Press release
Published on August 14, 2024
Press release
For immediate diffusion
Launch of a culturally adapted mentoring project for Cree entrepreneurs in collaboration with the SCNATEA
Montreal, August 21, 2024 - The Secretariat to the Cree Nation Abitibi-Témiscamingue Economic Alliance (SCNATEA) and the Réseau Mentorat are proud to announce the launch of Niimuudaan, an innovative project aimed at developing access to mentoring that is culturally adapted to the entrepreneurial realities of the Cree Nation.
This project is made possible thanks to the financial support of the Government of Quebec through the “Soutien à l'entrepreneuriat sur le territoire nordique québécois” call for projects (Soutien à l’entrepreneuriat sur le territoire nordique québécois | Gouvernement du Québec (quebec.ca)).
“This mentoring project represents a significant step forward for entrepreneurial support within the Cree Nation. By offering culturally adapted support, it will enable entrepreneurs to benefit from better guidance based on the values and realities of their communities. It is my hope that this initiative will contribute to the economic and cultural development of the Cree Nation and inspire other Aboriginal communities to adopt this approach to promoting mentoring and sustainable development,” says Ian Lafrenière, Minister responsible for Relations with First Nations and Inuit.
A unique collaboration for sustainable impact
This initiative recognizes the unique challenges of Indigenous entrepreneurs and promotes the impact of Cree businesses through mentoring, with a focus on the human element behind the entrepreneur.
In partnership with the SCNATEA, we will combine the expertise of our two organizations to create a unique opportunity in the territory, where experienced entrepreneurs, acting as leaders in the community, will be able to coach other entrepreneurs wishing to receive this type of support.
“We are delighted to announce the launch of this new mentoring service, by and for Cree entrepreneurs. This is a unique opportunity for knowledge transfer and personalized, culturally adapted support. At SCNATEA, we sincerely believe that peer support can transform an individual's entrepreneurial journey by building on the experience of entrepreneurs who have already paved the way. In the process, both mentor and mentee will experience powerful empowerment. Our partnership with Réseau Mentorat in this project will enable us to benefit from their experience for better support throughout the service.” - Julie Martin, Director General, SCNATEA
The Réseau Mentorat will support the SCNATEA throughout the project, providing expertise in the implementation, management and promotion of a mentoring service. We will also provide support for volunteer management, customer experience, training and mentor accreditation.
“We are proud to collaborate with the SCNATEA to bring this mentoring project by and for the Cree entrepreneurial community to fruition. It demonstrates Réseau Mentorat's commitment to empowerment, cultural preservation and community success in the indigenous and non-indigenous entrepreneurial landscape,” says Karyne Alstream, Executive Director of Réseau Mentorat.
A future-oriented initiative
We firmly believe that this project will contribute not only to developing the full potential of Cree entrepreneurs, but also to the economic and cultural development of the Cree Nation.
This is also shared by Matthew Happyjack, mentor with the Réseau Mentorat in the Vallée-de-l'Or RCM and former president of Air Creebec Inc. As chief mentor and ambassador of the future mentoring program for and by Cree entrepreneurs, Mr. Happyjack is delighted to be able to contribute to the implementation of a mentoring service within his community. With over 25 years' experience as a senior manager, general manager, administrator and entrepreneur, Mr. Happyjack will be an invaluable asset to the implementation of this new service: “I'm very happy to join the Mentorat project, which is a much-needed service not only for young entrepreneurs, but for all entrepreneurs in Eeyou Istchee,” shares Mr. Happyjack.
By strengthening access to appropriate mentoring and developing a dynamic entrepreneurial culture, we hope to create a positive and lasting impact for generations to come.
The impact of mentoring for entrepreneurs
The positive impact of businesses on their communities depends first and foremost on the well-being of those who run them.
Mentoring is a human relationship that enables entrepreneurs to :
- Exchange ideas with an experienced entrepreneur.
- Gain the confidence to become an actor of change.
- Affirm their values and convictions.
- Promote well-being.
- Be listened to, without judgment and with respect.
- Be encouraged and inspired.
About Réseau Mentorat
Réseau Mentorat is dedicated to developing the full potential of entrepreneurs through mentoring. In collaboration with partners, we create long-lasting coaching relationships based on listening and sharing, throughout Quebec and the French-speaking world. We believe that business growth depends first and foremost on the well-being of those who run it. Through mentoring, we help entrepreneurs find the support they need to flourish, so that they can contribute fully to the economic development of their region. In Québec, the Réseau Mentorat counts on the major support of the Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie, Québecor and Desjardins, as well as leading partners including Cogeco Le Fonds, Canada Economic Development, Laval Economic, Hydro-Québec, Intact Assurance, Léger and the Secrétariat à la jeunesse du Québec.
www.reseaumentorat.com
About the SCNATEA
SCNATEA is a non-profit organization founded in 2002, whose mission is to promote sustainable ties and socio-economic alliances between the Cree Nation (Eeyou Istchee), James Bay, Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Nunavik, in order to foster harmonious development. To achieve its mission, SCNATEA relies on the following financial partners: Ville de Val-d'Or, Ville d'Amos, Ville de Rouyn-Noranda and Canada Economic Development for Quebec regions.
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