Highlighting Indigenous Change Makers

I wanted to take a moment to reflect on one of the most rewarding aspects of my job—connecting with people on a daily basis. Each encounter offers me valuable opportunities to learn and grow. However, it's not just about learning, there's something equally powerful that happens during these interactions. I often find myself relating to marketers, and in my opinion, this ability to relate is as significant as the knowledge gained. After all, isn't fostering relatability the ultimate goal of marketing? When an audience can connect with a brand, service or product, there is a profound impact.

When I envisioned Marketing Mentors, a primary focus of mine was to provide a platform for Indigenous marketers. As someone who identifies as Métis, I not only empathize with these individuals, but I also draw inspiration from their stories and the incredible strength they embody.

In honour of Indigenous History Month, I am thrilled to share with you some passages from my interviews with a few outstanding Indigenous marketers. I hope their insights and experiences inspire you as much as they inspire me.

Tabatha Bull: 

• Allow me to introduce Tabatha Bull, CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB). Tabatha is a passionate advocate for equality and the strengthening of Indigenous businesses, contributing not only to Indigenous communities but also to the Canadian economy at large. As an Anishnaabe Kwe from Nipissing First Nation, Tabatha grew up near North Bay, Ontario. With nearly two decades of experience in the electrical consulting and energy industry as an electrical engineer, she actively promotes Indigenous communities' ownership and partnership in energy projects. Tabatha serves as a director on several energy-focused organizations, including Ontario's electricity system operator IESO, the Positive Energy Advisory Council, the MARS Energy Advisory Council, and holds positions on the boards of Wigwamen Housing and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. 
• One of my favorite quotes from Tabatha: "Say nothing about us, without us, is a core principle for Indigenous communities. And it’s reassuring to see that more non-Indigenous organizations recognize they need to have Indigenous people help them develop and market their Indigenous inclusion strategies.”

Keith Henry:

• Next, I'd like to introduce Keith Henry, the CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC). Keith's mission is to promote and encourage authentic Indigenous tourism across Canada while ensuring Indigenous communities stay connected. As a Métis person, Keith earned his Bachelor of Education and held various administrative positions within Indigenous organizations in Saskatchewan and British Columbia. Before taking on the role of CEO, he played a crucial role in redeveloping ITAC as the elected chair. The below quote from Keith highlights the profound impact of Indigenous tourism beyond its invaluable economic benefits. 
• One of my favourite quotes from Keith: "Indigenous tourism creates jobs and economic spin-offs, but more than the economics, what I love seeing is the pride of place that arises for the communities. The cultural revitalization that occurs is great, and at this time, when reconciliation is a growing priority, it fosters greater connections and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people."

Jenn Harper: 

• Lastly, allow me to introduce Jenn Harper, an activist, feminist, entrepreneur, and all-around businesswoman. Jenn is dedicated to educating as many people as possible about the decades of trauma that the Indigenous community has faced. She is a regular speaker on the topic of the residential school system's effects on her family and friends, and she is especially passionate about sharing her stories with young people in high schools, universities, and colleges. Jenn's hard work and dedication have been widely recognized, including receiving several "Social Enterprise Awards" and being named one of Chatelaine's 2019 Women of the Year. She even had the privilege of sitting down with Prime Minister Trudeau to discuss the strategy for the Women Entrepreneurs Fund (WEF). Jenn's beauty empire, Cheekbone Beauty, has made a significant impact in the beauty industry and is now offered in renowned retailer Sephora. 
• One of my favourite quotes from Jenn: “I wanted to create a new segment in the beauty industry that would represent sustainable, socially conscious beauty. I wanted to answer the question: How can you keep doing business while also doing good?”

I hope these glimpses into the lives of Tabatha Bull, Keith Henry and Jenn Harper inspire you to take some time to reflect on the strength and resilience of the Indigenous communities in Canada. Wishing you all a meaningful Indigenous History Month!