Chief Terry Paul

Chief Terry Paul is Chief and CEO of Membertou, a Mi’kmaw community located in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

In Chief Paul’s 42 year tenure, Membertou has thrived. The land base has tripled, employment rates are above 80%, graduation rates are 95%, and the community has grown into a hub for business and community-focused living.

Chief Paul led the 2021 acquisition of Clearwater Seafoods for $1 billion. In 2024, Membertou acquired 50% of New Dock in St. John’s, NL. And this year, Membertou acquired Genoa Design International – a 3D design and engineering firm focused on ship design; an innovative business that is well-positioned to support Canada’s defense initiatives.

Chief Paul was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2017. He is a recipient of the Frank McKenna Leadership Award and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Lifetime Achievement Award. Chief Paul is a  member of the NS Business Hall of Fame and holds honourary doctorates from Cape Breton University, Dalhousie University, Mount Allison University. In May 2026, he was inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame – the third Indigenous person in Canada to receive the honour.

Membertou’s motto of “Welcoming the World” is the most accurate representation of the progressive community that Membertou has become under the leadership of Chief Terry Paul.