b'MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENTCollaborative and Productive PartnershipsTabatha Bull O n behalf of CCAB, Im proud toan opportunity for contestants to network, learn announcethattheAboriginaland be mentored by experienced entrepreneurs, Business Report was recently namedresulting in a powerful synergy. the number one Indigenous business President and CEO magazine across the country by theOn my end, I was honoured to be invited to judge Canadian Media Circulation Audit Board.the show as one of the Bears, sitting on a panel We owe this honour to our writers and to our collab- of respected Indigenous business professionals @ccab_national orative partnership with the team at MediaEdge.who, during the taping of the show, shared their@Canadian Council for We also owe it to our readers, advertisers andstories and advice on successful entrepreneurship. It was particularly meaningful to have Indigenous Aboriginal Business members for continuing to support the magazinecontestants present to a group of Indigenous@Canadian Council forand helping make it a success. This has allowedjudges, resulting in a respectful space for problemAboriginal Business us to expand the publication to include moresolving, learning and encouragement.www.ccab.com in-depth articles featuring Indigenous businesses and partnerships from every sector, region andThe contestantsat varying levels of entrepre- @ccab_national community across the country. So a big thanksneurshipwere able to share their challenges. to all of you! All showed extraordinary dedication to their busi-This particular edition of the Aboriginal Businessness and a willingness to learn and improve. Their Report is special for several reasons. First, webusiness pitches reflected oral storytelling, and are pleased to provide you with our third annualit was heartwarming to see successful business-Indigenous Business and CCAB Member Directory.people embrace traditional Indigenous teachings. As our membership grows so too does the direc- It was also eye-opening to see firsthand the tory, and we have optimized our digital version oftremendous amount of work involved in producing the magazine to allow readers to make connec- a television show. There were long hours on set tions to our members in one easy click.for what will be short episodes, and yet it was We are also thrilled to share with you exclusiveall so very worth it. By the end, everyone had stories about an exciting new Indigenous TV series,made deep, new connections, which made taping Bears Lair, airing on APTN this fall. You can readthe final episode very emotional. There were about the concept, why its important, and howmore than a few happy tears shed, especially for the show became a reality. Learn about the 18the winners. contestants and their business pitches to try toBeing a part of Bears Lair was both exciting and win the top prize and a bright financial future,rewarding, and Im very much looking forward to and find out who the Bears are that sit on thewatching the program on APTN this fall with my judges panel, including yours truly. family. Im also looking forward to future seasons As well, enjoy a great read about the tremendousof this inspiring Indigenous reality show. Indigenous talent behind the scenes that madeIn the meantime, enjoy the sneak peek into the the production possible. The competition is soprogram we provide on the pages of this edition much more than just a pitch contest to win cashof Aboriginal Business Report. Were sure youll or investment capital. Its an all-out Indigenousbe as excited about Bears Lair as we are.production with Indigenous crew, contestants, camera operators, make-up artists, set decora-tion, lighting crew, and designer clothing andMiigwetch,jewellery suppliers. The reason the show is important is that it shines a spotlight on talented Indigenous entrepreneurs and shows that Indigenous business is active in all aspects of the Canadian economy. It providesTabatha Bull12A CCAB PUBLICATION2022'