Photo: 2024 IBA Co-Directors, Geena Jackson and Chief Gibby Jacob
We are thrilled to announce that Geena Jackson and Chief Gibby Jacob will be the Co-Directors of Ceremonies for the 2024 Indigenous Business Award (IBA) Gala, taking place on October 7 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. This highly anticipated event is the place to be for anyone interested in Indigenous business in British Columbia.
Meet Geena Jackson
Geena Jackson whose traditional name is Tsetasiya (‘Sa-TAS-ee-ya’) returns for her third year as Co-Director of the IBA Gala, bringing her experience and passion for celebrating Indigenous business excellence. As a devoted advocate for Indigenous rights, self-determination, and economic development, Geena has over 25 years of experience serving First Nation communities and the industry at large. A proud member of the Shishalh Nation (Sechelt), she is deeply committed to strengthening Indigenous communities through strategic partnerships with industry experts and government bodies.
Geena has been instrumental in helping over 800 Indigenous entrepreneurs grow their businesses and social enterprises. Her commitment to Indigenous economic growth is further exemplified by her creation of the Bears’ Lair TV show on APTN, where she serves as a core judge. This unique platform supports Indigenous entrepreneurs on a national scale, offering exposure, guidance, and opportunities to scale their ventures, with a grand prize of $100,000.
Additionally, Geena has created the Bears’ Lair Youth Dream Camps, teaching Indigenous youth aged 11-18 across Canada about entrepreneurship, life skills, and creating tools for future success. In 2023, she facilitated 25 camps and is well on her way to facilitating 40 additional camps in 2024, educating, elevating, and inspiring over 1,000 Indigenous youth nationwide.
Meet Chief Gibby Jacob
Joining Geena this year is Chief Gibby Jacob, a distinguished leader and the 2017 IBA Award of Distinction recipient. Chief Gibby, whose ancestral name is Kákeltn siyám, is a hereditary Chief and a member of the Squamish Nation in North Vancouver, British Columbia. He is a man of quiet power, recognized twice with Vancouver Magazine’s Power 50 Award, and honored with The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, The BC Aboriginal Lifetime Achievement Award, and The Senate 150th Anniversary Medal.
Under Chief Gibby’s leadership, the Squamish Nation exponentially increased its business revenue, royalties, and real estate assets. He played a pivotal role in brokering the deal that established the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler and the 2010 Olympic land legacy, resulting in the Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations gaining several tracts of land in the Whistler community.
Chief Gibby’s knowledge and experience provide direction and liaison duties for special projects and files, including negotiations between various levels of government, stakeholders, partners, and the Nation on projects dealing with natural resources, accommodation, and consultation. His leadership and vision are highly anticipated to bring a fresh and inspiring perspective to the gala.
A Night to Celebrate Excellence
The 2024 Indigenous Business Award Gala is set to be an extraordinary evening of celebrating excellence in the Indigenous economy. This event is an opportunity to honor outstanding achievements, network with industry leaders, and be part of a vibrant community that supports and uplifts Indigenous businesses.
Don’t miss out on this incredible event. Get your early bird tickets now and be part of a night that celebrates the strength, innovation, and success of Indigenous businesses in BC.
Chief Gibby’s wise words resonate deeply: “It is by paddling together that we can create a future for our Nation. One that learns from the past, lives in the present, and builds for the future.”
BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.