Toronto, ON, Feb. 15, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) today announced it will present the 2019 Indigenous Women in Leadership Award (IWIL) to Nicole Bourque-Bouchier , CEO, Bouchier Group, on April 16 at the Design Exchange in Toronto. The Founder and Exclusive Award Sponsor is TD Bank Group. The Lead Event Sponsor is the Barry and Laurie Green Family Charitable Trust.
CCAB and TD Bank Group established the IWIL award in 2017 to recognize leadership by Indigenous women in improving lives, strengthening their communities and nurturing Aboriginal traditions and culture. The IWIL award celebrates successful, accomplished and committed women and sends an inspiring message to young Indigenous women.
Nicole Bourque-Bouchier is a member of the Mikisew Cree First Nation with an extraordinary history of accomplishment in business expansion, job creation for her people and community service.
As CEO of Bouchier Group, a provider of integrated site services to the Athabasca Oil Sands region, Nicole’s resolute, thoughtful and principled approach to business management and community service has transformed her company and advanced quality of life for Indigenous people.
“CCAB is proud to recognize Nicole Bourque-Bouchier as a visionary Indigenous business and community leader,” says JP Gladu, president and CEO, CCAB. “Nicole is a powerful and fearless Cree woman with an unstoppable resolve to achieve excellence and advance Indigenous culture. Nicole’s journey is a source of pride and inspiration for all Indigenous women and men.”
When Nicole joined Bouchier Group in 2004, the company had 10 employees. Today, the company ranks among the largest Indigenous-owned businesses operating in the Oil Sands with 850 employees, the majority of whom are Indigenous.
The source of this dynamic growth is Nicole’s willingness to think outside the box to find new and better ways to succeed; her aptitude for anticipating customer needs and skill at developing talent and inspiring employees.
Among her many management accomplishments is her company’s comprehensive Social Economic plan outlining a detailed commitment to an Indigenous workforce, retaining Aboriginal culture and procuring goods and services from local Indigenous suppliers.
Giving back is at the core of Nicole’s life philosophy. She has served on the boards of numerous non-profits such as the Keyano College Foundation, the Athabasca University Board of Governors and the Apple Schools Foundation. Nicole is also the first women president of the Northeastern Alberta Aboriginal Business Association and a former member of the Alberta First Nation Women’s Economic Security Council. She is also a long-time supporter of Girls Inc. in Fort McMurray.
In 2016, Nicole and her husband David Bouchier, personally and through their company, donated two gifts of $250,000 to the Northern Lights Health Foundation, which provides vital medical equipment, programs and services for Wood Buffalo region residents.
“It’s an honour to be acknowledged as an Indigenous female leader by an organization that has done so much to pave the path for Aboriginal business across Canada,” says Nicole Bourque-Bouchier. “I believe leadership is a privilege that is earned through hard work, commitment and courage. It should never be taken for granted. I continually look for ways to be a positive inspiration who encourages others to find their unique value.”
Nicole has earned numerous awards and accolades, including an Esquao Award for Business from the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Business; the 2013 Fort McMurray Cultural and Community Enrichment Award, and the 2014 Fort McKay Business of the Year Award. Most recently, Nicole received the Rotary Club of Fort McMurray Oils Sands Integrity Award; the Ernst & Young Oil and Gas Entrepreneur Award and the 2018 Indspire Business and Commerce Award.
"TD Bank congratulates Nicole Bourque-Bouchier on her many accomplishments and on receipt of this special award. A role model and successful business leader, Nicole inspires us in her work to elevate Indigenous women in various fields and focus on Indigenous women's economic stability. Her success is a signal to young Indigenous women, and all of us, that with hard work and dedication, you can achieve anything." Jennifer Page, VP Treasury and Balance Sheet Management & Leader, Indigenous Employee Circle.
About CCAB
CCAB is committed to the full participation of Indigenous peoples in Canada’s economy. A national, non-partisan association, CCAB offers knowledge, resources and programs to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal owned companies that foster economic opportunities for Indigenous peoples and businesses across Canada.
Attachment
Dave Bennett Xposure PR 905.339.6668 dave@xposurepr.com
