Virtual Head Table
William White
Chairman, IBK Capital Corp.
UHN Innovators Circle
Board Director, Empire Club of Canada
"IBK CAPITAL CORP. is delighted to be a Presenting Sponsor of The Empire Club of Canada’s NATION BUILDER of the YEAR AWARD to celebrate this year’s recipient Perry Bellegarde, previously National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. Throughout his life, Perry Bellegarde has assisted Indigenous Communities to build a better Canada.
Congratulations Perry Bellegarde!"
Gale White
Co-Founder & President, Kreative Ventures Limited
William & Gale White Family Centre for Spiritual Reflection;
Peter Munk Cardiac Centre Lobby, Toronto General Hospital
"Congratulations Perry Bellegarde! I clap my hands in celebration for what you have done for Canada and what you will do over the next few years. This is cause for great joy! Thank You."
Kelly Jackson
President, Board of Directors, Empire Club of Canada
Associate Vice-President, Government Relations, Marketing and Communications, Humber College
"We believe Perry Bellegarde is a Nation Builder in the greatest and truest of senses. Throughout his career, he has shown his belief in approaches and processes that unite rather than divide. His inclusive approach to building relationships and his championship of First Nations rights has helped make Canada a stronger nation."
Christopher Angeconeb
President & CEO, Big Tree Carbon Corp.
President & CEO, AurCrest Gold
"We are honoured to sponsor the Empire Club of Canada as it recognizes Perry Bellegarde as this year’s Nation Builder of the Year. As an Indigenous led publicly traded company in the emerging Natural Asset Resource business, we at Big Tree Carbon Corp. wish to congratulate Perry."
Antoinette Tummillo
Co-Chair, Nation Builder of the Year Award Committee
Board Director & Immediate Past President, Empire Club of Canada
President, Antoinette Tummillo & Associates Inc.
"Perry Bellegarde has been such a strong voice for Canada and First Nations - focused on building a bridge between both. He continues to raise awareness among many Canadians and has made tremendous progress on many important First Nations issues. We, and future generations, will benefit from his ongoing work, dedication and love for our country. Thank you, Perry, for all that you have done and your continued commitment to pushing Canada to be the great country it deserves to be."
Dr. Gordon McIvor
Co-Chair, Nation Builder of the Year Award Committee
President, Empire Club Foundation
Board Director & Past President, Empire Club of Canada
"I view honouring Perry Bellegarde as the winner of our Nation Builder of the Year Award 2021 as an important moment in the history of the Empire Club, recognizing how the efforts of one individual can have such a positive effect on Canada and its First Nations peoples. Mr. Bellegarde is one of this country’s most influential human rights activists, and always works to unify not divide, to find solutions, not problems."
Izzie Abrams
Vice President, Government & External Affairs, Waste Connections of Canada
“We are both delighted and honoured to sponsor The Empire Club of Canada’s Nation Builder of the Year Award as it recognizes Perry Bellegarde for his dedication in building spiritual bridges and building a better Canada.
Congratulations Perry Bellegarde.”
David Agnew
President, Seneca College
"Seneca is delighted to help honour Perry Bellegarde, a caring leader, role model and steadfast advocate for the rights of Indigenous children and women. His legacy as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations can be seen in each positive step that's been taken on the long path to reconciliation."
Scott Barron
Head of Calgary Investment Banking, Global Energy Group, TD Securities
"On behalf of TD Securities, we are pleased to support and congratulate Perry Bellegarde on being presented with the 2021 Nation Builder of the Year Award. Throughout his admirable career, Perry advocated for First Nations, ensuring their priorities were also Canada's priorities in order to shape a better, brighter future for all!"
Doris Bear
Vice President, Indigenous Banking, TD Bank Group
"On behalf of TD Securities, we are pleased to support and congratulate Perry Bellegarde on being presented with the 2021 Nation Builder of the Year Award. Throughout his admirable career, Perry advocated for First Nations, ensuring their priorities were also Canada's priorities in order to shape a better, brighter future for all!"
Dr. Gina Grandy
Dean, Hill and Levene Schools of Business, University of Regina
"As a Paul J. Hill School of Business alumnus, Perry exemplifies the University of Regina's motto: "As One Who Serves". Whether as a guest speaker, Chief, or advocate, Perry Bellegarde has inspired many and has been a champion of Indigenous communities across Canada. Congratulations on being the Nation Builder of the Year!"
Amber Johnston-Billings
Vice President, Community, Government Affairs & HSEC Systems, Teck Resources
"On behalf of Teck Resources we are pleased to celebrate National Chief Perry Bellegarde as the 2021 Nation Builder of the year, and recognize his significant contributions to championing the rights and well-being of First Nations."
James Olson PhD, FCAE , P.Eng.
Dean, Faculty of Applied Science, The University of British Columbia
"On behalf of UBC Faculty of Applied Science, we applaud Perry Bellegarde and fully support his work in advancing a more inclusive, diverse and equitable society - a vision to which UBC Applied Science is also committed."
Dr. Samuel Peralta
Member of the Board of Directors, Enerev5 Metals Inc
"Perry Bellegarde has dedicated his life to championing the rights and well-being of First Nations, built on a vision of friendship and peace as the key to building a better future for all of Canada. He has exemplified being what the Cree call an oskâpêwis, someone who helps, who cares - truly a Nation Builder. Bravo Perry Bellegarde!"
John Stackhouse
Senior Vice-President, Office of the CEO, RBC
"It is an honor to recognize Perry Bellegarde for his efforts to build a more prosperous and inclusive Canada. Perry’s voice and insights have helped shape Canada’s commitment to Reconciliation and created a meaningful platform for the country to examining issues like bridging the divide for Indigenous youth and communities. And, as the digital revolution in Canada accelerates, we know Perry will continue to be a trusted advisor and counsellor on the way forward. Congratulations, Perry, and thank you for all your work!"
Tracy Antoine
Vice President Commercial Financial Services, Indigenous Markets, RBC
“For over 30 years, Perry Bellegarde has been an inspirational connector, convener, and collaborator, working to build connections between First Nations peoples and communities around the world. On behalf of RBC Royal Eagles, our Indigenous-focused employee resource group, we wish to thank Perry for his steadfast advocacy for First Nations’ and Indigenous Peoples’ rights and priorities. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!”
Suresh Venkatesan
Chairman & CEO, POET Technologies
"Perry Bellegarde’s advocacy for Indigenous communities has broadened the economic horizons for many and fostered positive business relationships with the rest of Canada. POET Technologies is pleased to support such a worthy recipient of the 2021 Nation Builder of the Year honour"