Presenters : Laurianne FRANCOEUR, Research Assistant, UQAT • Maudèz RITTER, Research Assistant, UQAT • Tina VASSILIOU, Senior Advisor, First Nations Relations for Nemaska Lithium • Charlotte OTTEREYES, President of Cree Women of Eeyou Istchee Association (CWEIA) • Julie Ann COOPER, Business Development Coordinator                      

We propose to present research by, for and with Cree women focusing on the training, employability, leadership, and entrepreneurship of Eeyou Istchee Cree women. Conducted in synergy between the Eeyou Istchee Women’s Association (CWEIA) and UQAT, this research aims to provide a snapshot of the situation of Eeyou women, while exploring the ramifications of their journeys and aspirations.

Despite the richness of their experiences, Cree women continue to face persistent obstacles in their quest for autonomy and skills to achieve their full potential. While data on their specific training, employability, leadership, and entrepreneurship needs remain scarce, this innovative partnership between CWEIA and UQAT aims to fill this gap and propose concrete ways to support their journey towards empowerment.

Our communication aims to initiate discussions on Indigenous conceptions of success, based on their life stories and the omnipresence of their knowledge from various contexts. We invite you to take part in this collective reflection that, by promoting the voices of Cree women, has the desire to promote a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of the diversity of life paths and success within Indigenous communities.