The governments of Canada and Quebec are committed to working with Innu communities and organizations to promote retention and academic success among Innu students and to foster appreciation of culture and language among Indigenous youth.

“It’s my turn to congratulate the graduates! Today, we are celebrating your accomplishments. You should be proud of yourselves. Regardless of the career you choose, may it be enriching and fulfilling.”

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier
Minister of National Revenue

“This agreement demonstrates what it is possible to accomplish when partners work together towards the common goal of providing students with quality educational resources. I want to congratulate all of the graduates today. You have the best of both worlds: a strong cultural identity rooted in the Innu language and culture and the skills you need to face the challenges of the modern world. I wish you great success in all your future endeavours!”

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs

“The people at Institut Tshakapesh are particularly proud of this agreement concluded with the two governments, thus recognizing the organization’s standing and expertise. It is worth pointing out that this new education partnership, which creates opportunities for strategic projects giving all students the chance to succeed, is made possible through the support of Institut Tshakapesh’s seven member communities.”

Julie Basile
President, Institut Tshakapesh

“Institut Tshakapesh plays a key role in the academic success of Innu students, but also in preserving and promoting Innu culture and language. In this sense, it clearly serves as a partner of the Government of Quebec, pursuing the same goals through its new action plan for the social and cultural development of the First Nations and Inuit. We are therefore very proud to contribute, along with the federal government, to the improvement of the services offered to schools by the Institute, thereby supporting the education of Indigenous students.”

Geoffrey Kelley
Québec’s Minister responsible for Native Affairs

• lnstitut Tshakapesh offers a range of services for schools in member communities: teaching support personnel, support for special education programs and support to implement Quebec’s educational renewal.

• Thanks to this investment, a number of activities will be financed in 2017-2018, including the development of teaching materials dealing with First Nations cultures in partnership with the Université de Sherbrooke and the Cégep de Sherbrooke (approximately $25,000), and the professional development of teachers at Institut Tshakapesh in partnership with the Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur (approximately $110,000).

Related Products

• Agreement to Support the School Attendance and Academic Success of Innu Youth

Associated Links

• Institut Tshakapesh (Web site not available in English)

Sabrina Williams
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160

Mylène Gaudreau
Press Secretary
Office of Québec’s Minister of Native Affairs
418-454-1226

Marjolaine Tshernish
Director General – Institut Tshakapesh
418-968-4424 | 1-800-391-4424
marjolaine.tshernish@tshakapesh.ca