On January 27, 2016, at the Scott-Fairview House in Hull, a delegation from the First Peoples Innovation Centre (Chair of the Board of Directors Marco Bacon and Executive Director Dr. Céline Auclair) met the Governor General of Canada, David Johnston, and Sharon Johnston, to introduce them to some of the FPIC’s initiatives.
Recognition
This collaborative work has been a clear success: in 2016–2017, the First Peoples Innovation Centre enjoyed outstanding visibility and recognition.
Finalist for the Prix Égalité Thérèse-Casgrain
The First Peoples Innovation Centre was one of three finalists in 2017 in the economic equality category of the Prix Égalité Thérèse-Casgrain for its project providing social and professional support to Indigenous women. This award category recognizes projects related to diversified training options for women and men, job integration and retention for women, implementation of and compliance with the Pay Equity Act and development of female entrepreneurship. In all, the Prix Égalité Thérèse‑Casgrain highlighted 13 finalist projects that each worked in their respective fields towards equality between women and men. The award ceremony was held in Québec City on April 4, 2017.
Invitation to the 3rd Convention on Perseverance and Academic Achievement for First Peoples
The FPIC was invited by Université du Québec à Chicoutimi’s Centre des Premières Nations Nikanite to present at the Convention on Perseverance and Academic Achievement for First Peoples, which was held in Québec City from October 10 to 12, 2017. Narcisse Singbo gave a workshop entitled “Onaki Circles: How to Rebuild Identity Pride of Indigenous Youth at the High School Level?”.
Invitation to a round table on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Gisèle-Lalonde high school’s UN debate club in Ottawa invited the FPIC to participate in a round table on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This event, which took place on May 16, 2017, was attended by Céline Auclair, Tina Vincent from Minwaashin Lodge and representatives from the Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (CEPEO), including Édith Dumont, Director of Education.
Regional community presence
Throughout 2016–2017, the FPIC was invited to sit on several regional community committees and round tables, a sign of the credibility now accorded the FPIC as an Indigenous community organization. It also shows how Outaouais’s network of citizen and community organizations is placing more importance on Indigenous issues and their inclusion in community discussions. The FPIC plans to use these platforms to highlight and promote the interests and issues of Indigenous communities.