Indigenous Business Lifetime Achievement Award

CCIB grants six annual awards recognizing Indigenous business success.

Indigenous Business Lifetime Achievement Award

Indigenous Business Award graphic for Lifetime Achievement with CCIB logo on a purple background.
Scotiabank logo

This award honours exceptional Indigenous business leaders from across the country who have reached advanced stages in their careers and have established a lasting legacy. It recognizes their lifelong contributions to business, community, culture, and the broader Indigenous economy.

2026 Nominations are now closed for this award.

The Award was presented in Toronto at the Central Business Forum & Awards Dinner on February 26, 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

This award honours exceptional Indigenous business leaders from across the country who have reached advanced stages in their careers and have established a lasting legacy. It recognizes their lifelong contributions to business, community, culture, and the broader Indigenous economy.

Turtle symbol representing Turtle Island

Business Leadership and Excellence

  • An ethical leader and role model for others in the Indigenous business community.
  • Commitment to provide meaningful training and education opportunities to employees, fostering the next generation of leaders.
Flower symbol representing growth and community

Commitment to Building Capacity

  • Pursues innovative practices for a lasting impact on their industry and community.
  • Successfully adapted to changing market conditions, demonstrating resilience and the ability to evolve over time.
Star symbol representing achievement or excellence

Measurable Results

  • Shows clear, measurable outcomes from their business efforts, including economic development, job creation, and community improvement.
  • Shown a consistent track record of business performance, including sustained revenue growth, profitability, and market presence.
Forest symbol representing land and natural resources

Community Impact

  • Has contributed to economic prosperity in their community, including job creation and business development.
  • Has actively engaged with and supported their community and demonstrated a commitment to giving back.
  • Integrated Indigenous cultural values into their business model and operations, ensuring cultural integrity in all aspects.

Current Recipient

Sean Willy - IBLA Headshot

2026

Sean Willy

Past Recipients

Micheal McDonald IBLA Headshot

2025

Michael McDonald

Hilda Broomfield Letemplier

2024

Hilda Broomfield Letemplier

Dawn Madahbee Leach

2023

Dawn Madahbee Leach

Robert Louie

2022

Robert Louie

John Bernard

2021

John Bernard

Chief Terrance Paul

2020

Chief Terrance Paul

Brenda Larose - IBLA Headshot

2019

Brenda LaRose

Harry Flaherty - IBLA Headshot

2018

Harry Flaherty

Herbert Belcourt - IBLA Headshot

2017

The late Dr. Herbert Belcourt

Chief_Darcy_Bear_-_Bio_Photo__current__cropped_2

2016

Chief Darcy Bear

Mel_Benson_cropped

2015

The late Mel E. Benson

William MacLeod - IBLA Headshot

2014

William MacLeod

2013

Jim Thunder

& C.T. (Manny) Jules

2012

The late Gregory Koostachin

35 years of business leadership in his community Attawapiskat First Nation

2012

Dave Tuccaro

Founder, President and CEO of Tuccaro Group of Companies

2011

Chief Clarence Louie

Elected Chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band since 1985

2011

Ruth Williams

CEO of All Nations Trust Company (ANTCO)

2010

Pita Aatami

President of Makivik Corporation and Chairman of First Air and Director of Air Inuit

2010

Mervin Dewasha

CEO of Neegan Burnside

2009

Jim Boucher

Chief of Fort McKay First Nation and Chairman of the Board of the Fort McKay Group of Companies

2007

The Late Garfield Flowers

An Inuk from Hopedale, Newfoundland and Labrador

2006

Fred Carmichael

A Gwich’in from the Northwest Territories and Aboriginal aviation pioneer

2006

The late Suzanne Rochon-Burnett

A Métis from Ontario who founded the first Aboriginal owned radio station

2005

The late Dr. Billy “Chief’ Diamond

A northern Quebec Cree, and founder of Air Creebec

2005

Irvin Goodon

A Métis from Boissevain, Manitoba and founder of Canada’s largest post frame construction company

Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone may submit a nomination for an eligible individual or business.

Yes, self-nominations are permitted for all awards.

Please note: Nominees for all award categories must be Indigenous, with the exception of the Excellence in Indigenous Relations Award, which is open to all Canadians.

Acceptable documents include:
  • Indian Status Card,
  • Métis National Council Governing Membership,
  • Métis Nation British Columbia,
  • Manitoba Métis Federation,
  • Métis Nation Saskatchewan,
  • Inuit Beneficiary Card,
  • Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) Affiliate Membership,
  • Northwest Territories Land Claim Settlement Beneficiaries,
  • Confirmed Alberta Métis Settlement Members,
  • Northwest Territory Métis Nation Membership,
  • Membership in a historic First Nations,
  • Inuit or Métis community recognized as independent and rights-bearing by a provincial or Canadian federal government.
Please note that proof of Indigenous Heritage may be requested.

Nominations are reviewed by a selection committee made up of respected Indigenous and industry leaders. Each submission is evaluated based on the specific criteria listed under the award category.

Please note that CCIB keeps an arm’s length in the judging process.

The CCIB Events & Awards team selects committee members based on the following criteria: ensuring there is geographic representation with relevant business experience and expertise. CCIB staff and board members are not eligible to serve on the selection committee.

After the nomination deadline:
    1.  All submissions will be reviewed for eligibility.
    2. An external selection committee will evaluate all eligible nominations.
    3. Finalists may be contacted for additional information, if required.
    4. The recipient will be notified.
    5.  Nominators will be advised of the outcome once the selection process is complete.

If you have questions about the nomination process or eligibility requirements, please contact the CCIB Awards Team at awards@ccib.ca

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