b'CCAB RETROSPECTIVE GRATITUDE TO OUR PRESIDENTS Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) has had the good fortune of being led by some visionary leaders over its 40-year history. We would like to extend a deep thank you to all of them for their hard work, unwavering dedication, and inspirational leadership in helping build the organization into what it is today. SYDNEY SCHIPPER (Executive VP)GEORGE LAFOND DAN BRANIFF (First President)JOCELYNE SOULODRE CLIFF BOLAND CLINT DAVISBOB STANBURY JP GLADUPATRICK LAVELLE TABATHA BULL (Current President)CCABsunflinchingsupportforOnce the COVID restrictions eased, Indigenous businesses during a gener- Bull expanded CCABs reach interna-ational global event is a milestonetionally, participating in the 2023 North achievement worthy of celebration. BullAmerican Leaders Summit and sitting would start her new role as the orga- on the Indo-Pacific Advisory Committee, nizations president not from a board- advocating for trade diversification room, but a home office. She was facedand inclusive business practices. In with a daunting task. But she set to work2023, Bull was recognized as one of supporting the overnight transition toCanadas 100 Most Powerful Women online business through weekly memberby the Womens Executive Network. calls, the creation of space for members to discuss concerns, and a newly createdToday, CCAB shows no sign of slowing publicpolicydepartmenttomain- down. What began as an impassioned tain sound policy development at acall to action 40 years ago has evolved crucial time.into a national Indigenous powerhouse In the first summer of Bulls leadership,led by a team of amazing leaders and over 44 per cent of Indigenous busi- staff that now number more than 50.The nesses in Canada indicated that withoutorganization has supported Indigenous support they would fail. CCAB helpedbusinesses from coast to coast to coast businesses coordinate with govern- and has played a pivotal role in building ment and non-government organiza- the countrys Indigenous economy. In tions for funding assistance, while Bullso doing, it has helped tens of thou-also protected the employment of hersands of Indigenous professionals and own staff. The biggest win, she says,business owners achieve economic was keeping everyone employed andprosperityboth for themselves and the doors open.their communities. During the pandemic, Bull was a memberIt is thanks to the passionate and of the federal governments COVID-19committedleadersofCCABthat Supply Council. She became the voicemassive strides have been made in for Indigenous business at a nationalbuilding the Indigenous economy in level throughout the crisis. While a globalCanada. Today, the future looks brighter economic crisis may seem like a time tothan ever for Indigenous businesses as maintain the status quo, Bull drove CCABCCAB continues to plan new programs, to push for more opportunities instead.launch innovative initiatives, and lobby Utilizing its robust research department,for change and support in Ottawa. The CCAB developed over 20 projects andorganization has proved its merit and released nine reports in support of itsshown that the potential for Indigenous membership and the organization duringbusiness in Canada is immense, and the the height of the pandemic.opportunities limitless.Aboriginal BUSINESS REPORT 29'