23 Jan Âsokan Generational Developments

Empowering Indigenous lives today, with tomorrow in mind.

Âsokan, which in nêhiyawêwin (Cree) means bridge, embodies a mission dedicated to bridging Indigenous knowledge with contemporary economic frameworks. Founded on the principles of empowerment and sustainability, Âsokan is a consultancy firm based in Alberta that is specializing in Indigenous governance, capacity building, negotiating, and the development of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks for major industrial projects and advancing Indigenous led climate resilience approaches.

The company is dedicated to weaving together cultural heritage with innovative frameworks, Âsokan envisions a future where Indigenous communities thrive economically while safeguarding their cultural identities, stories and ways of being. Âsokan serves as a bridge by enabling Indigenous participation in development opportunities and environmental advocacy.

“For far too long, we’ve been fighting everyone, including amongst ourselves, including the Western world and society. We’re at a point where we need to come together. As far as how we progress through reconciliation, and how we progress from a business perspective – we’re stronger together,” says Justin Bourque, Founder and CEO of Âsokan.

Drawing from cultural integrity and Indigenous ways of knowing, Âsokan’s guidance assists Indigenous communities in maneuvering through the changing economic landscape of project development and the needs of their communities.

One key success was in supporting the advancement of Athabasca Indigenous Investments a limited partnership of 23 Nations from Treaty 6 and Treaty 8 Nations and Métis communities to steward the communities’ investment into seven Enbridge-operated pipelines.

Âsokan’s commitment to empowering Indigenous Peoples and communities today, with an eye on a mutually prosperous tomorrow, signifies a distinct approach supporting the upward trajectory of the Indigenous economy. The company serves to support Indigenous resilience and economic sovereignty through negotiation and management of meaningful Indigenous-industry partnerships. Equally important is building understanding of corporate responsibility and developing indigenous ESG frameworks that localize economic benefit for current and future generations. This is Indigenomics in action.

Learn more at: agdev.ca