b'40TH ANNIVERSARYCCAB TURNS 40! M a r k i n g f o u r d e c a d e s o f I n d i g e n o u s By Sarah B. Hood e c o n o m i c d e v e l o p m e n tT he year 1984 was big for Canada.of the Imagination Group of Companiescorporate Canadas role in bridging the MarcGarneauwenttospace,and co-chair of CCABs 40th anniver- economic gap between Indigenous Alex Trebek became the hostsary committee. Forty years of partner- peoples and the rest of the country. ofJeopardy!,theEdmontonships, measurable progress and busi- Two years later saw the official launch Oilers won their first Stanley Cup,ness growth have contributed to makingof CCAB as a not-for-profit organization and Canadian Council for AboriginalCanada a better country. dedicated to supporting the active partic-Business (CCAB) was born.ipation of Indigenous businesses in the It was in 1982 that the seed for CCABCanadian economy. In 2024, the organization celebrates itswas first planted when Canadian philan-40th anniversarya significant bench- thropist Murray Koffler and a groupCCAB had remarkable foresight in mark in its history. Forty years is truly aof both Indigenous and non-Indige- recognizing business success as a way milestone, says Dr. Marie Delorme, CEOnous leaders came together to discussto achieve sovereignty and self-determi-nation, says Clint Davis, CEO of North35 and a former CEO of CCAB.A LONG HISTORY BIG CELEBRATIONDavisandDelormehavealready Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) has truly led the way incommitted countless hours working growing and supporting Indigenous business in Canadaadvocating forwith the anniversary advisory committee economic inclusion long before Indigenous rights were being recognized byand CCAB team members on a special the countrys courts. It paved the way to Indigenous economic prosperity andcelebration that will commemorate continues to focus on full economic reconciliation.this momentous occasion. The event will not only be an incredible celebra-For the first 18 years, the organization focused on bringing Indigenous peopletion of the past, but also an opportu-and corporations together through internship programs and building linkagesnity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous to Indigenous businesses and markets. It then launched its groundbreakingbusiness leaders and innovators from Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program in 2001 and has remainedacross the country to come together to steadfastly committed to promoting the full economic participation offind ways to move forward in economic Indigenous peoples ever since.reconciliation in a good way.It will take place in Toronto at the In 2018, it launched its Supply Change program to promote IndigenousWestin Harbour Castle, starting with an procurement, and its Certified Aboriginal Business program continues to growopening reception on May 27 collabo-significantly. CCAB now has more than 2,500 members across the country. rating with Indigenous Fashion Arts. On May 28 and 29, there will be inspiring To learn more about CCABs incredible 40-year journey with all its milestones,conference sessions with high-profile be sure to read the upcoming Special Anniversary Edition of Aboriginalspeakers, plenty of networking opportu-Business Report. nities, entertainment, and an Indigenous artisans marketplace.78A CCAB PUBLICATIONWinter 2024'