Since retiring in 2011 after a 34‑year executive career with a global IT services corporation, David Steeves has dedicated his time to empowering youth and young adults through education, mentorship, and entrepreneurship. In recent years, his work has increasingly focused on advancing Indigenous‑led economic development across Canada.
For the past eight years, David has volunteered as an advisor with Catalyste+, applying his business expertise and intrapreneurial mindset to help Indigenous entrepreneurs start and scale their ventures. He also mentors youth through Junior Achievement Canada, supporting skills development and financial literacy.
David is the founder and sole proprietor of TLC Consulting, where he continues to provide strategic guidance to entrepreneurs and social enterprises.
He is a founding member of the Pikangikum Working Group, established in 2011 to collaborate with the Pikangikum First Nation on community‑driven solutions. The group has helped secure funding and support to install clean water and sewage systems in homes, expand trades training for young adults, and establish a community‑owned lumber cooperative—initiatives that have strengthened local infrastructure and economic self‑reliance.
David’s contributions have been recognized nationally with the following honours:
• Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers – Governor General of Canada (2019)
• Royden Richardson National Volunteer of the Year Award – Junior Achievement Canada (2021)
He remains committed to fostering sustainable economic growth through partnerships grounded in respect, collaboration, and Indigenous self‑determination