About the
Prosperity Project
ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐍᐏᐣ
nēhiyawēwin
A Women's Commission initiative built by and for the women of Montreal Lake Cree Nation.
Our Story
Built from the ground up,
for MLCN women
The Women's Prosperity Project began in 2023 with approval of a four-year proposal to the Canadian Women's Foundation — built from the beginning around one idea: when Indigenous women have access to real tools and real support, whole communities benefit.
Our consultants report to the MLCN Women's Commission, which provides direction and ensures the project stays rooted in the community it was made for.
We begin
Year one
Hands-on business training designed for MLCN women at every stage — from ideas to successful launch.
We show up
Year Two
The team comes together. The first in-person workshops run. Women start gathering, connecting, and building.
We grow
Year three
Programming moves online — reaching 877+ women across events and workshops organized throughout the year.
We expand
Year four
New formats: online and in-person workshops, plus the first-ever crafting workshop and community market.
Our purpose
Vision, Mission & Guiding Principles
Our Vision
Economic Stability for MLCN Women — and the Entire Community
We envision a future where every Montreal Lake Cree Nation woman has the economic stability to care for herself, her family, and contribute to the strength of the entire community. When women thrive, communities thrive.
Our mission
Support, Tools, and Resources for Every MLCN Member
Our mission is to serve all Montreal Lake Cree Nation members with the support, tools, and resources needed to become economically self-sufficient. Our activities focus on personal, professional, and entrepreneurial skills development.
Guiding principles
Community Centred Approach
Cultural Respect and Connection
Sustainable Economic Stability
Women's Voice & Empowerment
Collaboration and Partnership
What we do
How We Support Economic Growth & Prosperity
We're the first step. A connector that brings together MLCN women and the resources that can help them move forward.
- Host free workshops on business planning, marketing, and financial literacy.
- Connect you to funding programs and help you understand your eligibility.
- Centralize resources so you don't have to search across a dozen websites.
- Offer one-on-one support to work through your next steps.
- Build a community where MLCN women support each other.
- Share tools, templates, and guides you can use right away.
- Provide direct grants or funding to individuals.
- Make funding decisions on behalf of other organizations.
- Replace professional legal, financial, or accounting advice.
- Require any fees or enrollment to participate.
We are a connector,
not a funder.
Our role is to help you find and access the resources that are already out there — so you don't have to navigate it alone.
Key partners we connect you to:
WHO WE SERVE
Who We're Here For
The Prosperity Project is open to all MLCN Nation Members. Whether you're just starting to think about a business idea or already taking your first steps, you belong here.
Primary
Also welcomE
Partners & funders
Those Who Make It Possible
MLCN Women's Commission
Project Administrator
The key administrator of the project — providing direction, governance, and community accountability. Founded by the late Shirley Henderson and built by and for the women of Montreal Lake Cree Nation.
Canadian Women's Foundation
Key Funder
The key funder of this project, through their Breaking the Barriers of Women's Entrepreneurship initiative — helping break cycles of poverty for Indigenous women in Northern Saskatchewan.
Additional Partners & Supporters
Coordinators
Rayleigh Conley
Strategist — Waterbird Consulting
Having developed grassroots programs since 2010, Rayleigh incorporated Waterbird in 2019 to serve First Nations on governance- to grassroots-level initiatives. She brings deep experience in community engagement, land-based programming, and entrepreneur mentorship.
Rayleigh holds a Bachelor of Science majoring in Environmental Economics & Policy (University of Alberta), and a Diploma in Environmental Science (Lakeland College).
Harmony Johnson-Harder
Consultant, Down to Earth Creative
Harmony Johnson-Harder is a Cree-Métis interdisciplinary artist and community development leader working across film, writing, painting, and mixed media. Her work blends visual storytelling with cultural narrative — exploring themes of land, identity, and belonging.
With over a decade of facilitation experience, Harmony leads Cultural Humility training and created Finding Our Common Stories, guiding organizations through equity, reconciliation, and systems change using arts-based and trauma-informed approaches. She is known for building culturally safe spaces rooted in Indigenous knowledge, strategic thinking, and collaborative leadership.
In Memoriam
Shirley Henderson
Montreal Lake Cree Nation
Community Leader & Advocate
Shirley Henderson was a longtime leader, advocate, and one of the early driving forces behind the PAGC Women's Commission. For more than 25 years, she worked tirelessly to support women, families, youth, and vulnerable community members across the PAGC region.
Her legacy spans advocacy for MMIWG2S, family safety, health, education, community events, and practical, hands-on support for people who needed it most. Her work was rooted in service, compassion, and deep community responsibility.
"Her spirit lives on in the women she lifted up and the communities she served."
Ready to Start Your Journey?
You don't need to have it all figured out. Explore the Resource Hub, connect with funding supports, and take your next step — at your own pace. The MLCN Prosperity Project is here for every stage of your journey.