By Jeremy Appel, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Alberta Native News A consultancy firm founded by the former CEO of Willow Lake Métis Nation has taken home the 2026 Indigenous Business Award of Distinction at the Alberta Business Awards of Distinction. Justin Bourque founded Âsokan Generational Developments in 2023. The firm has worked with more than 40 Indigenous communities on nearly $3 billion in transactions, largely but not exclusively in the energy sector. The Indigenous Business Award of Distinction honours an Indigenous-owned business that facilitates economic development for First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities on the road to reconciliation. In an interview, Bourque called the award “such an honour,” adding that it was a “pleasant surprise” to even be a finalist, “let alone stacked up against two very impressive companies and…







