Tabatha Bull, women in business, community and culture
By Brian Wright-McLeod
TORONTO— Tabatha Bull of Nipissing First Nation is the Chief Operating Officer for the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB), an organization in Toronto that bridges Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, businesses, and communities through diverse programming, providing tools, training, network building, major business awards, and national events.
Her successful career began after graduating from the electrical engineering program at the University of Waterloo in the late 1990s. She went on to work in the electrical consulting and energy industry and built relationships between the energy sector and Ontario First Nations.
“The CCAB advances business relationships between aboriginal and non-aboriginal businesses,” she said.
Bull has seen great strides in the growth of small and large Indigenous companies through her efforts in developing partnerships with some of Canada’s largest corporations. The stellar efforts of others is worthy of recognition.
“It’s important to recognize Aboriginal women in business as leaders and how they strengthen traditions and culture,” she said.
The CCAB hosted the Third Annual 2019 Indigenous Women in Leadership (IWIL) Award on April 19 in Toronto recognizing many individuals and companies.
The award categories include the Aboriginal Hall of Fame/Lifetime Achievement Award, Youth Entrepreneur Award, Excellence in Aboriginal Relations, and the Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation Award.
“In 2017, the CCAB and TD Bank Group established the IWIL Award to recognize the power and strength of Indigenous women in business,” she said. “The first recipient was the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould in 2017, followed by Roberta Jamieson (Mohawk, Six Nations) the following year.”
“This year’s recipient was Nicole Bourque-Bouchier (Mikisew Cree First Nation, Alberta). She’s the CEO for the Bouchier Group,” Bull continued. “She’s a power house in business.”
Bull explained the process.
“Individuals are nominated by their peers in an open process and then through an independent jury through various criteria including leadership and contribution to community, volunteerism, commitment to capacity building, youth mentorship, measurable results relating to economic development (employment opportunities and business growth) and a forward advancement of their efforts.”
“It’s important that we celebrate and recognize success and accomplishments of the women,” she said. “What we are demonstrating to the youth and corporations shows what difference the women are making across the country in classrooms and board rooms.”
Bull concluded, “The award ceremony is also a great networking opportunity.”
Bull not only serves on the Board of Directors for Toronto’s Wigwamen Housing Inc., she also sits on the board for the Young People’s Theatre.
As a member of the Canadian advisory group to United Nations Women, she “promotes women’s economic empowerment through responsible business in G7 countries.”
A hockey fan, Bull not only encourages Indigenous youth participation in the Little NHL, but also assists in distributing used hockey equipment to Indigenous communities throughout Ontario.
A strident businesswoman strongly connected to community and culture, Bull is as an inspiration to all.
For nominations and information, contact ccab.com