b'MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENTCelebrating the Strengthof WomenTabatha Bull W e wont forget 2020the yearideas, build relationships and embrace new theworldchangedbecauseopportunities. Unable to hold large in-person ofCOVID-19.Thevirushasgatherings, we had to think outside the box to affected the choices made byfigure out how we could interact virtually.President and CEO governments,thedirection followed by businesses, and the way in whichThis included our first virtual Business Recovery individuals, families and communities cope.Forum, which you can read about in this issue. You While there are short- and long-term recoverycan learn how, as we continue to find solutions to @ccab_national projections, most everyone agrees the virus ismove forward, we are demonstrating that it is vital@Canadian Council for here to stay for longer than we had imagined,to do so in collaboration and consultation with oneAboriginal Business and we all must adapt to this new normal.another. Rebuilding our economy together is not@Canadian Council forsomething that will happen overnight; however, That day back in March when the world pandemic Aboriginal Business was announced was my first day as CCABs newwe need to remember that prior to COVID we had a decade a significant Indigenous resurgence inwww.ccab.com president and CEO. It was also the day CCAB staffthe economy and we need to sustain that growth@ccab_national left the office and started working from home.and continue that trajectory. Throughout 2021, Thinking back, I couldnt have managed thosewe will build on the success of our virtual forum first few weeks without the passion, energy andto ensure that Indigenous business is a priority professional expertise of the CCAB staff. Im soas we rebuild and recover.proud to be the president of an organization that holds the same values, morals and ethicalCOVID-19 is our reality today and while it is principles as my own.reflected in this edition it is not the theme. This issue is about Indigenous women in business Weve all had to adapt. Wearing masks, socialstrengthening the economy and empowering distancing, home-schooling, lockdowns, isolation,youth and other women through experience and limited or no travel, continually washing our handsmentorship. It is filled with accounts of strength,we are doing what is necessary to keep eachcourage, inspiration, resilience and influence. other safe. Weve also had to adapt to how we do business. Weve had to rethink our businessI am a female engineer, mother to two incredible models and make a digital transformation, all atboys, and blessed to be married to a man (also lightning speed.an engineer) who supports my career and instils the fundamentals of equality in our sons. My The pandemic emphasized the unique barriersupbringing was similar: I am the youngest of that Indigenous businesses face. When thefour children and my mom stayed home to raise government first rolled out much-needed financialus until I was in Grade 4. It was through the aid and programs for businesses affected byencouragement of my parents that I believed COVID, Indigenous business needs were notI could be anything. My dad was raised by his considered, and many were ineligible. CCABgrandmother, who also brought up many cousins, became a conduit between government andaunts and uncles at Serpent River. She was a quiet Indigenous business, providing information inleader, a strong woman everyone could look up to. both directions. We advocated for Indigenous business and worked with government and otherIm incredibly thankful to these strong women organizations to ensure the delivery of appropriatethat came before memy great-grandmother, support and assistance measures.my grandmothers, my mom and my sisters. As I embark on this new path of leadership, Im equally As the world continues to fight the virus andthankful for the women that stand beside me and struggles with a volatile economy, thoughtsthose who mentor and lead by example, ready to are now on business recovery. For the past 38help advance women into leadership positions. It years, CCABs networking events and galasis incredibly important to celebrate the strength of have provided a critical forum for Indigenouswomen and teach our children about the strength and non-Indigenous businesses to exchangeand respect they deserve. 6A CCAB PUBLICATION2020'