Paul Riche is a respected leader and advocate for Indigenous self‑determination with extensive experience in governance, negotiations, and organizational leadership. A member of the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation, he brings deep cultural knowledge and practical leadership skills to advancing the social, economic, and infrastructure priorities of Innu communities.

Mr. Riche is a former Chief of the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation and has served as an executive member of the Innu Nation. Over the course of his career, he has held numerous roles on boards, trusts, and advisory committees within Innu organizations, including Impact and Benefits committees and resource negotiation tables. His work reflects a strong ability to navigate complex relationships with federal and provincial governments while keeping community interests at the forefront.

One of Mr. Riche’s key professional strengths is his experience leading high‑stakes negotiations. He played a central role in negotiations with federal and provincial governments to secure accelerated capital and infrastructure funding to address critical community needs, including housing, clean water, sewer systems, and essential programming. These efforts helped close longstanding gaps resulting from the community’s relatively recent access to federal funding.

Mr. Riche was also instrumental in the development of a new school for Sheshatshiu and in successfully negotiating the transfer of education services from the provincial government to the community. Under his leadership, Sheshatshiu achieved greater control over programs and services following full federal recognition as Status Indians under the Indian Act. This transition marked a significant milestone in strengthening local governance and self‑administration.

Fluent in both Innu Aimun and English, Mr. Riche combines effective communication skills with lived community experience. His leadership is guided by a long‑term vision centered on capacity‑building, self‑governance, and creating sustainable opportunities for future generations.