As our students educate themselves to become successful entrepreneurs, it is helpful for them to have guidance from Elders who have successfully followed the path of the entrepreneur in a good way.
Our Council of Elder-Entrepreneurs includes outstanding Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Canada. Their role is to provide advice to the academics responsible for the program and to provide inspiration and advice to the students enrolled in it.
Council President: JP Gladu
The President of the Council of Entrepreneur-Elders is JP Gladu, a member of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek located on the eastern shores of Lake Nipigon, Ontario
Mr. Gladu is the President and CEO of Mokwateh, a bridge-building consultancy. He is the former President of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB), Canada’s premier organization for Indigenous entrepreneurs and has over 25 years of experience in the natural resource sector.
Currently, Mr. Gladu serves on the Board of Mikisew Group of Companies, Noront Resources, and Social Awareness Group Inc. as the Senior Indigenous Business Advisor. He is also a member of the Task Force for a Resilient Recovery as well as the Energy Future Forum (EFF).
He also served as the Chancellor of St. Paul’s University College (now known as United College) at the University of Waterloo from 2017-2020.