Fred Vicaire

CEO, Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation

Fred became the MMBC’s CEO in 2020, a position that brought him back to his roots, the economic development field. After he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in administration with a major in Marketing from the University of Moncton in 2004, he moved to Ottawa, where he held strategic positions and developed an extensive network of contacts. He worked for the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples and the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association Canada.

Back in Listuguj in 2011, Fred was a highly sought-after person to oversee the economic development and expansion opportunities his community wanted to seize. His high versatility and knowledge of the Mi’gmaq, English and French languages and cultures made him a key person in dealing with provincial taxation issues and the major land claim that led in 2013 to a $ 65 million compensation from the federal government to the benefit of all Listugujewaq. He also worked as Director General of the Mi’gmaq of Gesgapegiag Band Council for five years before joining the MMBC team. As its CEO, he is responsible for developing and expanding natural resources projects and other economic ventures to create sustainable prosperity for all three Mi’gmaq communities.

As the son of a Mi’gmaq father and an Acadian mother, Fred’s upbringing was a rich tapestry of cultures. He was raised among English-speaking Listuguj children and French- speaking friends from the Acadian community of New Brunswick. His intimate knowledge of historic rivalries and tensions, coupled with his family background, has instilled in him a deep sensitivity to the realities of both communities. His grandfather’s timeless advice, ‘Never judge a book by its cover, and never burn bridges,’ continues to guide him.