BEARS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- CEO, North35
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.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board for IndSpire
- Founder, PResident & CEO of Tuccaro Group of Companies
- Member of the Mikisew Cree First Nation of Fort Chipewyan
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 is the Chair of the Board for IndSpire, and his companies support local sports teams, education and health initiatives.
Job Titles:
- Creator and Executive Producer of Bears' Lair TV / Founder & President of Sparkly Frog Clan Productions Inc
- Member of the Shíshálh ( Sechelt
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.
Job Titles:
- Member of Nipissing First Nation
- President & CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business ( CCAB )
Tabatha, a proud member of Nipissing First Nation, holds the distinction of being named CEO of the Year for 2022 by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, was recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2023, and named as Top 100 Lobbyist in Canada four years in a row. As the President and CEO of CCAB, she is dedicated to rebuilding and strengthening the path towards reconciliation and fostering a prosperous Indigenous economy for the benefit of all Canadians. With a background in electrical engineering, Tabatha is committed to promoting Indigenous inclusion and diversity in Canada's energy sector.
In her role at CCAB, Tabatha serves the Indigenous community by supporting the Indigenous economy and sits on various boards, including the Dexterra Group, Wigwamen Inc., Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and Catalyst CEO Advisory Board in Canada, among others.