of future generations.

Let us step up this coming together, continue to submit projects

and deploy our efforts and our creativity to pursue this growing

partnership. Together, we will be stronger and go farther!

Welcome to the 2023 Great Gathering!

Welcome to Gatineau!

France Bélisle

Mayor of Gatineau


PARTNER

A message from Grand Chief

Savanna McGregor

It is with immense gratitude that I thank each of you for the

journeys you have made to attend the 2023 Great Gathering, which

encompasses the 3rd Summit of First Nations and Municipalities

on Reconciliation and the 3rd Grand Regional Economic Circle

of Indigenous Peoples and Quebec on our unceded Algonquin

Anishinabeg territory. You are in the heart of our territory, pijashig,

welcome.

Building and maintaining relationships with each other is a key part of

reconciliation as well as one of the foundations of economies. As the

stewards of our respective territories, our people collectively see and

feel the barriers and gaps that we face. We also remember, through

the living memories our ancestors have passed on from generation

to generation, what our economies were prior to contact. Every day

we must reconcile what was in order to help guide what will be. This

must be done in a good way that includes us and is grounded in

our cultures for our future generations. It is important that you know

who you are working with. Many people claim to be First Nation,

to our detriment. This affects every First Nation community and is

something we must protect ourselves against, with your help. Our

nations’ diversities serve as not only an advantage but also a gift to

the local, national and global markets.

Over the course of this event, we will have many opportunities to

meet one another—or reconnect—and have important conversations.

We are excited to see what will develop. Chi mìgwech kakina for your

determination and dedication to pursue meaningful collaborations

together. This true path will help lead the way to economic

reconciliation in this province.

Grande Cheffe Savanna McGregor

Algonquin Anishinabe Nation


PARTNER

A message from Chief

Ghislain Picard, AFNQL

Kuei,

The last two Summits of First Nations and Municipalities on

Reconciliation gave our chiefs and the mayors of Quebec

municipalities the opportunity to lay the foundations for new

relationships based on respect and greater mutual understanding. It

is now the turn of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council

and the City of Gatineau to pick up the torch previously carried by

Montreal and Quebec City.

All the progress made since 2018 in terms of coming together

has borne fruit, and we are now taking these nation-to-nation

relationships to the next level. In November 2021, in Montreal, during

the Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous People and Quebec,

we launched a movement for greater participation and inclusion

of Indigenous people in the Quebec economy. Since then, the

movement has migrated from region to region in the form of regional

economic circles that help engage elected officials and business

communities in a genuine process of economic reconciliation.

In Quebec’s four corners, new examples can be found of economic

collaboration between our communities and municipalities located

near their territories. Whether concerned with tourism or renewable

energy development, these projects have demonstrated that we

can work together in achieving common projects that can benefit

everyone.

Ghislain Picard

Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador

Assemblée des Premières Nations

Québec-Labrador

Assembly of First Nations

Quebec-Labrador


PARTNER

A message from the

President of the UMQ

C’est avec fierté et engagement que l’Union des municipalités du

Québec (UMQ) est partenaire du Grand rassemblement 2023 des

Peuples autochtones et des municipalités du Québec, qui, cette

année, réunit à la fois le Sommet des Premières Nations et des

municipalités sur la réconciliation et le Cercle économique des

Peuples autochtones.

Au cours des dernières années, nous avons ensemble jeté les

bases d’une relation de respect, d’écoute et de partenariat entre

les communautés et les municipalités de partout au Québec.

Maintenant, pour cette troisième édition, le Grand rassemblement est

le moment de faire fructifier cette relation, et cela, en misant sur les

valeurs qui nous rapprochent.

À titre de président de l’UMQ, je guide mon action pour mobiliser

les municipalités en faveur d’une meilleure inclusion des Premières

Nations dans le tissu socioéconomique du Québec.

Plus que jamais, le milieu municipal a répondu à l’invitation de nos

hôtes, la mairesse de Gatineau, madame France Bélisle et le chef de

Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, monsieur Dylan Whiteduck. Je profite de ces

quelques mots pour souligner leur leadership de tous les instants, et

aussi, leur volonté de rassembler et de bâtir des ponts.

Je nous souhaite un événement des plus inspirants, qui sera

sans doute un moment charnière pour le rayonnement

de nos communautés.

Le président de l’UMQ et maire de Gaspé,

Daniel Côté

Maire de Gaspé


PARTNER

A message from the

President of the FQM

Developing our territories together, for our communities and

our world.

The Fédération québécoise des municipalités brings together, on a

voluntary basis, more than 1,000 local and regional municipalities,

and in that capacity serves as the representative for the regions. In

addition to our mission of representing our members, the FQM is a

rapidly growing organization known for the services it offers

Quebec municipalities.

Among the issues driving us, the development of renewable energy

projects—wind in particular—is among our priorities. For the FQM,

these projects provide a unique opportunity to deepen relationships

among our communities and to build a resilient economy enabling

everyone to grow in accordance with their rights and characteristics.

Indeed, our work aims for strong community participation in these

projects, and we truly believe that carrying them out jointly can set a

solid foundation for outreach and reconciliation.

The FQM has set in place a service for guiding those members and,

to date, we work with more than 25 RCMs. We are confident that we

will be able to make a real economic impact in the regions, just like

the success achieved by our members who are part of the Alliance

de l’Est, in which the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk Nation serves proudly.

The FQM is already a key player in local economic development, and

we would like to build, together, a future where everything is possible

for every one of us.

I wish you a wonderful gathering. I am confident that our most

productive discussions will soon take place in our territories

and regions.

Jacques Demers

President

Mayor of Sainte-Catherine-de-Hatley and Prefect of the

Memphrémagog RCM


A message from

Montreal’s Mayor

HOST CITY OF

THE 1 ST SUMMIT

The City of Montreal was very proud to host the 1st Summit of First

Nations and Municipalities on Reconciliation in 2018. Today, the City

of Gatineau continues the constructive government-to-government

dialogue between Indigenous Peoples and Quebec municipalities

by holding the 3rd Summit of First Nations and Municipalities on

Reconciliation and the 3rd Grand Regional Economic Circle of

Indigenous Peoples and Quebec.

I salute the valuable collaboration of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg

Nation Tribal Council and all government partners for this important

commitment to reconciliation.

With the adoption in 2020 of its first ever Strategy for Reconciliation

with the Indigenous Peoples, Montreal made a clear statement of its

recognition of its millennial heritage and adopted a major strategy

to implement the city’s commitment to recognize and promote the

Indigenous presence in Montreal, both past and present. As a significant

gesture underlying its foundation, it endorsed the United Nations

Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the new version of

the Montréal Charter of Rights and Responsibilities.

The contributions of Indigenous nations and communities are

undeniable in all social and economic spheres in Montreal. Working

together to meet the needs of businesspeople from all walks of life

is part of our economic development efforts. Our administration is

committed to maintaining dialogue, ensuring exchanges and developing

partnerships between Montreal and Indigenous entrepreneurs as well as

among our entrepreneurial support ecosystem stakeholders.

Given that half of all Indigenous people live in urban centres in Canada,

Canadian municipalities must play a leading role in reconciliation with

Indigenous Peoples. The City of Montreal will continue to take an active

part in this effort.

Thank you to the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council and the

City of Gatineau for this mobilizing event.

I wish everyone an excellent 2023 Great Gathering!

Valérie Plante

Mayor of Montréal


HOST CITY OF

THE 2 ND SUMMIT

Message du maire

de Québec

Trust. Every lasting relationship is based on trust. When it has

been betrayed in the past and wounds remain, it is that much

more important to reach out, listen and make the effort to make

reconciliation possible.

After two exploratory gatherings, the second of which was held

in Quebec City and laid solid foundations for improving the links

between Indigenous peoples and Quebec municipalities, we now

find ourselves at the development stage. The journey so far has been

promising. Our wish is to pursue the same path during this 3rd Great

Gathering, one focused on economic considerations.

This Gathering, attended by municipal elected officials, Indigenous

chiefs and economic development representatives, will be an

opportunity to highlight existing collaborations and find ways to

create new ones.

Humility and commitment to the inclusion of First Nations should

be paramount in our interactions as we reach decisions aimed at

growing Quebec’s economy. Together, respectful of one another,

I am convinced that we will succeed in building bridges amongst

ourselves and for the benefit of all, and in applying those connections

with a view to achieving more resilient and stronger communities.

My thanks to the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council and

the City of Gatineau for this invitation.

I wish you a terrific gathering!

Bruno Marchand

Mayor of Quebec City


BACKGROUND

Truth and Reconciliation

Commission Calls to Action for

municipalities

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)

travelled across Canada from 2008 to 2015 to

gather testimony from tens of thousands of

survivors of the residential schools to which

Indigenous children were sent for over 150 years.

As a result of this testimony gathering, the TRC

released its report in December 2015, and made 94

Calls to Action calling on all levels of government

and all Canadians to take concrete steps toward

reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

The TRC particularly calls on municipal

governments with 12 Calls to Action. These Calls

to Action can be used as a guide to establish the

objectives to be achieved in a dialogue between

municipalities and First Nations.

The summary of the TRC report is available

online at:

https://nctr.ca/records/reports/#trc-reports

12 Calls to Action for Municipal Governments

(excerpts from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action)

Section: Language and culture

Call to Action 17:

“We call upon all levels of government to enable residential school Survivors and their families

to reclaim names changed by the residential school system by waiving administrative costs

for a period of five years for the name-change process and the revision of official identity

documents, such as birth certificates, passports, driver’s licenses, health cards, status cards,

and social insurance numbers.”

Section: Justice

Call to Action 30:

“We call upon federal, provincial, and territorial governments to commit to eliminating the

overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in custody over the next decade, and to issue detailed

annual reports that monitor and evaluate progress in doing so.”


Call to Action 31:

“We call upon the federal, provincial, and territorial governments to provide sufficient and

stable funding to implement and evaluate community sanctions that will provide realistic

alternatives to imprisonment for Aboriginal offenders and respond to the underlying causes

of offending.”

Call to Action 32

“We call upon the federal government to amend the Criminal Code to allow trial judges, upon

giving reasons, to depart from mandatory minimum sentences and restrictions on the use of

conditional sentences.”

Call to Action 40:

“We call on all levels of government, in collaboration with Aboriginal people, to create

adequately funded and accessible Aboriginal-specific victim programs and services with

appropriate evaluation mechanisms.”

Section: Reconciliation

Call to Action 43:

“We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments to fully adopt and

implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as the

framework for reconciliation.”

Section: Royal Proclamation and Covenant of Reconciliation

Call to Action 47:

“We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments to repudiate concepts

used to justify European sovereignty over Indigenous peoples and lands, such as the Doctrine

of Discovery and terra nullius, and to reform those laws, government policies, and litigation

strategies that continue to rely on such concepts.”

Call to Action 52:

“We call upon the Government of Canada, provincial and territorial governments, and the

courts to adopt the following legal principles:

• Aboriginal title claims are accepted once the Aboriginal claimant has established

occupation over a particular territory at a particular point in time.

• Once Aboriginal title has been established, the burden of proving any limitation on any

rights arising from the existence of that title shifts to the party asserting such a limitation.”

Section: National Council for Reconciliation

Call to Action 55

“We call upon all levels of government to provide annual reports or any current data requested

by the National Council for Reconciliation so that it can report on the progress towards

reconciliation. The reports or data would include, but not be limited to: (…)

• Progress on reducing the rate of criminal victimization of Aboriginal people, including data

related to homicide and family violence victimization and other crimes.

• Progress on reducing the overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in the justice and

correctional systems.”

Section: Professional Development and Training for Public Servants

Call to Action 57:

“We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments to provide education

to public servants on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of

residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties

and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skillsbased

training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.”


Section: Missing Children and Burial Information

Call to Action 75:

“We call upon the federal government to work with provincial, territorial, and municipal

governments, churches, Aboriginal communities, former residential school students, and

current landowners to develop and implement strategies and procedures for the ongoing

identification, documentation, maintenance, commemoration, and protection of residential

school cemeteries or other sites at which residential school children were buried. This is to

include the provision of appropriate memorial ceremonies and commemorative markers to

honour the deceased children.”

Section: National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Call to Action 77:

“We call upon provincial, territorial, municipal, and community archives to work collaboratively

with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to identify and collect copies of all

records relevant to the history and legacy of the residential school system, and to provide

these to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.”

Section: Commemoration

Call to Action 79:

“We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Survivors, Aboriginal

organizations, and the arts community, to develop a reconciliation framework for Canadian

heritage and commemoration. This would include, but not be limited to: (…)

• Revising the policies, criteria, and practices of the National Program of Historical

Commemoration to integrate Indigenous history, heritage values, and memory practices

into Canada’s national heritage and history.

• Developing and implementing a national heritage plan and strategy for commemorating

residential school sites, the history and legacy of residential schools, and the contributions

of Aboriginal peoples to Canada’s history.”

Sports and Reconciliation

Call to Action 87:

“We call upon all levels of government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, sports halls of

fame, and other relevant organizations, to provide public education that tells the national story

of Aboriginal athletes in history.”

Call to Action 88:

“We call upon all levels of government to take action to ensure long-term Aboriginal athlete

development and growth, and continued support for the North American Indigenous Games,

including funding to host the games and for provincial and territorial team preparation

and travel.”


BACKGROUND

Reconfiguration of the roles, powers and

responsibilities of municipalities

In response to requests from the City of Montreal, Quebec City, the Union des municipalités du Québec

(UMQ) and the Fédération Québécoise des Municipalités (FQM), the Quebec government announced in

2014 its intention to transform relations between Quebec and municipalities in a significant way.

The municipal world then engaged in a comprehensive process to develop a new partnership with

the Quebec government. At the heart of this process was the recognition of municipalities as local

governments, as well as the special statuses of the City of Montreal as Quebec’s metropolis and Quebec

City as its national capital.

The adoption of Bill 109 granting Quebec City national capital status in 2016 and Bill 121 for

the metropolis and Bill 122 for local governments in 2017 marked the beginning of a new era based on

the complementarity of the various levels of government. This new partnership relationship is now based

on the principle that responsibilities must be exercised at the appropriate level of authority and that an

adequate division of decision-making must constantly be sought.

Municipalities thus obtained formal recognition as local governments. The Quebec government chose

the path of greater autonomy for municipalities, which are best positioned to understand and respond to

the needs of their populations and territories, depending on their areas of jurisdiction.

Municipal responsibilities have evolved greatly over the last few decades. Economic and social

development, environmental and climate issues, mobility challenges and cultural development are all

issues that are increasingly being dealt with at the local level.

In concrete terms, municipalities have inherited new powers and responsibilities. The new powers

and jurisdictions concern land use planning, local and regional economic development, housing

development, cultural development and heritage management. Regarding the metropolis, several

of these new responsibilities concern “living together,” which affects in many respects the realities of

Indigenous peoples in the urban environment: services to individuals (family, children, elderly, people

with disabilities, etc.), homelessness, social and community housing, the fight against discrimination and

racism, crime prevention and access to justice, cultural diversity, entrepreneurship, anti-poverty, social

inclusion and employability.

1

Source : Cahier des participants, SOMMET DES PREMIÈRES NATIONS ET DES MUNICIPALITÉS SUR LA RÉCONCILIATION,

30 août 2018 – Hôtel de Ville de Montréal (rencontre à huis clos)


Reconciliation and the

municipal world

BACKGROUND

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)

has resolutely moved forward on reconciliation,

notably by creating a working group of the Big

City Mayors’ Caucus to implement the Calls to

Action made to municipal governments by the

Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and

by developing a First Nations-Municipalities

Community Economic Development Initiative.

Details of this program are available on the FCM

website in the First Nations-municipal

collaboration section: fcm.ca/en/programs

On September 30, 2016, the FCM published

“Pathways to Reconciliation,” a guide to actions

already undertaken by municipalities across

Canada and recommendations for implementing

the TRC’s Calls to Action. This guide is available

on the FCM website in the First Nations-municipal

collaboration section.

Photo credit: www.pinock.ca


BACKGROUND

First Nations Governance

THE FIRST NATIONS GOVERNMENTS, THE TRIBAL COUNCILS, THE ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS

QUEBEC-LABRADOR AND THE COMMISSIONS AND ORGANISATIONS ACCOUNTABLE TO

THE CHIEFS’ ASSEMBLY.

The constitutional laws of Canada

Section 35 of the Constitution Act recognizes and affirms the existing and treaty rights of the Indigenous

peoples of Canada, namely Indians, Inuit and Métis.

Section 91 (24) of the Constitution Act grants the Parliament of Canada legislative authority

over Indians and lands reserved for Indians.

Indian Act

The Indian Act is an act of the Parliament of Canada that defines, among other things, Indian status, First

Nation governance through the band council and the management of lands reserved for Indians. The Act

applies solely to First Nation members who have registered Indian status within the meaning of the Act.

It does not apply to Métis and Inuit.

Section 87 of the Indian Act provides for the exemption from taxation of property located on a reserve

owned by First Nations people with Indian status. Considered property, an Indian’s income earned on a

reserve is tax-exempt.

Section 88 of the Indian Act stipulates that, subject to certain treaties or federal laws, provincial laws

of general application apply to Indians, even those living on a reserve, unless such provincial laws are

inconsistent with a duly recognized and validated treaty.

It is important to emphasize that, very often, the overlapping of jurisdictions of First Nations

themselves, the provincial government and the federal government compromises the quality

and efficiency of services provided to First Nation people, for example, when it comes

to child services and public safety.

First Nations governments

Called “band councils” in the Indian Act, First Nations governments are the foundation of all First Nations

governance. They are the first to have authority over the affairs of First Nations and their members,

regardless of where they live.

First Nations governments play a central role, both politically and administratively. They assert their

jurisdiction and their responsibility for all frontline services to their populations, including health, social

services, child services, income security, employment and economic development, public safety, the

environment and the territory. In addition, First Nations governments also have primary responsibility for

advocacy, territorial title, other Indigenous and treaty rights, and the affairs of the Nation.

First Nation governments are periodically elected by their membership at large. Each community has the

right to adopt its own customary or traditional electoral code.


BACKGROUND

Tribal councils and political organizations of some nations

Nation councils are created by First Nations governments that choose to provide their own common

services.

There are seven tribal councils established by the First Nations in Quebec-Labrador.

The Grand Council of the Crees and the Innu Nation (Labrador) are political groups and are not

considered tribal councils.

The services provided by tribal councils vary from one to the other and may include anything from

support for land negotiations to medical transportation.

AFNQL (Chiefs’ Assembly) and the regional commissions and organizations

accountable to the Chiefs’ Assembly

It has always been customary for First Nations Chiefs to meet, develop alliances and exchange ideas on

the political, military, economic and social issues they face. The accounts of early European explorers

often refer to these networks of exchange between First Nations. In keeping with this tradition and to

maintain ties between themselves, the Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec-Labrador met in 1985 to

create the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) in its current form.

In the resolution they adopted to this end, they described the AFNQL as a forum for consultation,

cooperation and liaison between themselves. The AFNQL continues to play this collective role. The

Chiefs also chose to designate a spokesperson, who is known as the Chief of the AFNQL and is directly

accountable to the Assembly.

Over the years, realizing the need to work together and concretely join forces around

crucial issues for the First Nations population, the Chiefs chose to establish various regional commissions

and organizations, which are networks that bring together those responsible

for the services involved.

We should also mention the First Nations Education Council (FNEC) and Institut Tshakapesh, which work

specifically in the field of education, the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services

Commission (FNQLHSSC), the First Nations Human Resources Development Commission of Quebec

(FNHRDCQ), the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC)

and the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Sustainable Development Institute (FNQLSDI). These

bodies are all accountable to the Chiefs’ Assembly.

“Treaty” and “non-treaty” Nations

In Quebec, there is a major distinction between the 10 Nations and the Inuit, that is Nations that have

signed a modern treaty and those that have not. For example, the James Bay Cree and Inuit signed the

James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement in 1975, and the Naskapi signed the Northeastern Quebec

Agreement in 1978.

These so-called “modern” treaties provided a framework for the recognition and exercise of the rights of

the James Bay Cree, Inuit and Naskapi (“treaty Nations”).

As a distinct people, the Inuit are not part of the AFNQL.

Furthermore, other Nations in Quebec are parties to so-called historic treaties concluded with the Crown.

The validity of pre-confederation treaties was recognized by the Supreme Court of Canada in the Sioui,

Simon and Marshall decisions.


Map Quebec-Autochtone

Ivujivik

Salluit

Kangiqsujuaq

Akulivik

Quaqtaq

Puvirnituq

Kangirsuk

Killiniq

Inukjuak

Aupaluk

Tasiujaq

Kangiqsualujjuaq

Kuujjuaq

Umiujaq

Whapmagoostui

Kuujjuarapik

Kawawachikamach

Matimekosh Lac-John

Chisasibi

Wemindji

Eastmain

Waskaganish

Nemaska

Pakuashipi

Mistissini

Ekuanitshit

Mani-Utenam

Nutashkuan

Unamen Shipu

Waswanipi

Oujé-Bougoumou

Uashat

Pikogan

Opitciwan

Timiskaming

Winneway Lac-Simon

Wemotaci

Kitcisakik

Hunter’s Point

Rapid Lake

Manawan

Kebaowek

Mashteuiatsh

Wendake

Pessamit

Essipit

Listuguj

Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk

Whitworth

Gesgapegiag

Gespeg

Kitigan Zibi

Odanak

Wôlinak

Kanesatake

Akwesasne

Kahnawake


Algonquin presence

on the Quebec-Ontario

ABOUT

The Outaouais and Eastern Ontario were founded on the traditional lands of the Algonquin Nation, which

has been established for thousands of years in the Ottawa Valley over a vast territory straddling the current

border between Ontario and Quebec. The Algonquin Peoples have a transborder vision of the territory, with

the Ottawa River holding a central place. It is seen not as a border, but rather as a place for meeting and

exchanging, and as the main communication and transportation channel.

• ●Covering 18,437 hectares, the Algonquin reserve of Kitigan Zibi (co-host of the 2023 Great

Gathering), is located to the south of the municipality of Maniwaki in the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau

RCM and is the largest Algonquin community in Canada. Of its 3,602 members, 1,215 resided in

the community in 2016 (Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 2019 and Statistics Canada). The

population has grown by 4.3% since 2006.

• ●The community of Barriere Lake is located 120 km north of Maniwaki, close to the Cabonga

reservoir in the La Vérendrye wildlife reserve. In 2016, it had 790 members, 164 of whom lived outside

the reserve (Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 2019).

• ●The community of Pikwàkanagàn, formerly known as the Golden Lake First Nation, is located on the

shores of the Bonnechère River and Golden Lake, approximately 40 kilometres south of Pembroke,

in the County of Renfrew, in Ontario. The community has 2,063 members, 435 of whom resided in the

community in 2016. The population has grown by 7.1% since 2006.

Photo credit : algonquine-Anishnabeg Nation

1

Source: Observatoire de l’Outaouais:

https://odooutaouais.ca/wp-content/uploads/pour_consultation/section/5_Autochtones.pdf


ABOUT

City of Gatineau projects and

initiatives conducted in partnership

with Indigenous communities

Place Abinan

On June 21, 2016, the City of Gatineau inaugurated

Place Abinan on National Indigenous Peoples Day.

This new public place was developed as part of

the Rue Jacques-Cartier shoreline redevelopment

project. On it stands the Birch Bark Basket creation

by Anishinabe artist Simon Brascoupé.

Mitigomijokan

In 2021, on the recommendation of its Comité

de toponymie, the City of Gatineau adopted the

place name Mitigomijokan to designate electoral

district number 5. The name means “the place of

the oak” and was chosen in consultation with the

Kitigan Zibi community. It honours the culture and

language of the territory’s first occupants.

National Indigenous History Month

On June 8, 2022, Gatineau Municipal Council

proclaimed the month of June as National

Indigenous History Month. For the very first

time, the City of Gatineau raised the Kitigan Zibi

Algonquin community flag in front of the Maison

du citoyen and made a commitment to do so

every year.

In 2021, out of Gatineau’s population of 291,041, a little over 4%, or 11,705, self-identified as

being of Indigenous ancestry (Statistics Canada).

Other initiatives by Gatineau

On December 6, 2022, Gatineau Municipal Council adopted a program of equity, diversity and inclusion

(EDI) within its organizational structure. Under its equal opportunity program, Gatineau projects that within

three years it will be hiring some 100 Indigenous people as employees and establishing a position for an

Indigenous liaison officer.

These issues were addressed in 2022 by the Table de concertation sur le vivre-ensemble. That year,

this consultation and collaboration instrument became the Commission du vivre-ensemble et de

l’immigration. This new structure will make it possible to put forward recommendations on actions to the

Municipal Council.

Other initiatives within the territory

• The Indigenous FabLabs of the First Peoples Innovation Centre (cipp-fpic.com) at the Promenade du

Portage in downtown Gatineau

• The ZIBI construction project, involving the Anishinabe Decontie Construction company – 2021

• UQO’s Indigenous liaison office – 2020


ABOUT

An original artwork tribute to

the 2023 Great Gathering

On the occasion of the 2023 Great Gathering,

Gatineau is delighted to add to its permanent

collection an original piece entitled

Mawandoseg (which means “gathering”),

specially created for the occasion by a painter

from the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabe community,

John Tenasco. As an expression of gratitude,

limited edition prints, numbered and signed by

the artist, will be given to the guest panelists

at the 2023 Great Gathering.

Participants are invited to view Mawandoseg,

which will be displayed in the Jean-Alie Hall

throughout the event.

About John Tenasco 2

John Tenasco is an Algonquin artist from the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg reserve. He enjoys exploring

different painting techniques and styles and incorporates Indigenous content into his work in as many

ways as possible. John Tenasco has a diploma of college studies from Heritage College (Gatineau)

and a bachelor’s degree in visual arts from the University of Ottawa. He received the Jacqueline Fry

memorial scholarship in 2001, and the Suzanne Rivard-Lemoyne award in 2002. His works are part of

the Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and the University of Ottawa collections,

as well as of the City of Ottawa Art Collection.

John Tenasco’s works touch on the abstract as well as realism. Starting from large concepts, the

artist filters them by adding his own perspective with a view to extracting themes covering the

impermanence and instability of the image. His process begins with an intuitive exploration of forms

and meanings, which he executes by combining gestural and controlled linear brush strokes. His

influence is felt far and wide, not only by other artists but also in areas such as philosophy, poetry

and music. His spirituality also seeps into his works, whose changing forms evoke the concepts

of transcendence and the sublime. The brush strokes create an impression of movement and

imbue abstract characters with life. John Tenasco is known for his skill at capturing and rearranging

surrounding colours, reflecting nature’s bright and inspiring shades.

2

Source : https://ottawa.ca/en/arts-heritage-and-events/public-art/art-search/armoured-figure


ABOUT

About our Master of Ceremonies

Marie-Ève L. Bordeleau

Throughout the Great Gathering, participants and panelists will be

guided by our Master of Ceremonies, Marie-Ève L. Bordeleau, a

member of the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi. Ms. Bordeleau has a

bachelor of law degree from Université Laval, and was called to the

Barreau du Québec in 2007. From 2006 to 2011, she practiced law at

Morin & Murdoch Avocats, mainly in the area of Indigenous law, but

also as legal counsel and corporate secretary for different Indigenous

organizations. From 2011 to 2013, Ms. Bordeleau oversaw the justice

and public safety file at Quebec Native Women. In 2012, Ms. Bordeleau

was involved in the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for

Human Rights training program for Indigenous Peoples.

Ms. Bordeleau is also the co-founder of the mobile mediation clinic

for Indigenous communities. From 2013 to 2018, she practiced law

from her office in Kahnawake, Quebec, where she served as legal

counsel and consultant for Indigenous organizations.

From 2018 to 2022, she was the first commissioner for relations with

Indigenous Peoples for the City of Montreal. She is also a recipient of

the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers. Since September 2022, she has

served as strategic and legal advisor for the Cree Nation Government

Board of Compensation.

Agora de la Maison du Citoyen


3 rd SUMMIT OF

FIRST NATIONS

AND MUNICIPALITIES

Review of previous summits and objectives

Thursday, March 23 at 8:30 a.m. – Salle des Fêtes

To begin the event, a review of the results of the two previous editions of the First Nations and

Municipalities Summit on Reconciliation will be conducted by their hosts, the City of Montreal and

Quebec City as well as the Huron-Wendat community of Wendake. Afterwards, the objectives of the 2023

Great Gathering will be presented by the City of Gatineau as well as the community of

Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg.

Our speakers:

• ●Ms. Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montreal

• ●Ms. Catherine Vallières-Roland, Deputy Mayor, Quebec City

• ●Grand Chief Rémy Vincent, Conseil de la nation huronne-wendat

• ●Ms. France Bélisle, Mayor of Gatineau

Explaining the United Nations Declaration on the

Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Thursday, March 23 at 9:15 am – Salle des Fêtes

Discussion facilitated by Marie-Ève L. Bordeleau, Master of Ceremonies

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) provides a framework for

reconciliation, but its scope and content are often misunderstood. This panel will present what UNDRIP

stands for in simple terms, as well as testimonies from municipalities that have adopted it.

Our panel:

• ●Élisabeth Patterson, Dionne & Schulze

• ●Alia Hassan-Cournol, Associate Advisor to the Mayor for reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and

international affairs, City of Montreal

• ●France Bélisle, Mayor of Gatineau

Panel on municipal public structures

and Indigenous Peoples



Even though they bear common responsibilities, municipalities and Indigenous Peoples’ communities are

structured very differently in terms of their governance and administration, as well as in the scope of their

responsibilities. This discussion circle will present these two distinct orders of government, and examine their

roles, responsibilities and functions in order to lay the foundations for efficient collaboration between them.

Our panel:

• ●Alexandre Bacon, Institut Ashukan

• ●Guy Chiasson, professor of political science and regional development, Université du Québec

en Outaouais


Ashukan is a universal term in Algonquin languages that refers to the concept of a

“bridge” between shores. On a symbolic level, it promotes the concept of the link

that unites people, cultures and organizations.

Institut Ashukan was founded in November 2021 by Alexandre Bacon. Mr. Bacon

holds a master in public administration and is an experienced trainer and strategic

advisor for several Indigenous organizations. By fostering a high level of training

about Indigenous realities, creating content with experts from different fields,

simplifying and disseminating the findings of university studies among the public,

and offering strategic guidance supporting sustainable initiatives among nations,

Institut Ashukan builds such new bridges, thereby strengthening organizations’

work teams and alliance networks.

hwww.InstitutAshukan.com

https://www.facebook.com/InstitutAshukan

https://www.linkedin.com/company/institutashukan/


3 rd SUMMIT OF

FIRST NATIONS

AND MUNICIPALITIES

Discussion circle – Reconciliation in common


Discussion facilitated by Daniel Feeny, director of communications and intergovernmental relations,

Office of the Mayor of Gatineau

This discussion circle will highlight the special relationship between the mayors and chiefs as leaders of

their community. It will lend a voice to these major players, who, working with an attitude of respect and

collaboration are the key links in the process of reconciliation. The discussions will cover local initiatives,

inspired and inspiring, that help bring Indigenous communities and their neighbouring municipalities

closer together, and thereby give them a chance to get to know one another better..

Our panelists:

• ●Daniel Côté, President of the Union des municipalités du Québec, Prefect of the Côte-de-Gaspé RCM

and Mayor of Gaspé

• ●Chief Terry Shaw, Micmac Nation of Gespeg

• ●Serge Bergeron, Mayor of Roberval

• ●Chief Gilbert Dominique, Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan (Mashteuiatsh)

Female leadership: What if women stewarded

the reconciliation?

Thursday, March 23 at 12:15 pm, Gilles-Rocheleau agora


Quebec is seeing more and more women in political positions, as chiefs, grand chiefs, mayors, members

of parliament and senators. How does their involvement in decision-making bodies change the ways

of doing things and thinking? Do they feel called upon to play a key role in reconciliation? This panel of

elected officials will share their points of view and their visions as women.

Our panelists:

• ●Senator Michèle Audette

• ●Grand Chief Savanna McGregor, Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council

• ●France Bélisle, Mayor of Gatineau

• ●Manon Cyr, Mayor of Chibougamau

• ●Chantal Lamarche, Prefect of the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau RCM

• ●Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty of Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee and President of the

Cree Nation Government


3 rd SUMMIT OF

FIRST NATIONS

AND MUNICIPALITIES

Discussion circle on housing: common issues and

success stories

Thursday, March 23 at 1:45 p.m. – Salle des Fêtess


The impact of the long-time housing crisis in Indigenous communities has also been felt in Quebec

municipalities. This discussion circle will cover the situation, common issues, initiatives that lead to

positive results, and the essential prerequisites for implementing permanent solutions.

Our panelists::

• ●Adrienne Jérôme, former Chief of the Conseil de la Nation Anishnabe du Lac Simon

• ●Guy Latouche, Advisor, Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador

• ●Laurent Odjick, Director, Société immobilière du Regroupement des centres d’amitié

autochtones du Québec

• ●Alexandra Ambroise, Coordinator, Mitshuap Raphaël André

• ●Céline Brindamour, Mayor of Val-d’Or

Presentation of First Nations Identification

Thursday, March 23 at 3:15 p.m – Salle des Fêtes

First Nations Identification is an official brand that supports and protects First Nations entrepreneurs and

communities in every sphere of economic development by affirming the authenticity of their products and

services.

Our presenters:

• Mickel Robertson, Director General, First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development

Commission

• Aroussen Gros-Louis, multidisciplinary artist

Promotion of Indigenous culture…

authenticity and diversity

Indigenous tourism is an excellent means of promoting Indigenous culture and languages, and of

reaching out to Indigenous peoples through authentic and diversified experiences

Our panelists:

• ●Dave Laveau, Executive Director, Indigenous Tourism Quebec

• ●Martin Soucy, Chief Executive Officer, Alliance de l’industrie touristique du Québec


3 rd ECONOMIC CIRCLE

OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

AND QUEBEC

Discussion circle – Municipal economic

development structures and Indigenous peoples

Friday, March 24 at 9 a.m. – Salle Jean Despréz

Discussion facilitated by Chantal Hamelin, Director General, Secretariat to the Cree Nation Abitibi-

Temiscamingue Economic Alliance

Municipalities and First Nation communities support economic development through their own

structures. This discussion circle will present those structures and how they do things with a tangible

example, and how they can collaborate in order to carry out inclusive and sustainable projects.

Our panelists:

• Mickel Robertson, Director General, First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic

Development Commission

• ●Ken Rock, Executive Director, Société de développement économique Uashat mak Mani-Utenam

• ●Vincent Lecorne, Director General, Association des professionnels en développement

économique du Québec

Discussion circle – Indigenous tourism,

a tool for rapprochement

Friday, March 24 at 9:45 a.m., Salle Jean Despréz

Discussion facilitated by Michelle Picard, Account Manager, Native Commercial Credit Corporation

Indigenous tourism is growing in Quebec. Numerous partnerships contribute to this success, along

with different stakeholders in Quebec’s tourism industry. The result is an industry that truly helps bring

people together. This discussion circle will highlight some of those partnerships.

Our panelists:

• ●Dave Laveau, Executive Director, Indigenous Tourism Quebec

• ●Julie Kinnear, Chief Executive Officer, Outaouais Tourism

• ●Marc Plourde, Vice-President Partnerships Relations, Quebec Outfitters Federation

Discussion circle – Environment, sustainable

development and structuring projects

Friday, March 24 at 2 p.m., Salle Jean Despréz


The environment and sustainable development are sectors where Indigenous Peoples’ communities

have developed numerous major projects in partnership with municipalities or municipal

organizations. This discussion circle highlights two of these projects, as well as some of the

stakeholders involved in them.

Our panelists:

• Chief Lance Haymond, Kebaowek First Nation

• Ms. Claire Bolduc, Prefect of the Témiscamingue RCM

• Grand Chief Jacques Tremblay, Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk

• Mr. Michel Lagacé, Prefect of the Rivière-du-Loup RCM




AND QUEBEC

Discussion circle – Prosperity for all through First

Peoples’ innovation

Friday, March 24 at 1 p.m. – Salle Jean Despréz

Discussion facilitated by Dave Sergerie, Strategic Advisor, First Nations Human Resources Development

Commission of Quebec (FNHRDCQ)

Persistent inflation, labour shortages, difficult adaptation to the post-pandemic reality: every one of these

problems exacerbating the already considerable employability challenges faced by First Peoples. On the

one hand, we have employers desperately trying to deal with the lack of employees, and on the other, a

pool of learners and future workers overcoming, one by one, the barriers standing between them and the

labour market, growth and prosperity. What innovative methods can be applied so that everyone finds what

they need? This is what we will explore with our panel.

Our panelists:

• ●Wanda Lafontaine, Employability Partnerships Representatives, First Nations Human Resources

Development Commission of Quebec

• ●Alexandre Bacon, member of the Board of Directors, First Peoples Innovation Centre

Photo credit: Kitigan Zibi Anishnabeg




AND QUEBEC

Booths and networking area, presented by BDC and

Innovation Canada

Innovation, Sciences et

Développement économique Canada

Innovation, Science and

Economic Development Canada

On Friday, March 24 th , during the Grand Economic Circle, come and chat with representatives of

organizations committed to developmental projects for Indigenous Peoples and Quebec municipalities.

The following is a provisional list of exhibitors and an overview of what awaits you at their booths:

• ●Secretariat to the Cree Nation Abitibi-Temiscamingue Economic Alliance

Abitibi-Temiscamingue regional liaison and information office, Eeyou Istchee James Bay-Nunavik –

Strategic alliances – Business partnerships – Employment and training.

• FNQLEDC

First Nations Identification (the bear logo) supports and protects First Nations entrepreneurs and

communities in all spheres of economic development and helps quickly confirm the authenticity of

their products and services.

• ●FNQLEDC

The mission of the FNQLEDC is to advise, guide and support First Nations in achieving their socioeconomic

objectives. It offers different services to community economic development officers and

guides First Nations members through every stage of setting up or developing a business.

• ●Ville de Gatineau

Learn about the available resources that can accelerate the growth of businesses within Gatineau.

• ●Pôle en enseignement supérieur de l’Outaouais (PESO)

Inter-institutional higher education projects meeting departmental objectives that promote

accessibility to higher education professionals by under-represented groups such as Indigenous

Peoples.

• ●Native Commercial Credit Corporation (SOCCA)

Offering term loans and non-refundable contributions to Indigenous businesses.

• ●Outaouais Tourism

Opportunity for support and collaboration in the development and structuring of the Indigenous

tourism offer in the Outaouais region.

• ●Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)

ISC provides economic development financial assistance programs.

• ●Université du Québec en Outaouais

Higher education, continuous training program and research.

• ●Indigenous Tourism Quebec

Professional services for Indigenous tourism businesses, promoters and band councils.

• ●BDC

Financial products and advice for First Nations businesses.

• ●Institut Ashukan

Training, research into Indigenous realities and strategic guidance for organizations seeking to create

bridges with Indigenous communities.


3 rd GRAND REGIONAL

ECONOMIC CIRCLE


AND QUEBEC

• ●First Nations Executive Education (FNEE)

Presentation of our programs for First Nations.

• ●First Nations Human Resources Development Commission of Quebec

Employability measures and services, promotional items, labour force development liaison officer,

projects underway for Indigenous employability and for the Rapid Lake (Barriere Lake) community,

Indigenous labour integration and retention tools.

• ●Public Services and Procurement Canada

Procurement services and support.

• ●Secrétariat aux relations avec les Premières Nations et les Inuit

Financial assistance program for Indigenous Peoples (Indigenous Initiatives Fund IV).

• ●Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

Financing resources and programs offered to housing providers and managers who support the

housing objectives of Indigenous Peoples and improve their overall living conditions.

• ●Société du parc Jean-Drapeau

Presentation of the key actions at Parc Jean-Drapeau (Montreal) in the areas of reconciliation and

indigenization, namely the Indigenous design guidelines.

• Cégep de l’Outaouais

• ●Centre d’innovation des premiers peuples

Photo credit: Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg


LEARN MORE...

A tasty Great Gathering!

Chef Stephane Paquette

Chef Marie-Claude Labelle

Chef Marie-Claude Labelle comes from Barriere Lake and grew up in

Maniwaki. She is the owner of The Mix / Le Mix, a catering service located

in Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg. She has offered her culinary services to many

powwows and major public events. She recently published her first book in

collaboration with the First Peoples Innovation Centre (FPIC) entitled “Cuisine

aux Saveurs Autochtones”. She is now working on her biggest project, which

consists of opening her own restaurant and offering Indigenous flavours in

Kitigan Zibi.

“My cooking is inspired by the desire to share the Indigenous flavours of our

Anishinabeg land and culture, and to show our young people that everything

is possible – if you believe that you can, you will do it.” –

Chef Marie-Claude Labelle

Chef and caterer of St-Estephe, established in Gatineau for more than

20 years, Stéphane Paquette has an unmatched reputation in the

Outaouais region when it comes to banquets. Passionate about both

cooking and people, he is delighted to bring you, in collaboration with

Chef Marie-Claude Labelle, an original menu blending traditional and

contemporary flavours.

A sneak preview of the meals:

●Wednesday, March 22 – Opening cocktail and banquet

What do mushroom soup, wild garlic bannock crouton, duck confit with wild blueberry sauce, and molasses cake

with maple coulis have in common? These delectable dishes will all be served at the opening banquet for the

2023 Great Gathering!

●Thursday, March 23 – Cocktail dinner presented by Outaouais Tourism

Outaouais Tourism is proud to contribute to the 2023 Great Gathering of Indigenous Peoples and Municipalities.

On Thursday, March 23rd, don’t miss this substantial cocktail dinner for Summit and Economic Circle participants.

Three buffet stations will offer the following dishes: maple smoked salmon, bison tacos with creamy wild garlic

and cheese sauce, and wild blueberry venison eggrolls. Platters with vegetarian hors d’oeuvres will also

be served.

●Friday, March 24 – Networking luncheon presented

by First Nations Executive Education

This final meal, prepared around the theme of economic reconciliation, will feature a wild rice salad with acorn

squash, fish cakes, game pie and rhubarb and cranberry pudding.

Bon appétit! /Wisinin ~

Les menus complets seront disponibles pour téléchargement durant l’événement


LEARN MORE...

Exhibition of Indigenous art MAMAWI

Presented in the Salon Jean-Alie at Maison du citoyen

MAMAWI, which means “together” in the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg language, highlights several Indigenous

works from the City of Gatineau’s permanent collection, along with three works by artists from the Kitigan

Zibi Anishinabeg community. These works reveal the creativity of ten artists from the Anishinabeg, Eeyouch

and Inuit families and the diversity of their artistic practices. Several parallel stories are sensitively united to

express the iconographic richness of the First Peoples!

Movie night

Preview – My “Indian” Name

Wednesday, March 22, at 8 p.m. –

Salle Jean Desprez

The Service des arts of the City of Gatineau, in collaboration

with Ciné-jonction, invites you to end the opening night with a

screening of this new documentary produced by the Gatineau

firm Nish Media (Pour toi Flora), directed by Abraham Côté,

a member of the Anishinabe community of Kitigan Zibi. The

screening will take place in the presence of the director.

Abraham Côté is an Anishinabe filmmaker from the Algonquin

community of Kitigan Zibi, Quebec. He began making short

films in 2007 and draws inspiration from his community, his

culture and his family of five children. Several of his films have

traveled to international festivals. Abraham currently works

as a content creator at Nish Media, an Indigenous production

company in Gatineau, writing and directing documentaries for

television. A lifelong fan of genre films, Abraham is currently

working on writing and directing a genre feature film.

My “Indian” Name is a 45-minute documentary that examines

the impact of the loss of their traditional names on Indigenous

peoples. Without their original names, these people are too often left trying to understand their place in this

world. Fortunately, steps are being taken today to reclaim their fundamental right to their true identity.

Abraham Côté


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Sunrise

ceremony

Dates: March 23 and 24 at 7:00 am

Location: Canadian Museum of History, next to the river, behind the museum, outside

(dress accordingly)

Duration : 30 to 45 minutes

Exclusive for our guests: A special moment in the purest Anishinabe tradition

of connecting with nature and preparing your spirit for the day’s discussions and

exchanges.

With Kitigan Zibi Elder and Sacred Fire Keeper, Peter Decontie

Pinock is an Algonquin from the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Nation near Maniwaki, Quebec. He builds

canoes with a particular interest in Algonquin birchbark canoes. He is also a gifted craftsmen of

toboggans, cradleboards, paddles, drums and other traditional crafts. Pinock has participated in many

demonstrations and workshops that allow him to pass on the traditional knowledge handed down to him.

We would like to thank Pinock for his invaluable collaboration in showcasing Algonquin culture in the setup

of the various rooms for the 2023 Gathering.


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Spotlight on our guest artists

Makhena Guérin Rankin:

When: Wednesday during the official opening

Where: Salle Jean Despréz

Makhena Rankin Guérin, a member of the Abitibiwinni Nation, is a two-spirited

Anishinabe and Franco-Ontarian hoop dancer. The hoop dance is a medicinal

dance that tells a story. This dance is meant to evoke emotions within the audience

so that it can act as medicine for the mind, body and spirit.

Annie St-Jean

When: Wednesday during the official opening

Where: Salle Jean Despréz

Annie St-Jean from Gatineau, who is a slammer and official slammer of

SlamOutaouais at the Quebec Slam League, has distinguished herself within

the league: she has won the regional finals more than once and has had the

opportunity to shine at many national Grand Slams. She has participated in slam

shows in Outaouais, Montreal and Quebec City, but also in France.

Keith Whiteduck

When: Wednesday, March 22, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., during the opening banquet

Location: Maison du citoyen – Agora

A member of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg community, Keith Whiteduck is a

classically trained pianist, singer and songwriter. His first album, Enter Keith

Whiteduck, was released in 2020. Keith will be on stage during the opening

banquet to enrich the ambience for this lovely evening.

Josée Bourgeois

When: Thursday around 6 p.m., during the Outaouais Tourism cocktail reception

Where: Maison du citoyen – Gilles-Rocheleau agora

Born in Ottawa, Josée Bourgeois is an Algonquin woman from the Pikwàkanagàn

First Nation (Ontario). An accomplished performer, actress and model, she

originally trained as a gymnast and contemporary dancer. For the past twelve

years, she has traveled the powwow trails of Eastern Canada performing the

ceremonial shawl dance and the jingle dress dance, connecting with her son Little

Thunder to the ancestral territory of the Algonquin people.

Lyle Odjick and the Northern Steam

When: Thursday, March 23, after the cocktail dinner, around 7:30 p.m.

Location: Maison du citoyen – Salle Jean Desprez

Originally from Kitigan Zibi, now settled in Ottawa, Lyle Odjick was quick to master

the harmonica, and formed his own band. He now performs in the biggest blues

festivals across the country, including the Ottawa Bluesfest, the Calabogie Blues

& Ribfest and the Mont Tremblant International Bluesfest. Come and enjoy his

energetic blues rock!


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The Museum invites you!

The Canadian Museum of History is pleased to invite all the delegates, participants and

panelists attending the 2023 Great Gathering. To take advantage of this generous offer,

please go to the Museum’s Information booth (not the ticket booth).

This offer is valid from March 22 to 25, and applies only to delegates (not their guests)

Please note that, according to its policy, the Canadian Museum of History admits free of

charge all Indigenous peoples – Inuit, Métis and First Nations

For additional information:

https://www.historymuseum.ca/visit/

Be sure to remember

the children’s voice!

At the 2023 Great Gathering, you will notice the Chair of Generations, which

appeared at Gatineau’s Municipal Council on January 17th.

Made by children and placed at tables where decisions are made, the Chair

of Generations represents and carries the voice of the children. It reminds

leaders that their future will be determined by the decisions made today. It

also gives the children who make it the opportunity to express their creative

potential and to influence adults’ decisions and actions to the benefit of a

sustainable future.

The Chair of Generations embodies the key demand of the Mothers Step In

organization to the different levels of government. We ask that all decisions

pass the test of their impact on the environment with a view to protecting our

children’s future.

Source : https://meresaufront.org/chaise-des-generations/


POUR TOUT

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The downtown comes alive

for the Great Gathering!

Everyone is invited to celebrate the 2023 Great Gathering by taking part in an

activity on the sidelines of the event, developed in collaboration with

Vision Centre-ville.

Exhibition of art by Kitigan Zibi painters

Claude Latour and John Tenasco

from March 22, 2023

Le Troquet, 41 rue Laval

Documentary film My “Indian” name

by Nish Media

in collaboration with Ciné Jonction

Friday, March 24, at 7:00 p.m.

La Filature, 82 rue Hanson

Free admission

Reserve your places here: www.cinejonction.com

Kitigan Zibi takes the stage

With Lyle Odjick and the Northern Steam and the Keith Whiteduck Band

Saturday, March 25, starting at 8:00 p.m.

Le Minotaure, 3 rue Kent

Free admission, first come, first served.

Go have a taste!

Café Bouleau

Native Women’s Association of Canada

120, Prom. du Portage


Our thanks to all our partners and sponsors / Migwech!

The 2023 Great Gathering of Indigenous Peoples and Municipalities is made possible thanks to the

contributions and collaboration of many partners and sponsors.

Sponsors

Hosts of the event

Project partners


Québec-Labrador


Quebec-Labrador


Québec-Labrador


Quebec-Labrador

Local partners and sponsors

• ●Outaouais Tourism

• ●BDC

• ●Innovation Canada

• ●First Nations Executive Education

• ●Canadian Museum of History

• ●Vision Centre-Ville

• ●First Peoples Innovation Centre

• ●Université du Québec en Outaouais

• ●Institut Ashukan

Programming Committee

• ●Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador, housing component

• ●First Peoples Innovation Centre

• ●First Nations Human Resources Development Commission of Quebec

• ●First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Sustainable Development Institute

• ●Indigenous Tourism Quebec

Partner Hotels

• ●Four Points by Sheraton Hotel and Conference Centre Gatineau-Ottawa

• ●DoubleTree by Hilton Gatineau

Participant's Guide | GR2023GATINEAU | EN

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