Ms. Tabatha Bull

Doctor of Laws, honoris causa

In recognition of her exceptional contributions to economic reconciliation, Indigenous entrepreneurship, public policy, and equity in corporate Canada, and her tireless advocacy for Indigenous economic empowerment and equitable business practices, the university proudly confers upon Ms. Tabatha Bull the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws.

Ms. Bull is Anishinaabe and a proud member of Nipissing First Nation. She is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB), where she leads the organization’s national strategy and operations, advancing Indigenous economic growth through research, advocacy and business development initiatives. As CCIB’s principal spokesperson, she engages senior government officials, corporate leaders, and media across Canada and internationally. Under her leadership, CCIB has strengthened its national membership of Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses, fostering meaningful partnerships and enhancing member value. A prolific public speaker, she represents the organization at more than 50 engagements annually, championing Indigenous economic participation and Canada’s reconciliation journey on the global stage.

Ms. Bull serves on several advisory boards, providing thoughtful leadership at the intersection of Indigenous rights, climate action and economic development. A professional engineer by training, she integrates STEM expertise with Indigenous worldviews to advance sustainability and innovation in infrastructure, energy, and governance. Her efforts to build inclusive economies have benefited communities in Durham Region and beyond through procurement, mentorship, and investment-readiness initiatives.

Her leadership and national influence have earned her many honours. In 2025, she received the King Charles III Coronation Medal and the Nation Builder Award. She was named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 in 2023 and CEO of the Year by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce in 2022. From 2021 to 2025, she was consistently recognized among Canada’s Top 100 Lobbyists.

Ms. Bull grew up in the Durham Region, residing in Port Perry for several years. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Waterloo, an honorary diploma from Loyalist College, and Institute of Corporate Directors designations from the University of Toronto Rotman School of Management. Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles with the Independent Electricity System Operator and the Ontario Power Authority, advising senior leaders and government on energy policy and market development, and strengthening Ontario’s electricity sector.