A day to come together and celebrate the FNHRDCQ

On June 4, 2026, the buses left Château Roberval for Mashteuiatsh. From the moment people arrived, the atmosphere felt warm and genuine: colleagues greeted one another, conversations picked up naturally, smiles came easily, and people were glad to spend time together outside the usual meeting setting.

To mark this 30th anniversary, we chose to begin the day in the community. Before the official evening program, the speeches, the videos and the supper, there was first a moment to walk together, listen, learn and take in the day.

The morning took place in Mashteuiatsh, accompanied by Pierre Larouche, our historian guide. With humour, generosity and a strong sense of place, he guided the group through several meaningful locations in the community.

The visit offered an opportunity to learn more about Mashteuiatsh, its history, its territory and the landmarks that are part of it. It also created space for natural conversations. Nothing felt overly formal: simply a group moving together, listening, asking questions and enjoying the moment.

A bannock stop also marked the morning. It was a simple pause, but the kind that matters. It gave people time to talk, laugh and slow down a little during the day.

A group photo was then taken. As often happens in moments like this, the official photo became more than a formality. Everyone had to be gathered, a few people had to be repositioned, the group had to laugh, refocus, and then the moment was captured.

After the visit, the group headed to the community hall for lunch. The meal offered another chance to continue conversations in a relaxed atmosphere, with the same simplicity that had shaped the morning.

The menu included tourtière, salads, small bites, tea, coffee and blueberry pie. It was generous, appreciated and, above all, another moment to be together without rushing.

In the afternoon, participants took part in cultural and creative activities. One group joined a bone bracelet-making workshop, while another took part in a paddle painting activity.

These workshops brought a different pace to the day. People sat down, focused, watched what others were doing, asked for advice, adjusted a line and tried again. Some talked while they created. Others simply took the time to make something with their hands.

These activities allowed people to leave with a tangible memory of the day. Not only an object, but something connected to a moment shared together.

Later in the evening, Wanda Lafontaine, Interim Executive Director of the FNHRDCQ, took the floor to speak about the Commission’s history.

Her remarks brought guests back to the early days of the FNHRDCQ, its creation, its achievements, its evolution and what lies ahead.

This moment reminded everyone that the Commission is more than an administrative structure. It exists because, from the beginning, people believed in the importance of supporting First Nations members and Inuit in their employment, training and skills development journeys.

It also exists because teams, representatives, partners and communities continue to carry this mission every day.

Christine Tremblay, Executive Director of Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan, also addressed the room. Her presence and her message brought an important dimension to this celebration held in Mashteuiatsh and Roberval.

Music also played an important role in the evening.

Isaac Verreault-Lambert, a musician from Mashteuiatsh, took the stage accompanied by his father, Justin Lambert, on percussion. His performance was met with great attention and appreciation.

During supper, Wendy Moar and her son Isaac Moar also brought music to the evening. Their presence helped create a warm and lively atmosphere, where conversations could continue naturally around the tables.

The FNHRDCQ’s 30th anniversary was more than an official evening. It was a full day shaped by travel, conversations, meals, photos, workshops, speeches, laughter and more solemn moments.

What stood out most was the people behind it all.

• The people who prepared the day.
• The people who welcomed everyone.
• The people who guided the group.
• The people who hosted the evening.
• The people who spoke.
• The people who sang, played, supported, installed, coordinated, served, photographed and helped make the celebration possible in so many ways.