Celebrating aboriginal business
The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) welcomed hundreds of guests to the second annual Calgary Gala at the Westin Hotel Calgary. The CCAB and Sodexo Canada were pleased to recognize the Penticton Indian Band Development Corp. (PIBDC) as the winner of the CCAB Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) Award for 2015.
The award was presented to Chief Jonathan Kruger representing the PIBDC. The annual award goes to the outstanding economic development corporation (ED C) and affirms the substantial value EDCs bring to aboriginal communities by way of employment, business development and revenue generation. EDCs are valuable conduits between industry, government and aboriginal communities, and by showcasing their initiatives, CCAB points to a vision of shared prosperity and progress.
Penticton Indian Band Reserve is the largest B.C. reserve, covering 46,000 acres with a population of 1,034 members.
PIBDC is the principal economic development, marketing and promotional organization for the Penticton Indian Band. PIBDC is the business investment vehicle pursuing business joint ventures and investment opportunities on behalf of Penticton Indian Band community and stakeholders that meet the established investment criteria developed by PIBDC.
“Congratulations to the Penticton Indian Band Development Corporation for demonstrating the vision and courage in the world of business essential for business success,” said CCAB chief executive JP Gladu. “The Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation of the Year Award proudly gives all Canadians an opportunity to learn more about aboriginal business success and its role in creating business certainty and sustainable prosperity.”
The event featured master of ceremonies Hal Eagletail and entertainment provided by Metis singer Jessie Gibney.
The event brought together many of corporate Canada’s business and aboriginal leaders. Those attending the event included
Mel E. Benson, director, Suncor Energy Inc.; JP Gladu, president and CEO, CCAB; Barry Telford, president, Sodexo Canada; Regional British Columbia Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould, Assembley of First Nations; Dean Johnson, president, Acklands-Grainger Inc.; Stephen Lindley, vice-president, aboriginal and northern affairs, SNC-Lavalin; Chief Cameron Alexis, Alexis Nakota Sioux First Nation; Stephen Fay, vice-president, aboriginal services, BMO; and Chief Casey Bird, Paul First Nation.