The SCNATEA Annual Conference: Building a Stronger North Through Dialogue and Partnerships
Published on June 4, 2026 - Event occurred on June 16, 2026
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The SCNATEA Annual Conference: Building a Stronger North Through Dialogue and Partnerships
Val-d’Or, June 4, 2026 – The Secretariat to the Cree Nation Abitibi-Témiscamingue Economic Alliance (SCNATEA) will hold its 22nd Annual Conference on June 16 and 17, 2026, at the Hôtel Forestel in Val-d’Or under the theme “Territories, Resources and Alliances: A Stronger North, Together!” Bringing together elected officials, entrepreneurs, government representatives, and Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners, the event will offer two days of discussion and reflection on the major economic, environmental, and social issues shaping the future of Eeyou Istchee Baie-James and Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
For over two decades, the SCNATEA Annual Conference has served as a unique forum for dialogue where perspectives, experiences, and aspirations of the region’s various stakeholders come together. At a time when development projects generate both significant opportunities and legitimate questions, the SCNATEA seeks to provide an open space for discussion that promotes a better understanding of each stakeholder’s reality and helps identify meaningful avenues for collaboration.
“For over 20 years, the SCNATEA has worked to bring together the peoples, communities, and organizations that share this territory. This conference is an opportunity to continue this essential dialogue, deepen our understanding of one another’s realities, and reflect together on how we can build sustainable prosperity that respects the land, communities, and future generations. The challenges are many, but so are the opportunities to work together,” said Drs. Ted Moses, President of the SCNATEA.
Territory and Resources: Building Shared Prosperity
One of the highlights of this year’s conference will be the panel discussion “Territory and Resources: Building Shared Prosperity,” which will address a central question: how can resource development move forward while respecting territories and communities?
This discussion, taking place on June 16, will be divided into two complementary panels designed to foster dialogue among the different perspectives that shape territorial development.
The first panel will bring together three respected Indigenous leaders: Ghislain Picard, former Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador; Lucien Wabanonik, Chief of Lac Simon; and Bertie Wapachee, former Councillor and Negotiator for the Cree Nation of Nemaska. They will share their vision of the conditions required for resource development that respects Indigenous territories, communities, and aspirations.
The second panel will feature representatives from industry, including François Vézina of Dumont Nickel, Valérie Gourde of Eldorado Gold Québec, and Andréanne Boisvert of Gold Fields. Participants will discuss consultation practices, co-development approaches, and ways to build lasting partnerships with communities.
By bringing these voices together in a single forum, the SCNATEA aims to help build bridges between nations and sectors while fostering a greater understanding of each other’s expectations and realities.
Additional Discussions Focused on the Future of the North
The program for this 22nd edition will also explore several strategic themes for communities:
• Alliances: Models That Work – Concrete examples of successful economic partnerships among communities, businesses, and organizations across the territory.
• The Future of the North: Innovation, Territory and Youth – A discussion on how to prepare the next generation for the challenges and opportunities of northern development.
• Resources: The Exploration Potential of the Eeyou Istchee Territory – A discussion on exploration perspectives and development opportunities emerging across the territory.
Through these discussions, the SCNATEA reaffirms its commitment to promoting development grounded in dialogue, mutual respect, and the pursuit of shared benefits for all communities across Northern Quebec.
Once Upon a Time in This Land… From First Contact to True Partnership
As a pre-conference activity, participants will have the opportunity to attend the training session “Once Upon a Time in This Land… From First Contact to True Partnership” on the morning of June 16. Offered by the First Nations Executive Education propelled by Executive Education HEC Montréal, the session will be led by Ghislain Picard and Marc Du Sault. This training provides valuable insight into the evolution of relationships among Indigenous Peoples, governments, and industry. In a context marked by the rapid pace of development projects and increasingly complex issues, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the various stakeholders, examine the conditions that foster constructive relationships, and explore practical approaches to advancing projects in a manner that respects communities and all parties involved.
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About the Secretariat to the Cree Nation Abitibi-Témiscamingue Economic Alliance
The Secretariat’s mission is to promote lasting relationships and socio-economic alliances among the Cree Nation (Eeyou Istchee), Jamésie, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, and Nunavik in order to foster harmonious development.
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