A bright future ahead: Drawing inspiration from the past
Looking back at our history with Indigenous peoples, we’ve faced formidable challenges. Nevertheless, certain aspects of the past offer a wellspring of inspiration, such as the alliances and friendships forged during the arrival of Europeans. Collaboration and neighbourly goodwill were prevalent in many regions.
Photo credit: BAnQ Rouyn-Noranda, Fonds de l’Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Some conflicts that occurred later led to a search for harmony around common interests. Over the past two decades, Indigenous communities have increasingly been recognized as vital contributors to regional economies.
A term that came into common usage in the 1970s to replace the word “Indian,” which some people found offensive. Among its uses, the term refers to the Status, Non-Status and Treaty Indians of Canada. Some Aboriginal peoples have replaced the word “Band” in the name of their community with the term “First Nation,” respecting their distinct language, culture, heritage and systems of knowledge. Although “First Nation” is widely used, it has no legal definition.
Thus, a person might say that they’re from the Naskapi First Nation of Kawawachikamach, or the Atikamekw First Nation of Manawan, or the Mohawk First Nation of Akwesasne, etc., identifying both the nation to which they belong and their place of origin or residence.
and Inuit stand at a pivotal juncture akin to Québec’s Quiet Revolution. Indigenous youth are invigorated, proudly embracing their cultural heritage. Despite the significant hurdles ahead, the future is looking bright, as you’ll soon discover.
Key Figures
Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal men and women who have shaped the history of Québec—both the well-known and the lesser-known.
Suzy Basile
Anthropologist, PhD in Environmental Sciences
Education
Living Conditions
Culture
Women
Stanley Vollant
First Indigenous surgeon in Québec
Living Conditions
Youth
Health
Widia Larivière and Mélissa Mollen-Dupuis
Co-founders of the Québec branch of Idle No More
Aboriginal movements
Living Conditions
Constant Awashish
First Nations leader
Aboriginal leaders
Self-determination
Michèle Audette
Senator
Aboriginal leaders
Living Conditions
Aboriginal women
Minnie Grey
Inuit leader
Aboriginal leaders
Living Conditions
Sheila Watt-Cloutier
Environmental activist
Aboriginal leaders
Living Conditions
Lisa Koperqualuk
President of the Inuit Circumpolar Council
Aboriginal leaders
Aboriginal women
Politics
Self-determination
Mary Simon
Leader among the Inuit
Aboriginal leaders
Politics
Évelyne St-Onge
Co-founder of Quebec Native Women Inc
Living Conditions
Culture
Aboriginal women
Matthew Coon Come
Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees for 20 years
Aboriginal leaders
Politics
Self-determination
Charlie Watt
Signator of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement
Aboriginal leaders
Politics
Self-determination
Denise Wylde
First female Indigenous police officer in Québec
Aboriginal leaders
Politics
Self-determination
Eva Ottawa
Law professor
Aboriginal leaders
Rights
Aboriginal women
Fanny Wylde
First Indigenous Crown Prosecutor of Québec
Aboriginal leaders
Rights
Aboriginal women
Roméo Saganash
Great defender of Aboriginal rights
Aboriginal leaders
Self-determination
Gabriel Commanda
Prominent Figure in Mining Development
Relations
Ways of life
Paul Provencher
A Pioneer in Bringing Together Quebecers and Aboriginal People
Culture
Ways of life
Relations
Arthur Quoquochi
The first Indigenous person to play professional hockey
Famous figures
Key events
Oscar Kistabish
President of the Val-d’Or Native Friendship Centre
Aboriginal leaders
Politics
Self-determination
Marjolaine Étienne
President of Quebec Native Women
Aboriginal leaders
Aboriginal women
Politics
Viviane Michel
President of Quebec Native Women from 2012 to 2021
Aboriginal leaders
Aboriginal women
Politics
Philippe Piétacho
Chief of the Ekuanitshit Innu First Nation
Aboriginal leaders
Self-determination
Politics
Jean-Baptiste Canadien and Jean-Baptiste Taiaiake Rice
