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4 June 2025

GALA RMA 2025: An Evening of Pride, Light and Recognition

GALA RMA 2025: An Evening of Pride, Light and Recognition
GALA RMA 2025

GALA RMA 2025:
An Evening of Pride, Light and Recognition

On Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., guests began arriving. Smiles greeted them at the door. Inside, a gentle atmosphere took shape, carried by the music of Émilie Lavoie-Lépine and Lou Dunand-Vincent. The mood grew gradually. This wasn’t just a gala; it was a moment to say: “You did it. We see you. We’re proud.”

A shared stage, a bilingual welcome

Karl Picard opened the evening with his trademark energy. At his side, Marjorie McRae co-hosted and provided live English translation with professionalism and grace. Together, they guided the evening with warmth, care and a strong sense of connection.

Sur scène, Karl Picard a lancé la soirée avec son enthousiasme contagieux. À ses côtés, Marjorie McRae assurait avec professionnalisme la coanimation et la traduction des moments clés en anglais. Ensemble, ils ont guidé la soirée avec respect, chaleur, et une belle complicité. GALA RMA 2025

A heartfelt tribute to Liam

From the very beginning, emotion filled the room. A tribute honoured Liam John Lewis Larocque, a young graduate who left us too soon. His mother lit a candle in his memory. The silence that followed said it all. A video tribute reminded us of his journey, his spirit, and the importance of remembering those who leave a lasting light behind.

A genuine message from our Director General

Richard Jalbert, Director General of the FNHRDCQ, addressed the graduates with a simple and sincere message: “You are role models. And we’re proud of you.” No lengthy speech. Just heartfelt recognition.

Richard Jalbert, directeur général de la CDRHPNQ, a ensuite pris la parole pour saluer la détermination des finissant·e·s. Son message était simple et vrai : « Vous êtes des modèles. Et nous sommes fiers de vous. » Pas de phrases toutes faites. Juste de la reconnaissance.  GALA RMA 2025

Words of encouragement from Ghislain Picard

Former AFNQL Chief and current Associate Professor at HEC Montréal, Ghislain Picard, shared words filled with wisdom. He spoke of pride in the graduate’s journeys, highlighting their courage, perseverance, and the strength passed on through generations.

GALA RMA 2025
Un message d’encouragement de Ghislain Picard 

Messages from near and far

Video messages of congratulations followed, sent by political and community leaders:
Ian Lafrenière, Minister Responsible for Relations with First Nations and Inuit
Kateri Champagne Jourdain, Minister of Employment
Grand Chief Scott Martin, from the community of Listuguj.
Grand Chief Pierre Picard, from the community of Wendake.
Grand Chief Cody Diabo, from the community of Kahnawà:ke.

Each message acknowledged the importance of the graduates’ achievements in their own way.

Support that continues after graduation

Jamie Houle and Fanny St-Pierre from the Urban Services team reminded everyone that support doesn’t stop at graduation. The graduates’ journeys will go on to inspire others and they will never walk alone.

L’accompagnement continue GALA RMA 2025

Every graduate in the spotlight

One by one, graduates were honoured. Names, faces, and programs were shown on screen. The room filled with applause. A group photo was taken. Eyes sparkled with pride. Everyone there understood how much it took to get to that moment.

Fueling the future with scholarships

The scholarship ceremony followed, highlighting the support of our valued partners : 
– Hydro-Québec, représentée par Marie-Claude Durant 
– The Desjardins team, represented by Guilaine Lehoux
– FNHRDCQ, represented by Richard Jalbert and Michael Fortin 
– Service Canada, represented by Félix Moffat

We sincerely thank all our partners who make these scholarships possible..

Our generous partners

– Platinum: Hydro-Québec, Desjardins 
– Gold: Kina8at, Société du Plan Nord, Autorité des marchés financiers 
– Silver: CSSSPNQL, RBA, CCQ 
– Bronze: Forage Orbit Garant Inc., Carrefour jeunesse-emploi Duplessis, Brauchaud, Agnico Eagle Mines, CMAC, Ville de Val-d’Or 

Les partenaires étaient nombreux et généreux- Platine : Hydro-Québec, Desjardins - Or : Kina8at, Société du Plan Nord, Autorité des marchés financiers - Argent : CSSSPNQL, RBA, CCQ - Bronze : Forage Orbit Garant Inc., Carrefour jeunesse-emploi Duplessis, Brauchaud, Mines Agnico Eagle, CMAC, Ville de Val-d’Or GALA RMA 2025

Stories, laughter and real moments

Dinner was served. Four courses, soft music, and open mics.A brave graduate was the first to take the mic and share his journey. His words were honest, simple, and deeply moving. The applause said it all. Inspired by the moment, Karl then shared his own story, creating a space of connection, pride, and shared experience.

Partages, rires, et histoires vraies  GALA RMA 2025

Prizes, surprises, and music

Excitement returned with the door prize draws. Special thanks to Sarah-Jane Bouchard for her generous donation. Then, the band Talk Tone took the stage with a jazz and blues set to wrap up the evening. 

Des prix, des surprises, et de la musique GALA RMA 2025

A flame, and a final thought

Before closing, the candle for Liam was gently extinguished. One last moment of silence. A tribute. A reminder that every journey matters, even the shortest ones 

Thank you to all the graduates.
Thank you to the families, partners, staff and guests.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this evening unforgettable.

 

See you in 2026.
 
Tiawenhk ! 

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