Âsokan in nêhiyawêwin (Cree) means “bridge” symbolizing its mission of building bridges to a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come. We aim to be the leading catalyst for sustainable Indigenous and industry partnerships, empowering Indigenous communities towards self-determination and driving positive change in society.
With gratitude, we are thankful for the bounty of Turtle Island and acknowledge our survival relies on the health and prosperity of the land, air and water. At Âsokan, we recognize that the land is not inherited from our ancestors but rather borrowed from our children and we work to provide a better tomorrow for all that call Turtle Island home.
“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.”
Âsokan Generational Developments is a consultancy firm that specializes in Indigenous governance and knowledge sharing, 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.
