Our Commitment at the Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples and Quebec
Published on February 17, 2026
In February, our President and our Director General took part in the Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples and Quebec, organized by the CDEPNQL. For the SCNATEA, this event truly comes full circle in a movement we joined from the very beginning, as its spirit closely aligns with our constitution and mission: to build sustainable economic alliances between First Nations and regional partners, and to serve as a concrete driver of economic reconciliation.
It is worth recalling that in 2022, the SCNATEA hosted the 2nd Regional Economic Circle. We chose to highlight the four main Nations that occupy and share the territory. This approach reflected a fundamental reality: our territories overlap, as do our economic priorities. The SCNATEA carries both a vision rooted in the Cree Nation and a regional mandate anchored in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, positioning us naturally at the intersection of these dynamics.
During that event, several businesses across the territory took meaningful steps by making public commitments. These demonstrated a genuine willingness to include First Nations in the local economy and to move toward more equitable and structured partnerships.
Building on this continuity, our Director General, Julie Martin, participated in the panel titled “Beyond Events: Reflecting on the Impact of Regional Economic Circles.” The discussion highlighted the tangible outcomes of these major gatherings: lasting collaborations, mutual learning, and the strengthening of trust-based relationships. It also addressed the very real challenges that remain, particularly the need to transform inspiring commitments into long-term partnerships grounded in measurable action.
Beyond the events themselves, economic circles are powerful levers for building strong bridges between Nations and regions. Our participation in the Grand Circle reaffirms our commitment to continuing this work of connection, dialogue, and co-construction in support of inclusive, sustainable, and shared economic development.
