The BMO Lecture Series returned to the Acadia University campus on February 26, 2025, featuring keynote speaker Chief Terrance Paul.

Chief Paul celebrated 40 years as the elected chief of Membertou late last fall. His keynote talk, “Play the Game and Play to Win – A Story of Economic Transformation in Membertou”, focused on his career in leadership and future plans.

When he first became Chief of Membertou, they had a million dollars of debt. Membertou is now a recognized economic powerhouse, as is the name Terrance Paul. Recently, Chief Paul is known as the leader who oversaw the 50 per cent acquisition of Clearwater Seafoods – a billion-dollar purchase.

Membertou and Chief Paul are known for more than just this business deal. He’s respected by political leaders and businesspeople alike for his straightforward, no-nonsense approach. His key recommendations in business are:  

• diversify (Membertou is involved in wind technology, commercial fisheries, real estate, hospitality, and much more);

• you have to take risk for reward – only take the amount of risk you feel comfortable with losing;

• you don’t need a large team to be a strong team;

• do your due diligence and investigate any business you’re going to acquire or partner with. It’s your right to ask as many questions as you need in order to feel comfortable with your decision.  

While Membertou is an internationally recognized business name in the traditional capitalist sense, Chief Paul is also indigenizing business by ensuring Mi’kmaq values – like family – and cultural practices – like hunting – are part of the business ethos.  

His bottom line: Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, partners and communities are stronger when we work together.  

Acadia Alumni Association President Christine Luckasavitch (’11) agrees, and said after Chief Paul’s presentation, “I’m so proud of Acadia for doing this work, for making the space for this conversation and others like it! Let’s keep doing this. These conversations are crucial for the moment we are in.”

Dr. Kristin Williams, Director of the F. C. Manning School of Business and BMO Lecture Series committee member added, "the thoughtful, innovative and transformational leadership of Chief Paul in Membertou and around the globe is unmatched. He is generous with his wisdom and insights, which transcend entrepreneurship and economic development. Through the lens of the past and present, he inspires you to think about the future with optimism, kindness and humility."

His greatest achievement as chief? The educational attainment levels of his community, and his support to Junior Marshall over the fishing dispute that later went to the Supreme Court of Canada and is now known as the Marshall Decision.  

When asked what’s next, Chief Paul said he’s off to the London Stock Exchange to talk about the acquisition of Clearwater. His future aspirations are to have their seafood in every country around the world (currently in 68 countries), and to continue his new hobby of scuba diving (a pastime he started at age 72).  

The BMO Lecture Series was endowed in 1989 to bring distinguished leaders from the business community to Acadia to give public lectures and conduct seminars for students in business and economics, and the University is thankful for BMO’s ongoing interest and support.

Pictured up top: Chief Terrance Paul.

Pictured above, left to right: Mitchell Eye - Relationship Manager, BMO; Derek Hale - Senior Relationship Manger, Canadian Commercial Banking, BMO; Dr. Jeff Hennessy (’99) - President and Vice-Chancellor, Acadia University; Chief Terrance Paul; Carrie MacAloney - Branch Manager, Wolfville, BMO; Brandon Cranidge - Personal Banker, Wolfville, BMO; and Deanne Chaulk - Regional Vice-President, Nova Scotia Market, BMO.