Building Bridges: Indigenous Economic Sovereignty with Justin Bourque
Release Date: 06/19/2025
Authentic Storytelling for Indigenous Prosperity with Jay Gould
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Episode Overview In this episode of the Forward Together podcast, host Rod Miller engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jay Gould, founder of Story Foundry. Jay shares his journey of reconnecting with his Indigenous heritage and how it influences his work in storytelling. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and hope within Indigenous communities and the role of storytelling in bridging cultural divides. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced in Indigenous filmmaking, the responsibility of truth-telling, and advice for aspiring Indigenous creatives. Jay's passion for...
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In this episode of the Forward Together podcast, host Rod Miller speaks with Buffy, a proud member of the St. Theresa Point First Nation. Buffy shares her unique upbringing in the bush, emphasizing the importance of connection to nature and the cultural values of Indigenous life. She discusses her role as a matriarch, the responsibilities that come with it, and the significance of mentorship in Indigenous culture. The conversation highlights the need for investing in youth and the deep spiritual connection that defines true leadership within the community. In this conversation, Buffy shares...
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Building Bridges: Indigenous Economic Sovereignty with Justin Bourque
Forward Together
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...
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Walking the Path of Economic Reconciliation With JP Gladu
Forward Together
In this inaugural episode of Forward Together, host Rod Miller sits down with one of Canada’s most respected Indigenous leaders, JP Gladu. From his early experiences in community to the boardrooms of national industry, JP shares how his cultural identity and values have shaped his leadership journey—and why economic reconciliation is not only possible, but essential. Together, they explore what it means to lead with authenticity, the importance of building meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities, and how organizations can engage in reconciliation beyond performative gestures....
info_outlineIn 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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