Mentorship Takes Root: The SCNATEA Launches the First Recognition Ceremony for the Niimuudaan Mentorship Program
Published on July 21, 2026
The SCNATEA Launches the First Recognition Ceremony for the Niimuudaan Mentorship Program
During the banquet of its 22nd Annual Conference, the Secretariat to the Cree Nation Abitibi-Témiscamingue Economic Alliance (SCNATEA) proudly held the very first recognition ceremony for the Niimuudaan Mentorship Program.
More than an awards presentation, the evening marked an important milestone in the program's evolution. Bringing together partners, entrepreneurs, community representatives, and economic development leaders, the SCNATEA sought to shine a light on the individuals and organizations whose dedication is helping cultivate a true culture of entrepreneurial mentorship across Eeyou Istchee.
A Recognition Program Inspired by the Life Cycle of a Tree
The Niimuudaan Recognition Program is inspired by the life cycle of a tree, a symbol of growth, knowledge sharing, and strong roots. Each recognition level reflects a mentor's years of commitment and contribution to the program.
As Niimuudaan, officially launched in April 2024, is still in its early stages, the first recognition presented is called Siimin, the Cree word for "Seed." This first level represents the small but meaningful actions that allow mentorship to take root and flourish within the communities.
Over time, mentors will advance through the recognition levels of Sprout (3 years), Sapling (5 years), Rooted Tree (10 years), Grand Tree (15 years), and ultimately Forest Elder (20 years), celebrating their lasting impact on the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Honouring Those Who Help Entrepreneurs Grow
The ceremony recognized the dedication of the program's first mentors:
- Marlene I. Kitchen
- Shawn Coonishish
- Matthew Happyjack
- Charlotte Ottereyes-Ratt
Certificates were presented by Julie Martin, Executive Director of the SCNATEA, alongside Geneviève Binette, Coordinator of the Niimuudaan Mentorship Program.
Each mentor also received a symbolic gift: a selection of tea, representing the importance of slowing down, sharing conversations, and truly listening. A simple cup of tea often becomes the setting where meaningful discussions unfold, trust is built, and ideas begin to grow between mentor and mentee.
Recognizing the Partners Who Cultivate Mentorship in Their Communities
The SCNATEA also proudly acknowledged three partners whose ongoing support has been instrumental since the program's inception:
- Cree Nation of Waskaganish represented by Melvin Wesley
- Cree Nation of Waswanipi represented by Marlene Sam
- Cree Women's Eeyou Istchee Association (CWEIA) represented by Julie Ann Cooper
For this portion of the ceremony, Matthew Happyjack, Co-Head Mentor of the program, joined Julie Martin and Geneviève Binette in presenting the recognitions.
These organizations play a vital role in promoting Niimuudaan, connecting entrepreneurs with mentorship opportunities, and strengthening entrepreneurial support networks within their communities.
A Meaningful Work of Art
To honour their commitment, each partner received an original handcrafted artwork created by Yvette Coonishish, owner of Nistiwiitaau Services & Rentals in Mistissini.
The artwork draws inspiration from the beaver pelt, a historic symbol of the fur trade that marked the beginning of commerce between the Cree and early traders. Today, it represents Cree entrepreneurship and its continued evolution.
It also incorporates the Niimuudaan logo and a young tree, symbolizing the growth of mentors, mentees, and the mentorship program itself. The three-dimensional Cree syllabics featured in the artwork were designed by the artist's 13-year-old son, adding a meaningful intergenerational dimension to the piece.
By commissioning this artwork from a Cree entrepreneur, the SCNATEA also wished to celebrate the creativity, talent, and cultural knowledge that thrive within Eeyou Istchee communities.
An Evening Accompanied by Music
Throughout the ceremony, guests enjoyed the beautiful performances of Kelly Cooper, a Cree cellist from Oujé-Bougoumou, accompanied by violinist Gabi Nowicki.
Their music created an atmosphere that was both elegant and soothing, providing guests with the perfect setting to continue conversations and celebrate the evening in a spirit of gratitude and connection.
A Program Taking Root
Launched in April 2024, the Niimuudaan Mentorship Program continues to grow alongside entrepreneurs across the Cree communities.
Today, the program includes six active mentors, four mentees, and two active mentorship pairings.
While these figures reflect the program's early stages, they tell only part of the story. The true success of Niimuudaan lies in the gradual establishment of a culture of mentorship throughout Eeyou Istchee. Like a tree, the program must first develop strong roots, built on trust, listening, and knowledge sharing, before it can reach its full potential. Every mentor, every partner, and every conversation contributes to building this lasting legacy for future generations of entrepreneurs.
By establishing this first recognition ceremony, the SCNATEA hopes to create a tradition that will grow alongside the program, celebrating year after year the people whose commitment helps build a strong entrepreneurial future rooted in the values of generosity, collaboration, and community.
The SCNATEA also wishes to acknowledge its financial partners, Hydro-Québec and Société du Plan Nord, whose support helps make the continued development and delivery of the Niimuudaan Mentorship Program across the Cree communities possible.
Interested in learning more about the Niimuudaan Mentorship Program, becoming a mentor, or being matched with a mentor? Contact Geneviève Binette, Program Coordinator, at: niimuudaan@creenation-at.com
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