Launch of a culturally adapted mentoring project for Cree entrepreneurs in Québec 

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Montréal, 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 Neemoudan, 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.  

The partnership between the SCNATEA and Réseau Mentorat will combine the expertise of both organizations to create a unique offering in the region, where experienced entrepreneurs, acting as community leaders, will be able to mentor 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 the 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, lending its expertise in the implementation, management and promotion of a mentoring service. It 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 Neemoudan 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 helps entrepreneurs reach their full potential through mentorship. We collaborate with partners to facilitate lasting support-based relationships based on active listening and sharing, throughout Québec and the French-speaking world. We believe that business growth takes place through the wellbeing and self-actualization of leaders. Through the practice of mentorship, entrepreneurs can find the support they need to live fulfilling lives and contribute to the economic prosperity of their region. In Québec, Réseau Mentorat operates with the support of the ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie, Québecor and Desjardins as well as leading partners including BCF Avocats d’affaires, Cogeco Le Fonds, Canada Economic Development, Laval Écononomique, Hydro-Québec, Intact Insurance, Léger and the Secrétariat à la jeunesse du Québec. www.reseaumentorat.com

About the SCNATEA 

The 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. https://creenation-at.com/fr  

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For more information :  

Réseau Mentorat 
Emmanuelle Petit  
Director, Communication-Marketing and Private Partners  
Tel.: (514) 873-3262 ext. 222  
epetit@reseaumentorat.com

Secretariat to the Cree Nation Abitibi-Témiscamingue Economic Alliance 
Julie Martin 
Director General 
Tel: (819) 824-9888 ext. 2  
juliemartin@creenation-at.com