b'CCAB RETROSPECTIVECCAB TIMELINE1982Murray Koffler, founder of Shoppers Drug Mart, encounters an unhoused Indigenous family at a1984construction site in Calgary, spurring him to search for a pathway to Indigenous economic prosperity. The Canadian Council for Native Business (CCNB) is officially incorporated. Founding board members are Koffler invites prominent Indigenous figures Murray Koffler, chairman; Don Moses, vice chairman; as well as Canadian business leaders to his farm toSydney S. Schipper, executive vice president and secretary-discuss how corporate Canada can play a role intreasurer; as well as 24 other leaders.supporting Indigenous development.Daniel Braniff becomes the organizations first president.1989The federal government announces the CanadianAboriginal Economic Development Strategy, a 1990living document still in effect today that emphasizes the importance of encouraging Indigenous business. CCNB is awarded Ontarios Outstanding Award for Volunteerism from the Hon. Lincoln Alexander,1992 Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.CCNB changes its name to Canadian Councilfor Aboriginal Business (CCAB).CCAB co-sponsors a seminar called Doing Business1995with Aboriginal Canada with the Financial Post and Air Canada. The model of this conference is replicatedPaul Summers and Ron Jamieson are named co-chairs across Canada in the years to follow.of CCAB. Both men had been heavily involved in the organization since its inception.1996Jocelyne Soulodre, a Red River Mtis from Manitoba, becomes the first female president of CCAB. 1998CCAB launches the Foundation for the Advancement ofSoulodre conceives of a program to recognize Aboriginal Youth (FAAY) scholarship.businesses working with Indigenous businesses The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP)and communities. This Good Housekeeping Seal is published and sets out a 20-year plan on improvingof Approval becomes the framework for CCABs Canadas relationship with Indigenous people.Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) Program.1999The Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR)2001program is first introduced at a CCAB Gala. PAR is officially launched, and BC Hydro is the first company to participate. A total of 10 companies commit to the program.2003CCAB enters into an alliance with the United2005Nations through its World Trade Universitys Institute for Leadership Development. CCAB introduces the Lifetime Achievement Award as part 2007 of the Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame (ABHF). The United Nations Declaration on the 2008Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) is passed, providing the global framework for reconciliation andCCAB introduces its Aboriginal Business Mentorship program.cooperative relations between Indigenousand non-Indigenous populations.Clint Davis becomes president and CEO of CCAB.32A CCAB PUBLICATIONSpring 2024'