The Interregional Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples in Val-d'Or
Published on November 17, 2022
The Interregional Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples in Val-d'Or
Mission accomplished
Val-d'Or, November 16, 2022 - The Interregional Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples was held as an act of good faith between the Indigenous Peoples. More than 300 people participated in the event that took place on November 14, 15 and 16 at the Forestel Hotel in Val-d'Or. The Secrétariat to the Cree Nation Abitibi-Témiscamingue Economic Alliance (SCNATEA) is more than satisfied with the exchanges and is convinced that the outcomes will be important not only for the regions of Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Nord-du-Québec but for all of Québec. In addition to the numerous discussion panels, the event allowed more than 300 business meetings to take place.
The President of the Secretariat, Dr. Ted Moses, states: "We were fortunate to live a historic moment in Vald'Or. The meeting between the Anicinabek, Cree, Atikamekw and Inuit communities is unique and promising for the future. This meeting also allowed us to build bridges with municipal elected officials and representatives of businesses and organizations from Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Nord-du-Québec and I salute their willingness to work towards a greater inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in the economy.”
The mayor of Val-d'Or, Céline Brindamour, also believes in the importance of this meeting, which will have a positive impact: "Holding this great meeting in Val-d'Or was a unique opportunity. As mayor, participating in this dialogue between non-Indigenous people and First Nations is very inspiring and enriching. I sincerely believe that the benefits of this meeting will be positive for our respective communities. I am committed to making other Quebec municipalities aware of the importance of sincere and respectful collaboration.”
After commitments comes time for action
More than twenty companies and organizations have responded to the Secretariat's call and have made public commitments to promote the full inclusion of Indigenous peoples in the interregional economy. These commitments include the elimination of racial discrimination, training of staff on Indigenous realities, recognition of traditional territories and the implementation of the Call to Action 92 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report. The Secretariat will ensure to follow-up on these commitments.
Next event
The event will now move to the City of Gatineau, which will host, along with the Anishinabeg community of Kitigan Zibi, the Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples during a large gathering to be held from March 22 to 24, 2023. These events are the result of the Great Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples and Quebec held in Montreal in November 2021. The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) wanted to see the Circle travel to all regions in order to create a movement towards greater inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in the economy.
About The Secrétariat to the Cree Nation Abitibi-Témiscamingue Economic Alliance
The mission of the Secretariat is to promote sustainable links and socio-economic alliances between the Cree Nation (Eeyou Istchee), Baie-James, Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Nunavik, in order to foster harmonious development.
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