Building Bridges: Indigenous Economic Sovereignty with Justin Bourque

In this episode of the Forward Together podcast, Rod interviews Justin Bourque, a prominent figure in Indigenous economic empowerment. Justin shares his journey from a young apprentice in the oil sands to becoming a leader in Indigenous equity ownership.

He discusses the importance of embracing Métis heritage, the challenges and breakthroughs in large-scale Indigenous partnerships, and the significance of traditional teachings for youth.

The conversation emphasizes the need for trust-building in business relationships and the role of economic sovereignty in creating resilient Indigenous communities.

Key Takeaways:

• Justin's journey reflects the importance of personal development and seizing opportunities.
• Embracing one's heritage can empower individuals in their professional lives.
• Traditional teachings provide valuable land-based learning experiences for Indigenous youth. Youth today have more opportunities to embrace their culture in business.
• Economic sovereignty is crucial for Indigenous communities to thrive.
• Building trust is essential in Indigenous business relationships.
• Indigenous knowledge and perspectives are vital for sustainable development.
• Creating impactful partnerships requires understanding and patience.
• The future of Indigenous communities lies in resilience and self-determination.

Featured Guest: 

Justin Bourque represents a transformative figure in the intersection of Indigenous economic sovereignty and Canada's energy sector, having orchestrated some of the largest Indigenous equity ownership transactions in North American energy history. As the founder of Asokan Generational Developments and inaugural President, now Vice President of Athabasca Indigenous Investments, Bourque has successfully bridged traditional Indigenous values with modern energy industry partnerships, creating unprecedented economic opportunities for Indigenous communities while maintaining cultural integrity and environmental stewardship.

Host:

Rod Miller — President and COO of the Connect Partnership Group, producers of Forward Summit and Workforce Forward.

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