b'CEO PROFILEideas in the board room, these collabora- Bulls reputation now precedes her, andBull says that procurement continues to tions are now delivering actual solutionsthat definitely helps her advocacy efforts.be a focus for CCAB going forward. She to Indigenous businesses from coast toWhen I was first appointed as parliamen- reminds us that meaningful engagement coast to coast.tary secretary to the Ministry of Indigenouswith both government and industry part-Services, my son Fraser said, Mom, youners is not only a great strategy, it serves In 2020, CCAB announced a $500,000have to meet with Tabatha Bull. And thatas a reminder of the cultural values that investment from Facebook Canada towas the very first meeting I had, says PamIndigenous businesses bring to partner-establish an Indigenous business supportDamoff, Member of Parliament. Ive hadships, where respect, wisdom, honesty fund that would provide cash grants,the pleasure of working with Tabatha toand humility are just a few of the Seven access to Facebooks digital skills trainingensure that more Indigenous businessesGrandfather Teachings. certification program and CCAB member- are benefiting from procurement from ship to Indigenous-owned businesses.the federal government. She also was aBroken promises and commitments have The Council had consistently heard fromleader during the pandemic to make surefor too long taken their toll on Indigenous members that they were not in a posi- that Indigenous businesses could benefitcommunities. Bull and the CCAB team tion to take on any more debt; a springfrom programs that the federal govern- have made it a priority to retain current 2020 survey found that 47 per cent ofment brought forward. At first, they didnt,members and attract new ones by deliv-Indigenous businesses planned to, or hadand it was because of Tabathas leadershipering on their promise. While much work already applied for, government financialthat we were able to modify programs thatlies ahead, her vision is clear and broad assistance in response to the pandemic.would benefit Indigenous businesses. in scope. We are really working to be Non-repayable investments like the onestruly national and reach all businesses made available through Facebook haveThe Hon. Marc Miller, Federal Minister ofregionally, provincially and nationally, helped Indigenous businesses to survive. she says. Quebec, eastern Canada, and Crown-Indigenous Relations, calls Bull athe North are areas where we want to trailblazer. Under her leadership, CCABgrow our representation in the future. Next InFebruary2022,GoogleCanadarecently became one of five Indigenousyear we are partnering with the Yukon announced a $1.5-million commitmentorganizations involved in the NationalChamber of Commerce for an event and to CCAB. One million to support cashIndigenous Economic Strategy (NIES),will host another event in the east after grants and CCAB memberships foran Indigenous-led and driven strategyour success with the East Coast Business Indigenous businesses and the redevel- that guides reconciliation in collabora- Forum in Halifax last year.opment of CCABs Tools and Financingtion and rebuilding Indigenous econo-for Aboriginal business (TFAB) platform,mies, he says, adding that throughoutWhere will the extra mile lead? That is with the balance going to CCAB forthe pandemic, Bull regularly offered heryet to be determined. But with Bull at the donated search ads to reach a broaderexpertise as a member of the governmentshelm, we know the journey will be fasci-audience, promote their programs andCOVID-19 Supply Council.nating and worth following.share research with the public.RARE COMBINATIONBulls efforts as a leader have been unde-niably effective, but it has been her warm, approachable leadership style that most people admire. Its not often that you meet someone you would want to be your friend, boss and back-up in a crisis all in one. She laughs a lot, cheers at hockey games, leads with laser focus and always keeps her composure. Bull is both sharp-minded and soft-hearteda rare combination. I believe you can be a caring leader whoControl makes family a priority and keeps the well- the light in being of your team at the forefront, while also not losing sight of the processes and the big picture of what you are trying toyour life.accomplish together, says Bull. I would not be here without this team who has sacrificed and excelled and given every-thing theyve got. If I didnt have theyycbeautifulblinds.casupport of my team and a very supportive board who believed in my leadership,403-274-9558none of this would be possible.Aboriginal BUSINESS REPORT89'