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.