On May 23, 2026, we gathered in Trois-Rivières to celebrate the graduates of RMA 2026 during a day filled with pride, connection, recognition and celebration.

Welcoming participants to RMA 2026

Starting at 8 a.m., participants arrived in front of the Vison Cogeco room, where our team welcomed them with care. Jamie Houle, Meggie Jeannotte, Pablo Saavedra-Renaud and Jade Francis were among the people on site to greet them, guide them and help set a positive tone for the day.

After their arrival, participants were invited to take part in the vox pop activity. We wanted to hear from them from the very beginning, because an event like this should not only speak about people’s journeys. It should also give them space to share their own stories.

These conversations captured sincere answers, smiles and more personal moments. They reminded us that every success story is unique and shaped by effort, challenges, perseverance and determination.

Before the main challenge, participants took part in a human bingo icebreaker. This activity helped create connections, ease the atmosphere and bring a more relaxed energy to the day.

Human bingo helped participants connect early in the day

Participants then took part in a rally challenge through the city of Trois-Rivières. In total, 44 graduates were divided into six teams of six to ten people. Each team was paired with urban FNEC agents who were present on site.

The rally challenge through the city of Trois-Rivières

The goal was to move through the city and solve different riddles. The activity also reflected an important idea: we rarely move forward alone. In a training, return to school or employability pathway, support, guidance and encouragement can make a meaningful difference.

The urban FNEC agents played an important role throughout the challenge. Their presence helped guide the teams, support movement through the city and encourage participants in a positive atmosphere.

At noon, participants left for lunch. After an active morning, this break was well deserved. They returned at 2:30 p.m., before the official opening of the gala doors at 3 p.m.

A day dedicated to celebrating the graduates of RMA 2026

The gala began at around 3:10 p.m. It was hosted by Monique Collard, Fanny St-Pierre and Mélanie Hartley, who supported participants throughout the day. The official portion opened with a traditional dance performance, a meaningful moment that set the tone for the ceremony.

We then presented the different services and the year’s accomplishments. This portion highlighted the work carried out by our teams and the importance of the support offered to people throughout their pathway.

Francis Verreault-Paul, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador, then delivered a speech of about seven minutes. His message focused on employability, motivation and lived experience. He spoke about the importance of believing in one’s abilities and continuing to move forward, even when the journey requires effort.

Wanda Lafontaine, Interim Executive Director of the FNHRDCQ, then recognized the 162 graduates. This number represents far more than a total. It represents 162 stories, 162 journeys and 162 pathways that deserved to be named and celebrated.

Jamie Houle, Urban Services Coordinator, also spoke to recognize the efforts, participation and commitment of the participants. Her remarks reminded us that success is not only measured by the final result. It is also built through presence, steps taken, progress made and choices carried throughout the journey.

Before dinner, Monique Collard, Fanny St-Pierre and Mélanie Hartley named the participants from the different measures. Each name spoken and each round of applause heard reminded us that the efforts and pathways had been recognized. This important moment also showed that these graduates have become true sources of inspiration for First Nations and Inuit communities.

Recognizing participants from the different measures

The evening continued with the bursary presentation. Several categories were presented: the regular bursary of $150, the bronze bursary of $250, the silver bursary of $350, the gold bursary of $450 and the platinum bursary of $550.

The bursary presentation to the graduates

Beyond the amounts, these bursaries were a concrete gesture of encouragement. They reminded the graduates that their efforts matter, that their pathways deserve recognition and that their success is worth celebrating.

After the bursary presentation, everyone gathered for a buffet dinner. This more informal moment created space to continue conversations, reconnect and celebrate together in a relaxed atmosphere.

Festive moments helped make the gala even more welcoming

The evening also included a moment to recognize the rally winners, bringing the energy of the morning activity back into the room. Festive moments such as dessert, coffee, the photo booth and informal conversations helped make the gala even more welcoming and memorable.

The gala ended with a traditional musical performance by Isaac Verreault-Lambert. His presence brought the evening to a warm, human and pride-filled close.

The traditional musical performance by Isaac Verreault-Lambert