An Honorary Doctorate for Ghislain Picard

October 28, 2025

A prominent political figure in Québec and among First Nations, Ghislain Picard, associate professor at HEC Montréal, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the Université du Québec.

Through this distinction, the university “recognizes the legacy of Mr. Picard’s exceptional journey, which will inspire not only future generations, but also all individuals and organizations committed to building a more just, equitable, and respectful society for Indigenous Peoples*.”

 

A Remarkable Impact

An Innu from the community of Pessamit on the Côte-Nord, Ghislain Picard served as Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Québec-Labrador (AFNQL) from 1992 to 2025. The AFNQL represents 10 Nations across 43 communities spread over a vast territory. In this role, he was one of the main interlocutors with the governments of Québec and Canada on all matters concerning First Nations in the region.

As Université du Québec President Alexandre Cloutier noted during the ceremony: “His calm, consistency, and thoughtful words have become guiding lights. His credibility stems not only from conviction, but from unwavering loyalty to the principles and communities he represents. Today, his name evokes dignity, wisdom, and tenacity.”

Before his political career with the AFNQL, Ghislain Picard held various positions within organizations representing Indigenous communities, including the Conseil des Atikamekw et des Montagnais. In the 1980s, he co-founded the Atikamekw-Montagnais Communication Society, dedicated to broadcasting programs in Indigenous languages.

A Lasting Commitment to HEC Montréal

Appointed associate professor at HEC Montréal in April 2025, he chairs the advisory committee and contributes to the training programs of the First Nations School of Leadership (EDPN), a project by and for First Nations, supported by the HEC Montréal School of Leadership (ED).

He plays a key role in sustaining, promoting, and expanding the EDPN’s activities, and also contributes to various ED programs and pedagogical initiatives at HEC Montréal.

President of the Board of Directors of the McCord Stewart Museum since 2021, he is also co-author of the book De Kebec à Québec – Cinq siècles d’échanges entre nous, alongside Denis Bouchard and Éric Cardinal. Among the many honors he has received throughout his distinguished career are Knight of the National Order of Québec (2003), Knight of the French Legion of Honour (2005), and Honorary Citizen of the City of Montréal (2017).

* Université du Québec