JP Gladu on the rise of big Indigenous business, and life on Lake Nipigon

This week on WONK, host Edward Greenspon talks to JP Gladu.

Gladu is one of Canada’s visionary leaders in the national dialogue around Indigenous ownership in the economy. He has decades of experience bringing Indigenous communities together with industry and governments in pursuit of their economic sovereignty. For eight years he was president and CEO of the influential Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. He now sits on the board of Calgary-based Suncor Energy. And he leads Mokwateh, a bridge-building consultancy. Gladu joins host Edward Greenspon to talk about the rise of Indigenous business, getting the government to say ‘yes’, and overcoming fear and ignorance of Indigenous ownership.

He’s also a 2024 Testimonial Dinner Award Honouree.

Listen to more great conversations on WONK 

• Paul Wells on building a news empire, and not being mean
• Shingai Manjengwa on why we shouldn’t fear AI
• Dr. Vivek Goel on building a better health system
• Anne McLellan on how to handle being a Liberal in Alberta
• Chief Crystal Smith on what LNG means for the Haisla Nation
• Marc Garneau on the highs and lows of space exploration
• Peter Nicholson on Atlantic Canada’s great energy transition
• Jayna Hefford on launching the Professional Women’s Hockey League
• Jeff Elgie on the Google deal and his fight to save local news
• Bob Rae on tough times at the UN and Canada’s diplomatic efforts