Sam Damm is a proud member of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, and a passionate entrepreneur and advocate for Indigenous economic empowerment. Born and raised in Owen Sound, Ontario, his early years were shaped by a love of lacrosse, dirt biking, and the outdoors—experiences that instilled in him a deep appreciation for teamwork and a strong personal drive. 

Now based in Ottawa, Sam’s dedication to his family—his wife, Sofia, and their three children—inspires his unwavering commitment to creating lasting impact through business and advocacy. 

Sam is the Founder and President of CLAW Environmental Services Inc. and FoxWise Technologies Inc. CLAW Environmental—an acronym for Clean Land, Air, and Water—focuses on environmental sustainability. FoxWise Technologies provides IT and security solutions, with a mission to support Indigenous businesses and government partners. 

For over 25 years, Sam has played a pivotal role in reshaping Indigenous procurement and fostering strategic partnerships that uplift Indigenous enterprises. As a founding member of the Public Sector Aboriginal Business Association (PSABA), he has been instrumental in advancing policies that promote economic reconciliation, such as federal Set-Asides and procurement modernization initiatives. His thought leadership has earned him speaking engagements at major conferences and contributions to parliamentary discussions on Indigenous procurement reform. 

Sam’s mission centers on identifying, training, and employing Indigenous talent—particularly in sectors where representation has been historically limited. Through his companies, over 60 Indigenous individuals have been recruited, trained, and equipped with the skills to succeed in the technology and environmental sectors. 

At NACCA and beyond, Sam continues to be a powerful voice for Indigenous entrepreneurship. His advocacy for equitable policies and community-driven partnerships is helping to build sustainable prosperity aligned with Indigenous values and long-term growth.