ever. Through working closely with Aboriginal
and Corporate industry, the NAABA is enhanc-
ing opportunities by promoting business de-
velopment in the Wood Buffalo region, one of
the fastest growing industrial areas in Canada.
Continuing the legacy of strong leader-
ship is the NAABA’s current President Nicole
Bourque-Bouchier. A long-time resident of
Fort McMurray and member of the Mikisew
Cree First Nation, Nicole Bourque-Bouchier is
the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Owner of
The Bouchier Group, recipient of the Ernst &
Young’s Oil and Gas Entrepreneur
of Year Award and Canada’s Top
100 Most Powerful Women.
“Our goals are clear,”
says Bourque-Bouch-
ier. To lobby
government, industry and community and
government organizations to recognize and
engage with Aboriginal businesses is first on
the docket, alongside providing members
with training and development opportunities.
Bourque-Bouchier says “meaningful participa-
tion” in the area’s economic growth between
Industry and Membership is vital. Corporate
Oil and Gas companies are spending in the
hundreds of millions of dollars with Aborigi-
nal business, says Bourque-Bouchier, and the
NAABA is providing the link between the two.
“The Wood Buffalo region is home to some of
the most successful Indigenous business-
es and largest oil and gas pro-
ducers in Canada,
and by
Winning Team
Tuccaro with NAABA
President, Nicole
Bourque-Bouchier
JULY 2018 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA 41
