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increased the employment rate to 80 per cent, and increased graduation rates
from 30 per cent to an astounding 90 per cent. In 2017, Chief Paul received the
Order of Canada, one of the highest civilian honours in the country.
THE YOUNG ABORIGINAL ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
The recipient of the 2020 Youn g Aboriginal Entrepreneur Award is Shelley Stew-
art, an ambitious Syilx businesswoman from the Upper Nicola Band. She is the
owner of the logging company, Bar S Ventures.
“I am pleased, honoured and humbled to be receiving the prestigious Young
Entrepreneur Award,” said Shelley Stewart. “I commend CCAB for championing
young Indigenous entrepreneurs and recognizing the significant contributions of
Indigenous people and business. Kukukstxw (thank you).”
As a child, Shelley told her father she would buy a logging truck when she got
older and would be able to work with him every day in the forest – an uncommon
dream for an eight-year old. At age 19, she acquired her very first logging truck and
became an entrepreneur. Today, revenues have grown to over $7 million annually.
She sets an example for young entrepreneurs to remain true to their values and
follow their dreams.
For more information visit www.ccab.com.
MARCH 2020 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA 47
