2023 Great Gathering

First Nations and Quebec municipalities to gather in Gatineau

Tashi Farmilo

The Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation Tribal Council and the Ville de Gatineau have announced their joint hosting of the 2023 Great Gathering, an event encompassing the 3rd Summit of First Nations and Municipalities on Reconciliation and the 3rd Grand Regional Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples and Quebec. This year's event will take place in Gatineau on March 22, 23, and 24.

The 2023 Great Gathering aims to strengthen connections between municipalities and First Nations, pursue reconciliation, and encourage civic, cultural, and business partnerships. The event will provide an opportunity to showcase productive collaborations between Indigenous communities and Quebec municipalities and build upon the relationships established during previous summits.

The Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples and Quebec aims for greater participation by Indigenous businesses and communities in Quebec's economy. Therefore, this year's event will highlight elected officials and Indigenous Chiefs, as well as economic development representatives for both parties.

Registration for the event is by invitation only, and invited guests will receive a letter with instructions for registration. The event is aimed at leaders of Indigenous Nations, mayors, and representatives of economic development for Indigenous Peoples and municipalities.

The 2023 Great Gathering will take place at the Maison du citoyen in Gatineau. The preliminary program for the event will focus on the major theme of economic reconciliation, with further details to be unveiled soon. However, the event's organizers have announced an overview of each day's activities.

The formal activities will begin at 4 pm on March 22, and the day is reserved for First Nations Chiefs and Mayors. On March 23, there will be a full day of discussion circles and lectures, aimed at inspiring participants with examples of projects carried out jointly by Aboriginal communities and municipalities in different activity sectors. The day is reserved for Chiefs of Indigenous First Nations and Mayors.

On March 24, the day will focus on economic development, with a program of discussion circles interspersed with periods of exchanges and networking. Various success factors allowing the realization of joint projects will be presented through the themes of economic development, Aboriginal tourism, and employment and training. This day will include Community Economic Development Officers (CEDOs) of Indigenous Peoples, as well as economic development representatives from municipalities.

For more information regarding the event, organizers recommend that elected officials and representatives of the economic development of Indigenous Peoples, contact Marie-Christine Tremblay, while municipal elected officials and municipal economic development representatives can contact Mathée Warnett.

Photo: High level meeting for First Nations and Quebec municipal leaders next month in Gatineau. (LR) Photo: Screenshot, Courtesy of the Ville de Gatineau