First nations executive education celebrates its second graduating class

Monday September 19, 2022

Tiohtià:ke (Montreal), September 19, 2022 – Earlier today, First Nations Executive Education (FNEE) proudly handed out certifications to the members of its second-ever cohort, formally recognizing that they had fulfilled all the requirements of the Becoming a Transformational Leader program. The certifications awarded recognize participants who have successfully completed the ‘Becoming a Transformational Leader’ development program.

The 17 participants, two-thirds of whom are women, are officials from First Nations governments or administrators from First Nations organizations. Together, they represent seven Nations and 10 communities. The graduates have completed all of the modules that make up the university-level certification program in strategic leadership. The FNEE curricula have been developed to enable First Nations leaders to strengthen their skills through a combination of traditional knowledge and contemporary management practices.

Citations

“With the second cohort coming to the end of their journey, it is clear to us that FNEE is meeting a real need for executive education among First Nations clients,” said FNEE Director Manon Jeannotte. “We are already seeing the impact these programs are having on participants and their communities. My warmest congratulations go out to everyone in this second graduating class, along with my thanks for their commitment to their community and their Nation.”

“On behalf of AFNQL, I want to congratulate the success of the second cohort of the First Nation Executive Education programs. Their personal commitment is an inspiration and will contribute to strengthen the governance of our communities. Nation building is no longer a goal, it is happening. As we prepare for the next cohorts of leaders, I want to pay tribute to the continued support of Executive Education HEC Montréal. Their contribution is also an important part of the achievements we celebrate today.”

“We are proud to contribute to the development of leaders in First Nations governments and organizations,” said Serge Lafrance, Director of Executive Education HEC Montréal. “By working together and respecting the contexts and approaches specific to First Nations, we hope to be positive and constructive allies. I congratulate our newest graduates for their perseverance, and I am grateful to our Indigenous and non-Indigenous trainers for all their hard work.”

One of the defining features of FNEE is its innovative co-creation approach. Each course is developed jointly by HEC Montréal professors and First Nations trainers with recognized expertise in their field. The short programs are both future-focused and outward-looking, while still remaining rooted in the rich history of First Nations. They have been designed specifically around the needs, values and image of First Nations. Executive Education HEC Montréal has been a key partner and incubator during the development and rollout of this new school.

October 30 will be the start date for the third FNEE cohort, which will be made up of women from Quebec First Nations active in the political, entrepreneurial, administrative arenas as well as aspiring leaders.

Information

Éric Duguay
Media Relations Manager
514 377-1980
e.duguay@seize03.ca