THE BEARS
The Bears are experts in business and economic development, media, resource management, and supply chain development. They’re all recognized for their work to increase Indigenous inclusion by paving the path for others to launch, grow, and sustain successful businesses.
OUR BEARS WILL WORK WITH GUEST JUDGES TO:
GEENA JACKSON
Creator and Executive Producer of Bears’ Lair TV / Founder & President of Sparkly Frog Clan Productions Inc.
Shíshálh / Sechelt Nation, BC
Geena is a proud member of the shíshálh (Sechelt) First Nation on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia – and the driving force behind Bears’ Lair TV as the creator and executive producer. For 30 years, Geena has been a passionate advocate for Indigenous voices, rights and business development with her work in Broadcast and Media Communications (BCIT Degree, Indigenous and Toronto International Film Festivals, TV shows like Hard Copy and APTN’s First Talk), Business and economic development roles for over 13 years for the Squamish Nation (Trust Administrator, Small Business Officer, Procurement Lead, Major Projects Team) directly supporting 500+ start-ups and established businesses. Executive Indigenous Community Relations and Indigenous Advancement for corporate Canada. Executive Corporate Indigenous Training. Geena supports initiatives such as the Golden Eagles Rising Society, Right to Play and Live Different that create positive, life-changing impacts in Indigenous lives.
Learn more about Geena Jackson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/geena-jackson-06b92070/
Tabatha Bull
President & CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB)
Nipissing Nation, ON
Tabatha is Anishinaabe, a proud member of Nipissing First Nation. As CCAB’s president and CEO she is committed to help rebuild and strengthen the path towards reconciliation and a prosperous Indigenous economy to benefit all Canadians. As an electrical engineer, Tabatha is committed to supporting Indigenous inclusion and diversity in Canada’s energy sector.
In 2022, Tabatha received the award of CEO of the Year from for the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Ontario Business Achievement Awards (OBAA). The award is given to a CEO who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership.
Tabatha advocates for the Indigenous economy through her work with various organizations, committees, and boards on Indigenous economic development.
An appointee of 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 work for women. Also, a member of Queen’s University Dean of Engineering’s Circle of Advisors, Centennial College’s Indigenous Circle, C.D Howe Institute’s Energy Policy program, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce board, and the Board of the Dexterra Group, Tabatha is dedicated to diversity and removing systematic barriers to improve opportunities and business competitiveness across all industry sectors.
Above all else Tabatha is a mom to two incredible young men and is most comfortable cheering them on from the side of the hockey rink or lacrosse field.
Learn more about Tabatha Bull
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tabatha-bull-bb631842/
Clint Davis
CEO, North35
Nunatsiavut, N.L.
Clint is the former CEO of Nunasi Corporation, an Inuit development corporation headquartered in Iqaluit. During his three year tenure with the company, he lead the divestment of two underperforming companies, sold two commercial properties, developed a fund structure for the investment capital of the company, more than doubled the investment capital, hired a core team and rebranded. Clint initiated the negotiations for Nunasi’s participation in three major infrastructure projects.
Clint started his career as a lawyer with Benson Myles. After establishing himself in law, he transitioned into public service as Senior Advisor to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. Clint advanced his career in banking, joining BMO as the National Director of Indigenous Banking, where he positioned BMO as a bank of choice for Indigenous organizations. Other roles included the CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and VP, Indigenous Banking with TD, where he doubled the portfolio and developed and executed TD’s first Indigenous Banking national strategy. Clint later launched North35 Capital Partners, where he advised Indigenous communities and development corporations on business strategy. While at North35, Clint also envisioned and built the structure for an Indigenous Infrastructure Fund, a first-of-its-kind aimed at furthering investment into Indigenous communities.
Frequently turned to for insights into Indigenous business and economics, Clint has been a featured expert in major media such as APTN, CBC, BNN, and The Globe and Mail, and he’s a former blogger for Financial Post.
Clint is also an active board member. He currently serves on the boards of Vancity Community Investment Bank, Nasittuq Corporation, and the Arctic Inspiration Prize. He founded the Inuit Development Corporation Association, uniting the 6 Inuit development corporations in Canada. Clint was also a key contributor to the development of the framework for the national truth and reconciliation council as a Governor in Council appointee. Clint is currently serving as an Hon. Lt. Col of the Queen’s York Rangers, an Army Primary Reserve Canadian Armoured Corps regiment based in Toronto and Aurora.
Clint was recognized for his contribution to Indigenous business with the Indspire Award in the Business and Commerce category, the highest honour awarded to an individual by the Indigenous community. In 2015, Clint was recognized as a Distinguished Alumni by Acadia University.
A graduate of Harvard University, Clint holds his Master in Public Administration degree in business and government policy. He was also a Canada-US Fulbright Scholar. Prior to earning his master’s degree, Clint completed his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in Indigenous, business, and criminal law from Dalhousie University, as well as his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance from Acadia University.
Clint is an Inuk from Nunatsiavut, Labrador. He was born and raised in Goose Bay, Labrador.
Learn more about Clint Davis
https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintmdavis//
Dave Tuccaro
Founder, PResident & CEO of Tuccaro Group of Companies
Mikisew Cree Nation, AB
Dave is a proud member of the Mikisew Cree First Nation of Fort Chipewyan, Alberta.
Under his leadership, the Tuccaro Group has grown into to seven well-respected companies that provide a range of services to companies and people across Alberta, the core of Canada’s energy sector.
Dave’s companies excel in:
Industrial services such as fuelling, potable water and waste removal services for mining, oil and gas companies.
Property management of over 100,000 square feet of residential and industrial spaces.
Technical services providing lab, geotechnical and environmental services.
Their head office – and their heart – is firmly planted in Fort McMurray, where they focus on providing the essentials of healthy people and communities; “opportunity, employment and pride.’
Dave was recognized by the Financial Post as a “Top 40 under 40′ leader in 1998, won a National Aboriginal Achievement Award in 1999, was featured in Venture magazine in 2000 as one of Alberta’s 50 Most Influential People,
Dave is the Chair of the Board for IndSpire, and his companies support local sports teams, education and health initiatives.
Learn more about Dave Tuccaro
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-tuccaro-2523a2b/
Tucccaro Group
https://www.tuccaro.com/our-story/