From October 19-21, 15 entrepreneurs and entities from the Chamber of Commerce of Val-d’Or took part in an orientation trip to Oujé-Bougoumou, Waswanipi and Mistissini. The idea behind the trip was to showcase the businesses and services available from Val-d’Or to the Cree, while at the same time becoming acquainted with Cree culture and heritage.
The trip was organized by the Secretariat to the Cree Nation Abitibi-Témiscamingue Economic Alliance that acted as a liaison between the visitors and the Cree communities as a means of encouraging economic alliances.
During the three-day exchange, the Val-d’Or delegation had the opportunity to meet formally with band councils and economic development officers about present and future economic possibilities. An informal meeting was also arranged between the delegation and the Cree Regional Authority.
According to the Secretariat, both the Crees and the visiting delegation had an opportunity to forge friendships while mulling over the possibilities of future projects. In the end, the three-day exchange was heralded as a positive experience by both parties.
“We firmly believe that investing in relationships between businesses is the starting point in making good business,” said Steve Mianscum of Oujé-Bougoumou.
