FNEC General Assembly 

On November 5 and 6, the FNEC convened its General Assembly of representatives at the Hôtel-Musée des Premières Nations in Wendake. Key discussions focused on the progress of the Regional Education Agreement, including the practices and strategies implemented since its signing. Updates were also provided on the activities of the Regional Committee on First Nations Languages, advancements in the technology sector, developments at the Kiuna Institution, progress on the House of Knowledge university project, and the status of federal and provincial relations. 

Bill  64 

Following the tabling of Bill 64, An Act to establish the Musée national de l’histoire du Québec, the FNEC took steps to highlight First Nations’ constitutive and fundamental contribution to Quebec’s history, territory,
and contemporary society. 

To advance this objective, the FNEC submitted a brief jointly with the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec-Labrador and the Tshakapesh Institute, then appeared before the Quebec National Assembly’s Committee on Culture and Education. These advocacy activities led to changes in the bill, including the new museum’s mission. Thanks to the FNEC’s diligent efforts, the new museum’s academic committee will now include a First Nations member. 

Bill 64 received assent on October 17. Moving forward, the FNEC remains committed to promoting the knowledge of its member communities, notably through the new educational resources available on the
Voices from the Land website. 

House of Knowledge  

The House of Knowledge project team has been busy collecting and compiling data crucial to the development of a business plan tailored to the needs of First Peoples students and communities. This comprehensive data collection, set to be completed in 2025, will help the team identify and prioritize actions required to establish a university that truly serves its intended clientele.   

As part of this process, Indigenous communities and students will be invited to actively participate in large numbers in the coming weeks, contributing their valuable perspectives to enhance the profile of communities and needs outlined for the House of Knowledge.    

 

School Leaders Retreat—December 2024   

It is with great joy and enthusiasm that we welcomed 55 school leaders from our member communities to the FNEC School Leaders Retreat, which was held from December 2 to December 4, 2024, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Quebec Resort, in Quebec City.     

  

This year’s retreat, entitled “Leadership in Action: Cultivating Effective School Teams,” featured a rich lineup of presentations specially selected to meet the needs and interests of school leaders and member communities. With a keynote address by our guest speaker, François Massé, school leaders  explored their essential role in developing and supporting highly effective teams. The two-and-a-half-day event delved into practical strategies for fostering collaboration, creating a culture of trust, and aligning team efforts with school goals. Attendees  discovered fresh ideas, shared best practices, and took part in interactive activities that will empower them to turn around and lead their school teams with confidence.      

We sincerely thank all participants for their engagement and
enjoyed spending this meaningful time together.