The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business' (CCAB) 2011 Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame Awards this year will be presented to Chief Clarence Louie, Osoyoos Indian Band, British Columbia and Ruth Williams, Chief Executive Officer, All Nations Trust Company (ANTCO), British Columbia. The Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame (ABHF) recognizes their accomplishments in achieving sustainable economic development in Aboriginal communities.
The ABHF is in its 7th year of recognizing the outstanding achievements of Aboriginal business leaders from across Canada. The newest laureates will be honoured at the CCAB's 13th Annual Toronto Gala Dinner on February 15, 2011, at the Four Seasons Hotel. The host for the evening will be Canada AM's Seamus O'Regan, with the Honourable Brian Tobin delivering the keynote speech.
The ABHF award recognizes individual achievement and the successes of the current and past laureates indicate the growing strength and prominence of the Aboriginal business community in Canada. Chief Clarence Louie, who was also named a Transformational Canadian by the Globe & Mail, says that he joins a group of distinguished Aboriginal business leaders and adds "I share this success with my community because my accomplishments are my communities".
"The nominees demonstrate success in business and a commitment to their communities," said Jack MacDonald, chair of the ABHF selection committee and Chairman, Compass Group Canada and ESS North America. "For example, Ruth Williams has overseen the provision of over 1300 loans to Aboriginal people in B.C. and an increase in ANTCO value from $339,000 to $15.7MM to-date; she has also played a leadership role in the formation of 8 non-profit organizations while in her role at ANTCO.