“ACFN wanted to get ownership in the Alberta Energy Sector. Why not a pipeline to complement ACFN’s investments in solar power. It was not a simple task to get 23 unique Nations together and through the hard work of a team lead by Justin Bourque, the Athabasca Indigenous Investments was born. Every great project requires a leader, a doer, and Justin is defiantly that.”
Empowering Indigenous Lives today, with tomorrow in mind
ÂSOKAN IS CREE FOR BRIDGE
We are focused on building bridges between industry and Indigenous communities. We support Indigenous resilience and economic sovereignty through negotiation and management of meaningful Indigenous-industry partnerships; as well as to build an understanding of corporate responsibility and enhance opportunity through the development of Indigenous ESG frameworks that localize economic benefit for current and future generations.
SERVICES
Experience
Athabasca Indigenous Investments
Justin played a key role in the creation of this historical limited partnership of 23 diverse Treaty 6 and Treaty 8 First Nations and Métis communities located in northern Alberta, that will steward the communities’ investment in seven Enbridge-operated pipelines. He remains the acting President of the LP.
Astisiy Community Partnership
Justin stepped up as a key representative of the Alberta First Nation community when Suncor exercised its option to purchase TC Energy’s remaining equity interest in Northern Courier Pipeline Limited Partnership. The purchase will be completed by Astisiy Limited Partnership and Suncor will become operator of the pipeline assets. The Astisiy partners benefit from revenues generated through competitive tolls from long-term transportation and terminalling services agreements supporting the pipeline, regardless of the price of crude.
Recognition
Justin Bourque is an industry leader. His connections in industry and with Indigenous communities are unparalleled. Recently he has been recognized by a number of organizations.
Named One of 10 Most Innovative Business Leaders to Follow in 2022
2022 Recipient of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal
Junior Achievement (JA) Northern Alberta Business Hall of Fame 2022 Innovator Award
One of Canada's Top 20 Dynamic CEOs
Our Purpose
Empowering indigenous lives today, with tomorrow in mind.
Âsokan Generational Developments is a consultancy firm that specializes in Indigenous governance and capacity building, as well as ESG Framework development, and negotiation and project management of Indigenous-industry partnerships. Âsokan is the Cree word for “bridge”, which is exactly the role the Âsokan Generational Developments has been created, to connect between industry and Indigenous communities. The organization’s ultimate goal is to Empower Indigenous Lives today, with Tomorrow In Mind.
Testimonials
“ACFN wanted to get ownership in the Alberta Energy Sector. Why not a pipeline to complement ACFN’s investments in solar power. It was not a simple task to get 23 unique Nations together and through the hard work of a team lead by Justin Bourque, the Athabasca Indigenous Investments was born. Every great project requires a leader, a doer, and Justin is defiantly that.”
“I have had the pleasure to work hand in hand with Justin over the years. He is results orientated, has vision and a strong business acumen; a recipe for success when mixed with his integrity, passion and loyalty in partnership. I am excited for Justin, for Âsokan Generational Developments and more importantly for industry and community as they are all sure to benefit.”
“We are fortunate enough to work with Justin on two landmark Indigenous acquisitions. In 2021, we worked with Justin on a transaction involving 8 First Nations and Métis communities in their acquisition of a 15% equity interest in the Northern Courier Pipeline Limited Partnership, which is a pipeline asset with a value of approximately $1.3 billion. In 2022, we worked closely with Justin so that 23 First Nations and Métis communities could acquire, for $1.1 billion, an 11.57% equity interest in seven Enbridge-operated pipelines in the Athabasca region. Justin played an integral role in both of these acquisitions. In his role as a director and shareholder representative, Justin demonstrated a deep understanding of the complexities of acquisitions and acquisition financings; all of which was under significant time pressures. He also has a fundamental understanding of transactions supported by provincial loan guarantees from the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation. Justin is uniquely positioned as someone who has an appreciation for Indigenous community-based values while having hands-on experience negotiating two of the largest Indigenous acquisitions in Canada.”
“I have had the pleasure to work hand in hand with Justin over the years. He is results orientated, has vision and a strong business acumen; a recipe for success when mixed with his integrity, passion and loyalty in partnership. I am excited for Justin, for Âsokan Generational Developments and more importantly for industry and community as they are all sure to benefit.”
Crystal Young
CEO Fort McKay Metis Group
“We are fortunate enough to work with Justin on two landmark Indigenous acquisitions. In 2021, we worked with Justin on a transaction involving 8 First Nations and Métis communities in their acquisition of a 15% equity interest in the Northern Courier Pipeline Limited Partnership, which is a pipeline asset with a value of approximately $1.3 billion. In 2022, we worked closely with Justin so that 23 First Nations and Métis communities could acquire, for $1.1 billion, an 11.57% equity interest in seven Enbridge-operated pipelines in the Athabasca region. Justin played an integral role in both of these acquisitions. In his role as a director and shareholder representative, Justin demonstrated a deep understanding of the complexities of acquisitions and acquisition financings; all of which was under significant time pressures. He also has a fundamental understanding of transactions supported by provincial loan guarantees from the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation. Justin is uniquely positioned as someone who has an appreciation for Indigenous community-based values while having hands-on experience negotiating two of the largest Indigenous acquisitions in Canada.”