Canadian Council for Indigenous Business

Canadian Council for Indigenous Business Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) is a national, non-partisan, non-profit, member-based organization that is changing the business landscape.

Our mission is to promote, strengthen, and enhance a prosperous Indigenous economy through the fostering of business relationships, opportunities, and awareness. Our members include Indigenous businesses, communities, Indigenous community-owned economic development corporations, and companies operating in Canada. CCIB’s Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) program, formerly kno

wn as the Progressive Aboriginal Relations™ (PAR) program, recognizes and supports continuous improvement in Indigenous relations. It is the premier corporate social responsibility program with an emphasis on Indigenous relations. CCIB Events connect businesses across Canada with business opportunities and excellence in sustainable relations. These events include CCIB award galas to celebrate Indigenous business success and networking opportunities featuring Canada's leading thought leaders weighing in on areas of opportunity. Every year, CCIB honours the best and brightest individuals and businesses within our network, granting Awards that recognize the central role that Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses and communities hold within the Canadian business landscape. CCIB Programs and Services facilitate the growth of Indigenous entrepreneurs and their businesses. Tools for Indigenous Business (TIB) provides practical tools, training and networks to help you grow your business. CCIB’s Grants and Funding program offers Indigenous businesses with financial support opportunities for Indigenous businesses. CCIB’s Supply Change™ program's procurement strategy and marketplace aims to overcome social-economic barriers. Our exclusive Connects program is a unique opportunity that CCIB offers to its new and existing members. CCIB impact-focused Research includes publications and reports that have been used to develop policies and programs for both the Federal and Provincial governments and Corporate Canada. Our research helps unlock potential collaborations and forge meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples, businesses and communities that support Indigenous prosperity and well-being.

On June 6, Blue Jean Jacket Day is dedicated to honouring and raising awareness for missing, murdered, and exploited Ind...
06/06/2026

On June 6, Blue Jean Jacket Day is dedicated to honouring and raising awareness for missing, murdered, and exploited Indigenous men and boys.

It stands as a counterpart to Red Dress Day, bringing critical attention to the disproportionately high rates of homicide and violence faced by Indigenous men and boys in Canada. Tragically, Indigenous men are four times more likely to die by homicide than non-Indigenous people in Canada.

Within professional workplaces, Blue Jean Jacket Day is a reminder of the importance of respect, inclusion and creating environments across all sectors where Indigenous identity is recognized, valued, and supported.

06/05/2026

"The only way we fail is by not trying. If I can leave anything for the young leaders, and even the older leaders, try. Make your mistakes. And when you need help, turn to the community around you and ask for it." -Juanita Marois, CCIB's Indigenous Women in Leadership Award recipient.

What an unforgettable evening celebration of Indigenous women's excellence. Under our guiding theme, Rooted in Purpose. Growing through Connection, attendees came together to celebrate leadership grounded in purpose and strengthened through relationships, shared experience, and community.

The evening celebration began with opening remarks from emcee Tiara Folkes, followed by Elder Ruby Eagle Child, who started the evening off in a good way. Setting the stage for an unforgettable evening, attendees were then treated to an exciting performance by Raegan First Rider, 2026 Calgary Stampede First Nations Princess, followed by the entertaining Jaiden Riley & the Crybabies.

Stephanie Uhlich, General Council and Chief Legal Officer, representing LNG Canada, the IWIL Award Sponsor, presented the Indigenous Women in Leadership Award to Juanita Marois, Ceo, Métis Crossing, a proud citizen of Métis Nation of Alberta - Region 3. Juanita has brought to life a vision where Métis culture and history are not only preserved, but experienced and shared. Her work demonstrates how Indigenous cultural destinations can play a central role in driving economic growth and fostering meaningful connections. She exemplifies what is possible when leadership is rooted in identity, community and purpose.

Guests also enjoyed a special Indigenous Art Giveaway made possible by Clark Builders. Alexis Saulteaux, the Indigenous artist behind the Buffalo Light Up centrepieces featured on every table during the Award dinner, donated the centrepieces as prizes, with one lucky guest at each table taking one home. The buffalo represents the strength of Indigenous women and strong familial relationships, while the Three Sisters mountains are a fitting symbol of the local region.

The evening concluded with heartfelt remarks from Tabatha Bull, President & CEO of CCIB, leaving a lasting impression on guests.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate Indigenous excellence, innovation, and leadership.

06/05/2026

“I find myself in fewer rooms today where there's a balanced representation than I did a few years ago. And that matters, because when women and Indigenous people are not in the room, decisions are made without perspectives shaped by caregiving, community, collaboration, and lived experience. We cannot afford to move backwards—not one inch.” Tabatha Bull, CCIB President & CEO.

The afternoon at CCIB’s Indigenous Women in Leadership Forum & Award Dinner continued with a powerful lineup of panels, breakout sessions and reflections that centred on leadership, knowledge-sharing and community connection.

The Indigenous Leadership and Capacity Building panel, presented by Shell Canada, brought together an intergenerational group of leaders to explore how Indigenous women are building leadership capacity that drives innovation and sustainability.

Moderated by Tiara Folkes, the discussion featured Dr. Marie Delorme, Sarah John, Juanita Marois and Heather Wolf Ear, who shared insights on navigating corporate and entrepreneurial spaces while building resilience and leading with integrity.

The afternoon also featured the Wisdom of Elders panel, moderated by Shannon Sutherland, where Elders Ruby Eagle Child, Lilyrose Meyers and Colleen Runner Waskewitch shared teachings that emphasized the importance of intergenerational connection and Indigenous Ways of Knowing in strengthening leadership.

A highlight of the day was the keynote address by CCIB President & CEO Tabatha Bull, who reflected on her leadership journey and shared insights on impact and the importance of making space for others to lead.
Throughout the afternoon, the Indigenous Artisan Marketplace remained a vibrant hub of connection, while the Grounding Space provided a moment for reflection, wellness and community.

Stay tuned as we transition into an evening of celebration at the Indigenous Women in Leadership Award Dinner.

06/04/2026

CCIB’s Indigenous Women in Leadership Forum & Award Dinner began with a strong sense of connection, building on the energy from last night’s networking reception. The morning set the tone for the day ahead with opportunities to connect over coffee, explore the Indigenous Artisan Marketplace and engage with fellow attendees.

Hosted by Holly and Billie Fortier, the Forum opened in a good way with grounding words from Elder Ruby Eagle Child, followed by a powerful land acknowledgment and performance by Mackenzie Kamâmak Brown and Chantal Chagnon that deeply resonated with the audience. CCIB President & CEO Tabatha Bull delivered an inspiring welcome, encouraging attendees to lead with purpose and continue creating space for Indigenous women across sectors. Throughout the morning, the Lightning Talks brought together diverse voices who shared powerful, personal stories rooted in purpose, identity and connection, including:

• Michelle Nieviadomy – Matriarch Love: A Drumbeat & A Crown
• Racquel Fraser – The Cost of Taking Space & Why I Still Do It
• Risa Atkinson – Circle of the Buffalo: My Family, My Story, My Purpose
• Mindy Henyu – Indigenous Women Belong Everywhere: We Lead with Purpose,Courage, Knowledge & Responsibility
• Vanessa Stiffarm – Rooted in Identity: Strength and Resilience as a Kainai Woman

Attendees then engaged in breakout sessions, including Lateral Violence to Lateral Kindness, led by Sheryl-Ann Carscadden and Christine John, the interactive “Ask the Table” roundtable discussion, and wâsikan kisewâtisiwin – AI with Heart, facilitated by Shani Gwin, offering practical insights and opportunities for meaningful dialogue.

The morning concluded with continued networking over lunch, setting the stage for an afternoon of deeper discussions, learning and community.

Your Membership, your opportunities. Are you taking full advantage of everything your CCIB membership has to offer? The ...
06/03/2026

Your Membership, your opportunities. Are you taking full advantage of everything your CCIB membership has to offer? The next CCIB Member Info Call takes place tomorrow, Thurs., June 4, from 1 to 2 p.m. EDT and is your opportunity to explore the programs, resources, events and networking opportunities designed to help you and your business thrive.

Whether you’re a new member, a long-time member, or looking to become more engaged, this interactive session offers valuable insights on how to maximize your membership and connect with CCIB’s Membership team.

Bring your questions and discover how to leverage your membership benefits, expand your network, and position your business for continued growth and success.

Register today! https://tinyurl.com/3faks4rm

Strengthening cybersecurity readiness starts here. Cyber threats continue to evolve, making preparedness essential for t...
06/03/2026

Strengthening cybersecurity readiness starts here. Cyber threats continue to evolve, making preparedness essential for today’s organizations. On Thurs., June 18, 2026, from 2 to 3 p.m. EDT, CCIB’s Tools for Indigenous Business (TIB) team is hosting a timely webinar on assessing cybersecurity readiness for Indigenous and public sector organizations.

Moderated by Salina Copeland, Sales Coordinator, Business Development, the session features Elias Diab, from Accerta, a Canadian-owned and operated GovTech firm. Accerta partners with governments and public sector organizations to deliver innovative, secure, scalable, and people-centred digital solutions.

This session will explore:
• Key risk areas
• Building cyber readiness
• Strengthening resilience
• Incident preparedness
• Actionable steps to strengthen governance

Participants will receive a Cybersecurity Readiness Checklist to support evaluating their organization’s current cybersecurity posture.

Register today! https://tinyurl.com/3zuy8ffb

In CCIB’s latest Spring Edition of the Indigenous Business Report, read how two Indigenous business women are building s...
06/02/2026

In CCIB’s latest Spring Edition of the Indigenous Business Report, read how two Indigenous business women are building successful careers on a foundation of strong Indigenous roots and values.

Learn more about how Kendal Garlow, co-founder and CEO of SproutSync Ltd., and Heather Wolf Ear, project and resource lead with Indigenous Clean Energy, each unpack the word “matriarch” and the story of Indigenous womanhood, leadership, and matriarchy in 2026.

Read the article on page 14.

Read the magazine: https://tinyurl.com/58pna3nj

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Applications are now open for CCIB’s Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Fund (IWEF), presented by LNG Canada. The fund su...
06/02/2026

Applications are now open for CCIB’s Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Fund (IWEF), presented by LNG Canada. The fund supports Indigenous women entrepreneurs who have experienced systemic barriers to lending relationships, helping them build and strengthen their businesses.

Delivered through the Tools for Indigenous Business (TIB) program, the IWEF goes beyond funding by offering access to valuable connections, practical tools and supportive networks that help businesses continue to grow and thrive.

Eligibility includes:
• 51% or more ownership by an Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) woman
• A for profit business registered in Canada

Submit your application by Monday, June 22, 2026, at 5 p.m. EDT. Recipients will be selected through a live draw at a future date. Please note that recipients of the 2025 IWEF are not eligible for this round of funding.

Your next opportunity starts here: https://www.ccib.ca/main/iwef-2026/

At CCIB, Pride Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the leadership and contributions of Indigenous and non-Indigen...
06/02/2026

At CCIB, Pride Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the leadership and contributions of Indigenous and non-Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities.

Their perspectives, innovation and resilience strengthen businesses, enrich communities and build a more equitable, vibrant economy. We are committed to advancing inclusive economic growth and fostering environments where all voices are valued and can succeed.

June marks National Indigenous History Month, a time to reflect, learn and celebrate the cultures and contributions of F...
06/01/2026

June marks National Indigenous History Month, a time to reflect, learn and celebrate the cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.

Across Canada, Indigenous businesses are creating opportunities, strengthening communities and bringing forward new ways of thinking, leading and growing our economy.

CCIB is honoured to walk alongside Indigenous entrepreneurs, supporting their continued success and advancing prosperity for generations to come.

Address

2 Berkeley Street, Suite 202
Toronto, ON
M5A4J5

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+14169618663

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