Justin Bourque leads the Willow Lake Métis Nation as CEO, having grown up in Willow Lake/Anzac, Alberta, and bringing experience from Alberta's energy sector to the role. He has built a decentralized governance model for the Nation that emphasizes community accountability and cultural preservation, restructuring decision-making around seven governance pillars covering economic development, community relations, environmental stewardship, and cultural retention.
Beyond internal governance, Bourque has focused on building partnerships and joint ventures through the Willow Lake Métis Group, including the Eco-Bison Ranch and the iESG Development Corporation, which works on Indigenous-led clean energy infrastructure.
His broader Sohkastwâwin initiative aims to reconnect the community with its Métis heritage through cultural centers, sustainable agriculture, and climate adaptation work, positioning the Nation as a model for Indigenous economic sovereignty and environmental stewardship in Canada.
