Keynote Speaker: Tabatha Bull
President & CEO, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
Topic: "Rebuilding Generational Wealth – An Act of Reconciliation"
Host: Carolyn Purden
Rotary Toronto Meeting Thursday, June 15th, 2023
Lunch at The National Club, 303 Bay Street, Toronto
and Virtual Meeting as well!
IN PERSON PREREGISTER: no later than the TUESDAY at: admin@rotarytoronto.com
For In Person at The National Club please arrive no later than 11:40 a.m. to be seated
Rotarians for You and Our Virtual Only Guests:
Please Use Our Usual Virtual Meeting Link on LinkedTree!
https://linktr.ee/RotaryToronto
Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions are those expressed by the Speaker and do not necessarily reflect the official views or opinions, policy or position of The Rotary Club of Toronto or its Members.
Biography: Tabatha Bull
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.
Serving the Indigenous community through CCAB’s commitment to support the Indigenous economy, Tabatha is often asked to provide input to the federal government, including through her attendance at the 2023 North American Leaders Summit with delegates from Canada, Mexico, and the USA. She participated on the Indo-Pacific Advisory Committee, providing perspectives and recommendations on the Indo-Pacific strategy that aims to advance Canada’s goal within trade diversification, inclusive growth, and climate change. And as a past member of the government’s COVID-19 Supply Council, advocating for Indigenous businesses to be included in Canada’s response to the pandemic.
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.
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. Their mandate is to advise CN’s Board and company President and Chief Executive Officer on issues relevant to CN’s relationship with the more than 200 Indigenous communities in which CN operates.
Tabatha has appeared on numerous occasions in the Senate and House of the Parliament of Canada, discussing, advocating, and advising on various Indigenous business issues. She was recommended to the Deputy Minister of International Trade at Global Affairs Canada to join the Trade Advisory Council where she is one of a 12-member panel. The Council’s overarching mandate is to advise on issues related to export promotion, investment attraction, trade policy and negotiations, and international science, technology, and innovation.
Tabatha is also a main judge on Bears’ Lair, an Indigenous TV series that aired on APTN, which was dedicated to the growth of Indigenous entrepreneurs.
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.
Biography: Kawennanoron Cindy White
Kawennanoron Cindy White is Onondaga Snipe Clan from the Mohawk community of Akwesasne, currently living in the Six Nations Grand River Territory. She attended the State University of New York at Plattsburgh where she studied nursing and received a Bachelor of Science degree.
Kawennanoron is a Ceremonial Leader and Traditional Healer and sits on the Council of Soul of the Mother, a spiritually trained and Creator-centered team led by Kahontak was Diane Longboat. The Council has travelled among First Nations and across the globe to bring the Sacred Fire. As she works, she creates a sacred space for individuals to meet with spirit for healing and transformation, sharing: “If there is no love, there is no healing.”
Cindy is the Elder-in-Residence and Traditional Healer at Women’s College Hospital. She provides guidance for program development and implementation of practices and protocols specific to Indigenous peoples. She also offers ceremonies to Community Members, as well as personal consultation and mentorship to learners and staff at WCH.