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. Serving the Indigenous community through CCAB’s commitment to support the Indigenous economy, Tabatha is an appointee of CN’s inaugural Indigenous Advisory Council. The Council is comprised of accomplished and respected representatives of Canada’s First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities of every province and territory. An electrical engineer, Tabatha informs Canada’s energy sector by participating on many boards including Ontario’s electricity system operator IESO, and the Positive Energy Advisory Council, the MARS Energy Advisory Council, and the C.D. Howe Institute’s Energy Policy program. Tabatha is dedicated to diversity and removing systematic barriers to improve opportunities and business competitiveness across all industry sectors.
Learn more about Tabatha Bull
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tabatha-bull-bb631842/
Chief Robert Louie
Owner, Indigenous World Winery & Distillery
Westbank First Nations, BC
Chief Robert Louie is a member and Chief of the Westbank First Nation, a self-governing Nation located in the Okanagan region of BC.
Over his 24-year span as Chief, Robert was President and Director for over 30 diverse corporations ranging from construction, forestry, institutional services and commercial, retail and residential development projects. Robert has been instrumental in advancing all aspects of regional and national economic development through his strong connection to culture and community, his expertise in Native Law and industry partnership development and his leadership experience that paves the path for others to excel.
Robert currently holds many leadership and advisory roles including:Director and Chairman roles with organizations such as the First Nations Lands Advisory Board, Peace Hills Trust, Ecora Engineering and Resource Group Ltd. and DAXET Development Corporation. He is the Founding Director and shareholder in Decisive Dividends (DE) on TSX Venture and his most recent appointment to the TC Energy Indigenous Advisory Council.
He has been recognized both locally and internationally with appointments and roles that include the nine-member Premier’s Advisory Council with the Premier of BC; Indigenous advisor representing Canada on the World Indigenous Business Forum; Board Member and Executive Committee with the BC Achievement Foundation; the UBC Board of Governors and President’s Advisory Council member for UBC-Okanagan; Board Director on the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board; President of First Nations Finance Authority Inc.; Board Director with All Nations Trust Co.; Board Director on the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce; Board Director and founding member with the Kelowna United Native Friendship Society, and; former Task Group member elected by BC Chiefs to serve on the First Nations Summit Task Group.
Learn more about Robert Louie
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-louie-54979b101/
Indigenous World Winery
https://www.indigenousworldwinery.com/
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/