Sharing, Inspiring, Supporting: The Spirit of Niimuudaan
Published on December 12, 2025
Recap of the November 25 Mentorship & Training Day in Val-d’Or
On November 25, the Niimuudaan program brought together a dynamic group of participants in Val-d’Or for a day rich in sharing, reflection, and meaningful connections around culturally grounded Cree entrepreneurship and mentorship.
Driven by strong community engagement, Niimuudaan continues to grow and take root thanks to the commitment of Cree mentors, the support of key economic development actors, and the growing interest from Eeyou Istchee communities. Despite recent structural changes, the program moves forward with determination, guided by collaboration and continuity.
Over the past year, Niimuudaan has taken important steps forward:
- 6 Cree Nation mentors have joined the program
- 2 mentees have started their mentorship journey
- 2 presentations have been held in Cree communities
- 5 co-development sessions brought mentors together
- 2 individualized support paths were initiated
- A collaborative action plan was built with CWEIA, EDOs and our head mentors
This special day also reaffirmed that mentorship is a powerful tool to build confidence, pass on knowledge, and inspire a new generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Step into your power with Victoria LaBillois
In the afternoon, we had the great honour of welcoming Victoria LaBillois, a renowned Mi’gmaq entrepreneur from Listuguj and 2024 Indspire Award recipient, who facilitated the workshop “Step into your power – Become your own boss” in collaboration with the First Nations Executive Education (FNEE/EDPN).
With her contagious energy and participatory approach, Victoria created a safe and empowering space where entrepreneurs and partners could reflect on their leadership style, relationship with money, networking strategies, and self-expression. The workshop came at the perfect time to equip participants ahead of the Business Exchange Day on November 26, where many showcased their businesses through pre-booked business meetings.
An Inspiring End to the Day
The day wrapped up with a friendly networking 5 à 7, hosted in collaboration with the CDEPNQL, where entrepreneurs had the opportunity to discover the ID1N platform — a great way to stay connected to a growing Indigenous business ecosystem. It was the perfect occasion to continue the day’s conversations and apply the leadership and networking tips they had just learned.
What’s Next?
The future of Niimuudaan is being shaped with and by you: mentors, mentees, EDOs and partners who believe in the human connections that drive Indigenous entrepreneurship forward. Rooted in the Cree values of sharing, support, and reciprocity, this program continues to light the way for today’s and tomorrow’s entrepreneurs.
