In June, we commemorate National Indigenous History Month. During this month, the EMBA McGill-HEC Montreal spotlights some of our Indigenous Alumni. They share about who they are, what their personnal statement mission is and what Indigenous History Month means to them.

ROBERT AUCLAIR

WHO ARE YOU?

My name is Robert Auclair. I am Cree from the community of Whapmagoostui. One of nine Cree communities in Northern Quebec or as we call our traditional territory, eeyou istchee or the peoples land.

What do you do for a living?

I am the Business Development Officer for Creeco, Cree Regional Economic Enterprises Company, an Indigenous holding company celebrating 40 years in operation this year.

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT?

Something that music producer Jimmy Iovine resonated with me in the documentary The Defiant Ones: “be of service to your people”. As Indigenous people, we always feel and sense that we are part of a collective with common values, beliefs, amd life experiences.

WHAT MAKES THIS STATEMENT SO IMPORTANT TO YOU?

As leaders, we should always strive to find purpose and passion greater than ourselves, as Indigenous people family encompasses also your community amd your nation. We do our work for our future generations so that we leave a stronger foundation than was given to us.

WHAT DOES National Indigenous History MONTH MEAN TO YOU?

It gives an opportunity for dialogue, celebration, growth, and understanding, where Indigenous Nations are welcome and visible to showcase their knowledge, traditions, languages, and where cultures can learn from each other and forge a new path, a new partnership, one that stands the test of time, a new story that will be one for the ages that our future generations can be proud of.

 

*Robert is a McGill-HEC Montréal EMBA alumnus. He received the EMBA Scholasrhip for managers of Indigenous origins.