Tabatha is an Anishnaabe Kwe from Nipissing First Nation. As CCAB’s president and CEO she is committed to help rebuild and strengthen the path toward reconciliation and a prosperous Indigenous economy to benefit all Canadians. With a focus on Indigenous economic development, Tabatha often works with various heads of organizations, companies, government officials and departments, notably her role with the federal government’s COVID-19 Supply Council.  She serves the Indigenous community through her commitment, duty, and support to Indigenous business and the economy.

An electrical engineer, Tabatha informs Canada’s energy sector by participating on the boards of Ontario’s electricity system operator IESO, the Positive Energy Advisory Council, the MARS Energy Advisory Council, and the C.D. Howe Institute’s Energy Policy program.

A member of several other boards and committees, including Queen’s University Engineering Circle of Advisors, Centennial College Aboriginal Education Council, Wigwamen Housing, and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Tabatha is dedicated to diversity and removing systematic barriers to improve opportunities and business competitiveness across all industry sectors.

Recently appointed to the Catalyst CEO advisory board in Canada, Tabatha collaborates with some of the world’s most powerful CEOs and leading companies to help build workplaces that support women.Tabatha is a proud mom of two boys and can often be found in a hockey arena, at the baseball diamond, or on the lacrosse field.

Nick Crighton is a proud Nêhiyaw man and father from the Waterhen Lake First Nation in Treaty 6 Territory in Saskatchewan. Nick’s Fiancée Viviana, his 4 beautiful children and family are his biggest supporters and they are what drive and inspire him everyday. He has spent the last 15 years growing his family, going to school and is currently the Director of Indigenous Engagement for the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce in Regina, SK. He is passionate about preserving Indigenous languages and culture and believes that education and sharing Indigenous history in our schools, businesses, and homes is imperative to bridging the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities so we can all connect, prosper and heal together. Additionally, Nick understands the benefits and the importance of including Indigenous People in the economy, workforce and education sectors to ensure success for everyone in our province and nation. As an advocate for Indigenous People, he also believes that it is essential to include Indigenous People in the development of strategies, programming and implementation of policy that will assist in the continued growth and development in our communities.

Rhonda’s background and experience crosses a variety of different sectors including government, non-profit community-based organizations and the private sector.  Most recently, Rhonda led the City of Winnipeg’s Journey of Reconciliation in a role that spanned over 13 years.  As a part of the senior management team Rhonda was responsible for leading the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, the implementation of the MMIWG Calls for Justice, the Indigenous Accord, the Indigenous Youth Strategy, Welcoming Winnipeg and various projects that include Indigenizing City Hall.Rhonda also held a role of Senior Project Officer with Aboriginal and Northern Affairs and the Intergovernmental Affairs Department with the Province of Manitoba; as well as the Aboriginal Programs Manager with SEED (Supporting Employment and Economic Development) Winnipeg and various other roles in private corporations.Rhonda’s education includes a Masters in Municipal Leadership, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Credit Union board training, CANDO certification and extensive training in community development. She also has several years of board and volunteer experience with organizations such as the Manitoba Community Services Council, Kildonan United Church, Huron Child Care Inc. and Assiniboine Credit Union.

Paul Gruner has 15 years of progressive management experience in several industries including Oil and Gas Midstream Operations, Civil Construction, Telecommunications and manufacturing. He has worked primarily in the North including Northern British Columbia, Yukon, Alaska and currently Northwest Territories. In the past he has served as the General Manager of Dakwakada Capital Investments, CEO of  Castle Rock Enterprises and President of RAB Energy. Currently he is the President and CEO of Det’on Cho Management LP which is the investment arm of the Yellowknives Dene First Nations. He sits on several boards including the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, Canadian Chamber of Commerce,  Future Skills Centre Canada, Northwest Territories / Nunavut Chamber of Mines and Da Daguay Development Corporation.

In addition to his professional experience he has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Northern British Columbia, a Chartered Professional Accounting Designation and the Institute Corporate Director Designation.

Blair has fought for the advancement of Teslin Tlingit Council and his home town of Teslin for the last 9-years and is proud of the many accomplishments in Teslin and being part of the many amazing successes in Teslin’s development over that time. Over this decade of work, the community development corporation was launched (DDC) with now 6+ years of successes; the community recognized internationally for joint 10-year Community Development Planning which has yielded massive value for the community; Teslin recognized as Community Economic Developer of the Year Award by CANDO in 2016; the creation of a biomass economy in Teslin that has inspired local opportunities and the interest of community leaders who visit and study our work from around the world. Over this same period Blair developed Gunta Business Consulting (Gunta) supplying its services across the north focusing on communities, governments and businesses providing;

*Business Planning * Renewable Energy Feasibility * Community Engagement * Virtual Event Services * Project Management *

Drew Mildon is a partner at Woodward and Company LLP.  His primary areas of practice are resource law, business associations, tax, trusts, contracts, and strategic implementation of Aboriginal rights and title.

Coming from the Urban Planning and Design background, Arman sole focus in recent years has been the built environment. Specifically, accelerating sustainable energy innovations for equal-opportunity, zero-impact, connected communities. As the co-founder and CEO of Lambda Science, he and his team are introducing new energy modeling and analysis solutions to the small residential construction subsector, paving the path for Net-Zero Homes.

Arman serves as a board director at the BC Sustainable Energy Association (BCSEA) where he champions Entrepreneurs For Sustainability (EN4S) as well as various initiatives related to the organization’s operations. With 17 years of achievements and 4 volunteer-led chapters across the province, BCSEA has been a key player in the BC’s path towards a sustainable future.

Lyle is the Manager of Development for Giga Metals Corporation where he oversees all aspects of the development of Giga Metals’ Turnagain nickel-cobalt sulphide deposit in northern BC, working to turn a world-class nickel deposit into a major long-life mine.  Giga Metals’ goal is to responsibly supply battery metals to the world.  Lyle has more than 25 years’ experience in the nickel industry, and was previously General Manager, Sustainability with Sherritt International Corp. at their Alberta nickel refinery. In this role, his duties included oversight of environment, health and safety, and stakeholder relations activities. Previous roles included managing engineering and research groups, and review of potential investment opportunities. Through his career, Lyle has been involved with base metals projects on five continents, including nickel, cobalt, copper, and zinc. Lyle has a collaborative mindset and has worked with major industry consortia, including Fertilizer Canada, the Nickel Institute, and the Northeast Capital Industry Association. Although his career has been spent in the metals business, as a proud Albertan working in the Industrial Heartland for the last two decades, Lyle also has ties to the hydrocarbon processing industry.