Page 49 - BEC / MARCH / 2020

First elected Chief in 1984, Chief Paul is a proud member of the Membertou First Nation in

Unama’ki, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. He is a respected and proven leader who has
guided Membertou to becoming one the country’s most progressive Indigenous communities.

irst elected Chief in 1984, Chief Paul has been thank the people that nominated me for this for

part of transforming Membertou into one the award and I’m very thankful for it.”

Fmost progressive, efficient and sustainable Chief Paul says “it was always my mindset”
Indigenous communities in Canada. He joined the to improve his community’s position through

Membertou Band Council in the role of Economic economic development. “Before I became Chief,

Development Officer and progressed to the position I was a Band Manager and Economic Developer
of Band Manager before he was elected as Chief in Officer. Growing up, I was always interested in our

1984. people, the Mi’kmaq people, and our communities.

I grew up in a state where most of the community
In January, 2020, the Canadian Council for was in poverty and I certainly didn’t like what I was

Aboriginal Business (CCAB) awarded Chief Paul seeing, so I’ve always wanted to improve the lives of
with the Aboriginal Business Lifetime Achievement our people.”

Award for substantive contribution to the economic

and social well-being of Aboriginal people over a Chief Paul’s tools to change the condition of the
lifetime. Under Chief Paul’s leadership, Membertou Mi’kmaq people in the Membertou community were

has thrived, rising from high unemployment rates education and employment. Under Chief Paul’s
and low graduation rates to one of the most leadership, Membertou has increased the gradation

sustainable communities in Canada. rate from 30 per cent to 90 per cent and increased

employment by close to 80 per cent
In reaction to the CCAB award, Chief Paul told

Business Elite Canada, “I’m very, very honored. To “It starts with the people in the community

receive this is certainly very unexpected by me. I themselves, and getting the best people to work

MARCH 2020 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA 49