OTTAWA, ON (December 10, 2020): The Macdonald-Laurier Institute is pleased to welcome JP Gladu as our newest Senior Fellow, covering issues including Indigenous economic opportunities and partnerships.
According to MLI Managing Director Brian Lee Crowley, “JP possesses that unique combination of expertise, insight, and frontline experience that Canadians need to hear from. His wealth of experience in issues facing Indigenous entrepreneurs and economic independence is second to none. We are thrilled to welcome him to the team.”
Gladu is a member of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sand Point First Nation) and currently serves as the President of Alaska 2 Alberta (A2A) Rail. He previously served as the President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. Along with a passion for his community, culture, and traditions, Gladu has extensive experience forging partnerships between non-Indigenous and Indigenous businesses and comunities.
As MLI’s Senior Fellow for Indigenous affairs, Gladu will advance the Institute’s ongoing work on Indigenous rights and policies, specifically focusing on building sustainable partnerships with Indigenous businesses and Indigenous economic development.
Gladu holds an Executive MBA from Queen’s University, an ICC.D from Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto and a BScF from Northern Arizona University. He has over 25 years of experience in the natural resource sector, including working with Indigenous communities and organizations, environmental non-government organizations, industry and governments from across Canada.
JP is currently the chair of the Mikisew Group of companies and serves as a director for both Noront Resources and Suncor as well as the inaugural chair for Boreal Leadership Champions.
Commenting on the recent appointment, MLI Munk Senior Fellow Ken Coates said that “JP Gladu brings a thoughtful and nuanced understanding and analysis of the challenges facing Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs. He will be instrumental in broadening our public’s understanding of the issues and stereotypes Indigenous communities face through his own professional and personal experience, and we are eager to formally welcome JP to MLI.”
“For me, it is crucial to help Canadians understand that Indigenous peoples are a growing economic force in Canada. ” Gladu said. “In my new role at MLI, I am glad to be contributing to the Institute’s work toward advancing policies that help empower Indigenous communities through economic development and shared prosperity.”
To learn more about JP Gladu, read his bio here.
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To arrange an interview, media are invited to contact:
Brett Byers
Communications and Digital Media Manager
613-482-8327 x105
brett.byers@macdonaldlaurier.ca
