Board of Directors
Guy
Freedman
John Bernard
Holly Cooper
André
Clément
President of Nation Media & Design Ltd. (www.nationmedia.ca), and its subsidiary, Nation’s First Peoples Group, Guy is an entrepreneurial leader with diversified experience in the development, implementation and operation of projects, services and programs.
Nation’s recent media portfolio includes the HTML and 3D web sites for the Aboriginal Healing Foundation Residential School project (www.wherearethechildren.ca) creative designs for the Library and Archives Canada as well as creative for the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards for the past 5 years.
From Flin Flon, Manitoba, Guy is Michif (Métis) and is closely connected to the community and dedicated to the revival, renaissance and resurgence of First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures through the arts and media.
Guy is a keynote speaker, writer, facilitator and trainer who focuses on such topics as identity, self-esteem, culture, wellness, career and using one’s gift to the best of their ability. His first book of poetry, Little Athapapuskow, A Métis Love Story, is due out in 2008.
Email: info@psaba.com
Holly Cooper is an Aboriginal professional with over 20 years work experience that includes 10 years of business development representing Aboriginal companies in the information technology and business services industry. Holly understands the public sector procurement process and has achieved great success in reaching her business development targets.
Holly is committed to Aboriginal business development and human resource development and currently serves as a Director for the Aboriginal Human Resource Council and the Public Sector Aboriginal Business Association (PSABA)
Holly recently joined the business development team of Donna Cona. As an Account Executive, Holly will assist Donna Cona’s federal government clients to solve their business problems and deliver quality services.
Holly is based in
Email: Hollycooper@psaba.com
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John Bernard is a member of the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation in New Brunswick and is the President of Donna Cona Inc. Mr. Bernard founded the company in 1996 with the intention of providing career opportunities for Aboriginal people within the technology and business consulting industry.
Mr. Bernard has a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Computer Science and a diploma in Microcomputer and Microprocessors. In March 2000, Mr. Bernard was presented with the prestigious National Aboriginal Achievement Award in the Business & Commerce category. He was also recognized with the Top 40 under 40 award - a list of the top 40 Canadian business people still under the age of 40. He is also the recipient of the Global Indigenous Entrepreneur Award at a gala ceremony at the first UN-sponsored World Summit of Indigenous Entrepreneurs (WSIE) in Toronto in 2003.
Today, he presides over the affairs of Donna Cona while also operating a small business on his home reserve in New Brunswick. Donna Cona is Canada’s largest Aboriginal Information Technology Services and Business Consulting firm.
Donna Cona has laid a firm foundation for public trust, innovation and successful partnerships while demonstrating a proven commitment to providing career opportunities and mentoring for Aboriginal people. Donna Cona’s growth has been steady year to year. This positive growth is due to the quality of service, attention to detail and the respect given to every client.
Email: info@psaba.com
André Clément, an Aboriginal of the Algonquin tribe in Maniwaki, Québec, is President of Asokan Business Interiors which was established in early 2003. Asokan Business Interiors is the region's fastest growing Canadian Aboriginal contract furniture and design company. Asokan is a full service dealership, enabling clients to make informed decisions on a full range of products, from panel systems to freestanding desks, seating, filing and ergonomic accessories.
Asokan means, “Bridge,” and Mr. Clément’s goal is for Asokan to form a strong link between the Aboriginal community and the various procurement groups within the Government of Canada. While Mr. Clément is the company’s majority shareholder, he is not alone in this venture. The minority shareholders and Mr. Clément’s business partners are the owners of Advanced Business Interiors (ABI), an Ottawa-based office furnishings dealer. This provides Asokan with the backing to remain a stable and well-established supplier.
Email: info@psaba.com