Advancing Economic Reconciliation Through Action

	Ghislain Picard Associate Professor at the First Nations Executive Education Program (École des dirigeant.e.s des Premières Nations), HEC Montréal Former Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador Member of the Pessamit Innu First Nation. Voir la bio
	Jean-François Verret Head of operations Raglan Mine Voir la bio
	Anne-Marie Ethier, FCPA (Animator) Audit Partner and Member of the Board of Directors of Deloitte Canada and Chile, Member of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation Voir la bio

Advancing Economic Reconciliation Through Action

In a world where economic, social, and political issues are more interconnected than ever, economic reconciliation has emerged as a critical pathway toward building enduring relationships between Indigenous Peoples, governments, and the business community. Beyond principles and intentions, however, what does economic reconciliation look like in practice?

This panel will offer a timely and pragmatic discussion on the conditions required to achieve meaningful economic reconciliation. It will highlight the evolving role of Indigenous Peoples in major development projects and explore how organizations can move beyond consultation to establish genuine partnerships that support shared decision-making, value creation, capacity building, and long-term benefits for communities.

Drawing on both Indigenous and industry perspectives, the conversation will examine the progress made to date, the challenges that remain, and the key conditions needed to strengthen these relationships in the decades ahead.
 

Please note that the panel will be in French.

Biographies

Ghislain Picard

An Innu from the community of Pessamit on Quebec’s North Shore, Ghislain Picard served as Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) from 1992 to 2025. The AFNQL represents 10 Nations across 43 communities spread over a vast territory.
Before his political career with the AFNQL, Ghislain Picard held various positions within organizations representing Indigenous communities, notably with the Atikamekw and Montagnais Council. In the 1980s, he was one of the founders of the Atikamekw-Montagnais Communication Society (SOCAM), an organization dedicated to broadcasting programs in Indigenous languages.
Since 2021, he has chaired the Board of Directors of the McCord Stewart Museum and the Advisory Committee of the First Nations Executive Education School (EDPN). He is also co-author of the book From Kebec to Quebec: Five Centuries of Exchanges Between Us, written in collaboration with Denis Bouchard and Éric Cardinal.
Among the distinctions he has received throughout his career are:
•    Knight of the National Order of Quebec (2003)
•    Knight of the French Legion of Honour (2005)
•    Honorary Citizen of the City of Montreal (2017)
•    Honorary Doctorate from the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) (2021)
•    Honorary Doctorate from the Université du Québec (2025)

Jean-François Verret

Having been with Raglan Mine since 2010, Jean François Verret was appointed head of operations in April 2024. A mining and geological engineering graduate from Polytechnique Montréal, he is recognized for his strategic vision and his ability to deliver high-value, forward-thinking projects. His leadership notably enabled the completion of major initiatives in mining development, energy transition, and partnership with Inuit communities, helping position Raglan Mine as a model of sustainable development in the Canadian North.

Anne-Marie Ethier

Anne-Marie Ethier, FCPA is an Audit Partner at Deloitte, a member of the Deloitte Canada and Chile Board, and proud member of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation. With more than 30 years of experience serving public sector, municipal, private, and not-for-profit organizations, she is recognized for her leadership in governance, audit, and risk oversight. A strong advocate for economic reconciliation, she is committed to advancing Indigenous economic participation and governance excellence across Canada.

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