Voice and expertise

Alexandre Bacon, an Innu from Mashteuiatsh, is a seasoned communications professional with over 20 years of experience as a trainer, speaker, and strategic advisor. As a specialist in governance and reconciliation, he effectively guides public, private, and community organizations in developing sustainable relationships with First Nations. Recognized for his humanistic, unifying approach—one deeply rooted in dialogue—he helps demystify Indigenous realities with clarity and authenticity. His exceptional commitment was recognized in 2026 with the award of the First Nations and Inuit Medal.

Véronique has more than 20 years of experience working with Indigenous organizations and communities in Quebec and Latin America. A lawyer and mediator with a master’s degree in international law and international politics, she has developed expertise in governance, human rights, and international development, notably through her work with the Mamuitun Tribal Council, Lawyers Without Borders Canada, and several Indigenous organizations.

Committed to intercultural dialogue and supporting the transmission of knowledge, she uses her expertise to advance reconciliation, the self-determination of First Nations peoples, and social justice.

A native of Pessamit, Stéphane combines strategic vision with a people-oriented approach. With a bachelor’s degree in business administration (management track), he excels as a business administration and management consultant and serves as an inspiring speaker.

His outstanding work as executive assistant for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (NMIWWG) is a testament to his deep commitment and leadership. Today, he is an invaluable asset in advancing our mission.

With a Ph.D. in anthropology from Laval University, François-Xavier has been studying issues related to territorial coexistence in Quebec for more than ten years.

His research, which has focused on the processes of establishing protected areas and implementing forest and wildlife management agreements—all of which involve First Nations communities—explores the areas where Quebecers and Indigenous peoples come together. He views these spaces as true relational incubators, conducive to building strong bridges.

As the founding president of a communications agency and with extensive experience in public relations, Alexandra Frappier plays a central role in Ashukan’s development, positioning, and visibility.

A visionary deeply committed to Indigenous communities, she draws on her expertise in strategy and communications to support the organization’s growth and the fulfillment of its mission. Through her many initiatives, she aspires to help build a more just, inclusive, and equitable society, where every person can fully find their place.

A member of the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation, Édith Bélanger is a leading voice on Indigenous issues. A specialist in traditional governance and a professor of Indigenous studies at the University of Moncton, she defended her doctoral dissertation at UQAT in the spring of 2026, which focused on leadership in Wabanaki societies.

In addition to her research, she is also an author who has published several books and contributed to anthologies that highlight her nation’s culture and knowledge.

With a Moroccan bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Laval University, Cherihane has more than 10 years of management experience. Throughout her career in business development, she has successfully entered markets in the transportation, communications, and insurance sectors; she also holds a certificate as an insurance broker.

An expert in numbers, she focuses on the financial and strategic development of companies. Her work is primarily aimed at driving organizational growth and maximizing profitability.

At the intersection of project management and design, Maeva possesses cross-functional expertise shaped by extensive experience in event planning, communications, and administration. Skillfully combining rigor and creativity, she has been working at the Ashukan Institute since May 2023, driven by a desire to build bridges between cultures.

After excelling in a variety of fields—from audiovisual production to product development—she now oversees project coordination.