
Mokwateh is a different kind of consultancy. It is a Leadership Studio where founder JP Gladu helps clients build bridges toward sustainable partnerships and shared economic prosperity.
Roots
JP is a member of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek located on the eastern shores of Lake Nipigon, Ontario. Growing up hunting and fishing with his father, a second-generation logger and chief, JP originally had his sights on becoming a conservation officer. His first job out of forestry school involved working with over 40 First Nations communities across Ontario through the federal First Nations Forestry program. With that, JP fell even more in love with his community and saw the opportunity to build economies that in turn build communities, jobs, and families. So began a lifelong passion for the goal of developing and managing prosperity over poverty.
Experience
JP’s career spans over 25 years, with highlights that include:
- Serving as the President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) from 2012 to 2020. Membership increased more than fivefold and JP became internationally recognized as an expert voice.
- Breadth and depth of expertise in partnering with Indigenous communities and organizations, environmental non-government organizations, industry of all shapes and sizes, and government.
- Currently, JP serves on the on the Board of Mikisew Group of Companies, Noront Resources, and Social Awareness Group Inc. as the Senior Indigenous Business Advisor.
- He is also a member of the Task Force for a Resilient Recovery as well as the Energy Future Forum (EFF).
- He was appointed as the Chancellor of St. Paul’s University College Waterloo in 2017.
- His previous appointments include Canadian Electricity Association Public Advisory Panel, Colleges and Institutes Canada (previously ACCC), the Northern Policy Institute, Canadian Foundation for Economic Education, advisory member to the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, a committee member to the Provincial Forest Policy Committee.
- In 2014, he was identified as a Diversity 50 Board Ready Candidate from the Canadian Board Diversity Council and a recipient of the Community Service Award – Transformation Awards from Diversity Magazine.
Education
- JP completed a forestry technician diploma
- Obtained an undergraduate degree in forestry from Northern Arizona University
- Holds an Executive MBA from Queens University
- Holds ICD.D from Rotman School of Management University of Toronto
Passions
Community, culture, and family are what energize JP. He finds joy in time spent with his daughter, Chloe, and loves being in nature hunting and fishing with friends and family. He has seen first hand how powerful education can be in creating choice and prosperity, making mentorship something he feels strongly about.
Mokwateh | Behind The Name
Mokwateh is JP’s Anishinaabe name. It translates to Bear Heart in Ojibway which is indicative of courage, strength, and innate love. This powerful foundation has been both a grounding and motivating force for JP - he was the first person in his family history to go beyond high school and he has channeled all his education and experience into a signature style of business development with heart.