First Nations Executive Education celebrates its 4^th anniversary

Monday November 17, 2025

Tiohtià:ke (Montreal), November 17, 2025 – On November 21, First Nations Executive Education (FNEE) will celebrate its 4^th anniversary to highlight the school’s achievements and promising outlook for the future.

“This anniversary demonstrates the relevance and importance of training Indigenous leaders to strengthen their skills, while promoting our knowledge. It’s an honour for me to join FNEE’s leadership team,” said Nathalie Huntley, FNEE’s new director.

Positive Results

After four years of activity, FNEE has established itself as a reference for its expertise in governance, management, entrepreneurship, and economic reconciliation.

The initial goal of training 1,000 Indigenous leaders in five years was exceeded before the celebration of its 4^th anniversary, a success linked to its program offerings, the strength of a committed network, a focus on First Nations realites, and much more.

Since 2021, the school has offered more than 50 training courses as part of its programs and has reached more than 1,100 leaders from 41 communities, 66% of whom are women. In addition to this, a circle of more than 20 partners, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations, has been established over the years.

Launched in March 2025 in Mashteuiatsh, the Next Generation program is in full swing. Designed for young leaders aged 18 to 35 and co-created with five partners—First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Youth Network, Mikana, New Pathways Foundation, Puamun Meshkenu and Wapikoni—the program aims to introduce and empower participants to public speaking, politics, and much more.           

FNEE also offers on-demand trainings, tailored to the needs of organizations, thereby promoting a better understanding of Indigenous realities.

“FNEE was born out of a collective dream: to build a business school rooted in the realities of First Nations. Today, that dream is alive and well, and it continues to grow thanks to the commitment of communities and partners," said Ken Rock, co-initiator of FNEE and academic co-lead of the Economic Reconciliation program.

“Executive Education HEC Montréal is more determined than ever to propel FNEE forward in its efforts for and by First Nations,” emphasized Dominique Anglade, Director of Executive Education HEC Montréal.

"FNEE is much more than a school; it’s a space for listening, dialogue, transmission, and transformation. It helps to bring forth a new generation of Indigenous leaders who are proud of their roots and skilled to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow," said Ghislain Picard, Adjunct Professor at HEC Montréal and Chair of FNEE’s Advisory Committee.

Media Invitation

The event on November 21 will bring together more than 300 people, including the 2024-2025 cohorts, elected members, dignitaries, and partners, who will come together to celebrate this important milestone.

At 2:30 p.m., a certificate award ceremony is planned, along with a musical performance by singer-songwriter Ivan Boivin-Flamand, a rising star on the Indigenous music scene, originally from Manawan.

An event not to be missed!

Journalists and media representatives who wish to attend FNEE’s 4th anniversary are requested to obtain accreditation in advance. Interview opportunities will also be available.

About First Nations Executive Education (FNEE)

Propelled by Executive Education HEC Montréal, FNEE is a management school for and by First Nations, offering short, certified university courses in the communities, online and in Montreal. Its aim is to strengthen leaders' skills by combining Indigenous knowledge with best practices in contemporary management. The only one of its kind, FNEE brings together HEC Montréal faculty professors and First Nations educators to offer programs in Governance, Entrepreneurship, Management, Economic Reconciliation, Women Leadership and Next Generation. 

SOURCE: First Nations Executive Education (FNEE)

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