Ghislain Picard, Innu from the community of Pessamit, served as Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Québec-Labrador (AFNQL) consisting of chiefs from 43 communities from 1992 to 2025. He also served on the Assembly of First Nations’ Executive Committee and Management Committee, acting as principal spokesperson on matters related to justice, public safety, and boarder affairs. Highly committed to the cause of First Nations, he was appointed Knight of the National Order of Québec in 2003 and received the insignia of the Légion d’Honneur from the Consul General of France in 2005.

Recognized for his leadership, Ghislain Picard is a staunch supporter of education and succession building to ensure the autonomy and self-determination of First Nations. He promotes social economy and community entrepreneurship as concepts rooted in the values and culture of First Nations. A key player in Québec and Canada, he focuses on the recognition of First Nations’ rights in a spirit of respect and reconciliation.

“I am very proud to be the first Innu Associate Professor at HEC Montréal,” said Ghislain Picard. “Advancing the interests and development of First Nations in Québec and Labrador has been my mission for more than 30 years; a mission I will now pursue as part of this great school of business. I hope that my involvement here will lead to positive impact for First Nations.”