Montréal, Québec

The NIEDB held its Fall quarterly meeting in Montréal, Québec.

The Board was honoured to meet with Grand Chief Paul John Murdoch, along with representatives from the Cree Nation Government and the Cree Development Corporation. The Board learned about the Cree Nation Government’s economic development priorities and key initiatives focused on strengthening local economies and supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship

The Board received a presentation on Boralex, a publicly traded company with a fully renewable energy portfolio that is expanding in Quebec and Ontario. The company emphasized its evolving approach to Indigenous partnerships, guided by the NIES framework, and highlighted the importance of community engagement in project development.

The Board received an update from La Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) on its efforts to support Indigenous economic development through equity partnerships and capacity building. A key initiative, launched in collaboration with the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke, helps Indigenous communities invest in renewable energy infrastructure on their traditional lands.

Champion Iron – Minerai de fer Québec presented to the Board about the company’s engagement with Indigenous communities. And Hydro-Québec shared their 2024 Action Plan, including PAIR Gold-level accreditation from CCIB and over 40 agreements in progress across Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador.

On day two of the meeting, the Board travelled to Kahnawa:ke and met with the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke. Representatives shared the Council’s economic development priorities, including tourism, gaming, renewable energy, and real estate, with a focus on generating sole-source revenue. Key initiatives include the Indigenous Initiatives Fund, equity partnerships under Bill C-5, and the Kahnawà:ke Sovereign Wealth Fund.

The Board also heard presentations from Kahnawà:ke Tourism and Indigenous Tourism Quebec, as well as from the Canada Economic Development Agency for Quebec Regions on their efforts to strengthen Indigenous partnerships. Additionally, the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission shared their mission to support community economic development officers and Indigenous entrepreneurs across 43 communities representing 10 nations.

Following the presentations, the Board visited the Makivvik Corporation office to learn more about economic development initiatives and opportunities in Nunavik.

Meeting in community is an important part of the NIEDB’s mandate. These engagements offer invaluable opportunities to hear directly from Indigenous Nations and organizations about the challenges they face, the successes they’ve achieved, and the opportunities ahead.