Renée-Claude Bigras
Program Coordinator, Entrepreneurship
Renée-Claude grew up in Chisasibi, Quebec’s largest First Nations Cree community. Her mother is a nurse, and she had the opportunity to take her little family to Northern Quebec to pursue her career for two years. They decided not to move and raised their kids there within Cree culture. At seven, Renée was given the Cree name “Baapkauyshuu” (Someone who laughs/smiles) by an elder she considered her great grandpa. Her favorite tradition quickly became the Walking Out ceremony, where toddlers walk on Mother Earth for the first time at sunrise in Spring and early Summer.
Seeing the reality her peers were growing up in, Renée quickly dedicated her professional life to advocating for Indigenous peoples’ rights and voices. This passion allowed her to wear many hats, from Youth Leader to substitute, Medical Dispatcher, Extracurricular Activities Coordinator, Grade 2 ESL teacher, entrepreneur, E-commerce Advisor, and, finally, with the CCIB team as a new Program Coordinator, Entrepreneurship. She is beyond honored to join the team, as it will allow her to further her advocacy for Indigenous rights & voices.
In her spare time, you can find her reading, cooking, playing Sims 4, or watching Harry Potter.
