The FPIC is proud to present our awards and honours received throughout the years.
Awards and honors
A Royal Encounter for the First Peoples Innovation Center (FPIC)
Chosen by the federal government as one of Canada’s top ten innovators, the FPIC had the honor of taking part in the official visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla to Ottawa last May.
The Centre was represented by its Executive Director, Céline Auclair, along with members of her team. Ms. Auclair had the privilege of a warm exchange with Queen Camilla, during which she presented the FPIC’s contributions to social and technological innovation within Indigenous communities in Quebec.
At this ceremonial event, the FPIC hosted a booth where the King and Queen greeted artisans, Indigenous organizations, and members of the public.
This invitation stands as a symbolic yet meaningful recognition of the vital role of Indigenous Peoples in advancing innovation, expertise, and collaboration across Canada.
First Peoples Innovation Center Recognized at Les Mercuriades 2025
The First Peoples Innovation Center (FPIC) has been recognized at the Les Mercuriades 2025 competition, organized by the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ).
FPIC stood out in the category Contribution to Economic and Regional Development – SME, which highlights small and medium-sized enterprises that play a key role in strengthening the economic and social vitality of their regions.
This recognition reflects FPIC’s impact in supporting Indigenous communities through social and technological innovation, the creation of learning opportunities, and contributions to regional economic development. Being a winner of Les Mercuriades is considered one of the highest distinctions in Quebec’s business community.
Finalist – Égalité Thérèse-Casgrain Award 2025
In 2025, the First Peoples Innovation Center (FPIC) was a finalist for the Égalité Thérèse-Casgrain Award, presented by the Secrétariat à la condition féminine du Québec.
FPIC was recognized in the category Economic Equality, which highlights initiatives that promote women’s active participation in the economy and their empowerment across various sectors.
This recognition underscores FPIC’s efforts to advance inclusion and equal opportunity, particularly through projects that support the contribution of Indigenous women to economic and social development.
Winner Prix Excelor 2024
In 2024, the First Peoples Innovation Center (FPIC) was awarded the Prix Excelor in the category Innovation, presented by the Chambre de commerce de Gatineau.
This award recognizes organizations that stand out for their creativity, innovative practices, and positive impact within their communities.
FPIC was recognized for its innovative approaches in education, technology, and socio-economic development, serving both Indigenous communities and the Outaouais region.
Special Jury Prize at the 2021 Digital Literacy Youth Recognition Awards
As part of the Prix Jeunesse 2021 recognition contest for digital literacy, it is with joy that the First Peoples Innovation Centre, located in Gatineau, received the Special Jury Prize during Montreal’s Digital Week which took place from October 12 to 17. The prize is awarded for the project with the most total points. To learn more click here.
Social Impact Award from l’Actualité – 2020
The First Peoples Innovation Center is proud to announce that it has received the Social Impact Award as part of L’Actualité’s Social Impact Awards.These awards aim to recognize organizations that demonstrate innovation exemplary in resolving important social and environmental issues, and thus contribute to the well-being of the community. The news is associated with the consulting firm Credo to create these awards, which are in their second edition in 2020. To learn more click here.
Finalist for the Thérèse-Casgrain Equality Prize – 2017
The First Peoples Innovation Centre was one of three finalists in the category economy equality of the 2017 Thérèse-Casgrain Equality Prize for our project that support socio-professionalism of indigenous women. This category rewards projects relating to the diversification of training choices for women and men, the integration and job retention of women, the implementation of and compliance with the Equity Act wages and the development of female entrepreneurship. The Thérèse-Casgrain Equality Prize put forward thirteen finalist projects that aimed, in their respective field of competence, equality between women and men. The evening awards ceremony was held in Quebec City on April 4, 2017. To learn more click here.
Bell Let’s Talk Award 2015
In 2015, the First Peoples Innovation Center (FPIC) received the Bell Let’s Talk Award, in recognition of its commitment to promoting mental health and well-being in communities.
The award highlighted FPIC’s efforts to raise awareness of the importance of psychological health, support community-based initiatives, and encourage access to resources adapted to the realities of Indigenous Peoples.
This recognition reflects FPIC’s dedication to fostering a more inclusive and caring environment, where mental health is valued as an essential part of both individual and collective development.