Join Canadian Club Toronto on March 26 for a timely discussion on Indigenous economic self-determination in the face of evolving global trade dynamics. National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, Assembly of First Nations (AFN), will launch her National Economic Statement, reaffirming Indigenous leadership in Canada’s economic future. With shifting policies and the ripple effects of U.S. trade wars, this statement is more critical than ever. Following the National Chief’s remarks, we will be joined by Tabatha Bull, President & CEO of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB). She will provide key insights on the statement’s impact and discuss her advocacy for Indigenous businesses across Canada. This conversation will be moderated by Katherine Koostachin, Vice President of Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation at Sussex Strategy Group
*For virtual attendees, please note that the live stream will begin at approximately 12:40 pm ET & the link will be provided closer to the event date*
Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak
National Chief, Assembly of First Nations
National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak was born and raised in Pinaymootang First Nation, Manitoba. Her ancestor, Chief Richard Woodhouse, was an original signatory of Treaty No.2. She began her term as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations on December 7, 2023, becoming the youngest woman and mother to hold the position.
National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Winnipeg and has completed Harvard Business School’s Tribal Leaders program.
In 2021, she was elected as the Regional Chief for the AFN Manitoba Region. During her tenure, she was the lead negotiator for the First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle class action lawsuit, which resulted in over $40 billion compensation for First Nations children and families.
Throughout her career, National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak has accumulated a wealth of experience lobbying the Senate, House of Commons, Cabinet Ministers, and the Prime Minister’s Office to fulfill mandates from Chiefs. She continues to advocate for First Nations priorities, as directed by the First Nations-in-Assembly collaboratively with First Nations leadership, to protect collective rights–Treaty, inherent rights, title and jurisdiction, the right to self-determination, and all human rights.
A mother to three children, she is passionate about leaving a better future for all First Nations children and the next seven generations, envisioning a future where all First Nations Peoples live in balance as our ancestors envisioned for us since time immemorial.
Tabatha Bull
President & CEO, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
Tabatha is Anishinaabe, a proud member of Nipissing First Nation. As the President and CEO of Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB), she is committed to rebuilding and strengthening the path toward reconciliation and fostering a prosperous Indigenous economy for the benefit of all Canadians. With a degree in electrical engineering, Tabatha is dedicated to supporting Indigenous inclusion and diversity in Canada’s energy sector.
Tabatha’s leadership has been widely recognized. She was named CEO of the Year in 2022 by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2023, and has been recognized as a Top 100 Lobbyist in Canada four years in a row. In recognition of her contributions to Indigenous economic development, she was awarded an Honorary Diploma from Loyalist College in Applied Arts and Technology. She has also received her ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in corporate governance and board leadership.
Serving the Indigenous community through CCIB’s commitment to supporting the Indigenous economy, Tabatha is often called upon to provide input to the federal government. She attended the 2023 North American Leaders Summit, joining delegates from Canada, Mexico, and the USA, and served on the Indo-Pacific Advisory Committee, offering recommendations on trade diversification, inclusive growth, and climate change. She was also a past member of the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Supply Council, where she advocated for the inclusion of Indigenous businesses in Canada’s pandemic response and most recently has joined the Council on CAN-U.S. Relations.
Tabatha is a strong advocate for Indigenous economic growth through her work with various organizations, committees, and boards. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for Dexterra Group, Wigwamen Inc., Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and the Catalyst CEO Advisory Board in Canada, among others. As an appointee of the Catalyst CEO Advisory Board, she collaborates with global business leaders to help build workplaces that work for women. She is also a member of Queen’s University Dean of Engineering’s Circle of Advisors, Universities Canada’s Global Skills Opportunity Program Advisory Group, and the C.D. Howe Institute’s Energy Policy Program.
Tabatha has appeared numerous times before the Senate and House of Commons, and spoke at the World Trade Organization and in France and the UK advocating for Indigenous business issues.
She also served as a main judge on Bears’ Lair, an Indigenous TV series on APTN dedicated to fostering Indigenous entrepreneurship.
Above all else, Tabatha is a proud mother to two incredible young men and is happiest cheering them on from the side of the hockey rink or lacrosse field.
Katherine Koostachin
Vice President, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Sussex Strategy Group
Katherine is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of comprehensive experience in policy and legal matters, particularly focused on Indigenous Peoples in Canada. She is committed to providing insights into political and policy decision-making processes that shape the laws and regulations impacting Indigenous communities, with a special emphasis on lands and resources, energy, environment, and infrastructure.
Most recently, Katherine served as a Senior Advisor of Indigenous Policy and Litigation in the Prime Minister’s Office. She played a key part in the policy team and advanced the government’s reconciliation initiatives by influencing Cabinet decisions and financial processes. She also helped secure historic federal investments for Indigenous communities, addressing critical issues such as the resolution of historic grievances and major litigation related to land claims, Indian Residential Schools, water, and First Nations child welfare.
Prior to her role in the Prime Minister’s Office, Katherine served as a senior Indigenous policy, regulatory, and legal affairs advisor to the Federal Ministers of Environment Climate Change and Canada, Indigenous Services Canada, and Natural Resources Canada. She actively contributed to the development and enactment of legislation such as the Impact Assessment Act and Canadian Energy Regulator Act (2019), as well as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2021).
Before her career in political advisory roles, Katherine practiced law, specializing in environment, energy, and Aboriginal law. Katherine strongly advocates for a balanced approach where the environment and economy can coexist, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and stressing the need to work collaboratively to build a prosperous Canadian economy while respecting the environment, Indigenous rights, and knowledge.
Katherine holds an LLB from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law (called to the bar in 2008), an Aboriginal Intensive Certificate in Aboriginal Lands, Resources and Governments from Osgoode Hall Law School, and a BA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia.
Katherine is Mushkegowuk Cree from Attawapiskat First Nation. Currently, residing in Ottawa with her husband, two boys, and loyal German Shepherd.
Outside of work, she is an avid lover of the outdoors, cherishing opportunities to travel to her traditional territory with her family, and fostering a strong bond with her culture and traditions.
