Who We Are
Áhskwa Consulting is an Indigenous social purpose advisory firm with more than a decade of experience advancing Indigenous economics, governance, and community-based business development. Rooted in Indigenous knowledge and practice, the company provides strategic advisory, research, and engagement services that strengthen economic self-determination and foster sustainable, inclusive growth across nations, governments, and industry.
The name Áhskwa means roof, bridge, or covering. In the Haudenosaunee tradition, the longhouse is both a physical structure and a living symbol of community — a place where many families, clans, and generations gather under one roof. Each beam and rafter contribute to the strength of the whole, reflecting unity built on diversity and mutual respect.
Our Foundations
Our work is grounded in:
Indigenous knowledge systems
Traditional and contemporary knowledge systems rooted in local and regional relationships between people and place.
Indigenous economic identity and self determination
Upholding rights holder jurisdiction and advancing sovereign approaches to economic development.
Indigenous scholarly research and academic integrity
Guided by principles of Indigenization, decolonization, and community-based knowledge creation.
Indigenous solutions-based methodologies
Integrating design-thinking and systems-thinking approaches to advance organizational, community, and nation-building goals.
Our Role
This work is grounded in trust and guided by a unique, solutions-based cadence that’s distinctly Áhskwa Consulting—built to last and evolve with the communities we serve.
Our work is rooted in Indigenous place-based knowledge and guided by both Indigenous and Western ways of knowing and being. We bring these approaches together to build relationships based on respect, accountability, and connection with the people and communities we serve.
Our Founders
Shyra
Barberstock, PhD
Dr. Shyra Barberstock is an accomplished Indigenous business advisor, scholar, and corporate strategist whose work advances Indigenous entrepreneurship, women’s leadership, and community-driven economic development across Canada.
An Anishinaabe member of Kebaowek First Nation, Dr. Shyra Barberstock holds a PhD in Geography and Planning from Queen’s University, where her research focused on advancing Indigenous procurement in Canada. She serves as an Adjunct Professor and as Indigenous Advisor at the Smith School of Business and an Adjunct Professor in the School of Urban and Regional Planning at Queen’s University. She is an award-winning Indigenous entrepreneur and a nationally recognized leader in Indigenous women’s entrepreneurship and social innovation. Highly sought after for her expertise, Dr. Barberstock works with governments, corporations, and Indigenous organizations to develop inclusive economic strategies that foster long-term prosperity and self-determination.
Dr. Barberstock specializes in Indigenous inclusion and engagement projects, developing strategies that build economic readiness and strengthen Indigenous participation within government and industry. Her consulting work focuses on advancing Indigenous economic inclusivity, corporate Indigenous relations, and sustainable development—helping organizations embed Indigenous perspectives within ESG and corporate social responsibility frameworks.
A certified practitioner in advanced Design Thinking for Business through the Rotman School of Management and certified in OCAP®, Dr. Barberstock has co-designed and led Indigenous entrepreneurship and business development programs at the local, regional, and national levels. Her portfolio includes Indigenous inclusive procurement, climate economy initiatives, and capacity-building partnerships that align corporate, government, and community priorities for lasting economic impact.
Ryan “Rye"
Barberstock, PhD
Dr. Ryan “Rye” Barberstock is a distinguished Indigenous business advisor, scholar, and governance strategist whose work strengthens Indigenous sovereignty, economic self-determination, and nation-to-nation relationships across Canada.
A Kanyen’kehá:ka (Mohawk) and Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg business leader, Dr. Barberstock is a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. He holds a PhD in Geography and Planning from Queen’s University, where his research explored the economic importance of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Treaty in advancing Indigenous economic relations and collaboration. Serving as an Adjunct Professor in the Bachelor of Commerce program, and Indigenous business advisor to the Smith School of Business, he helps advance Indigenous informed academic programming by integrating Indigenous economic governance, law, and community-based perspectives into curriculum and strategy development.
Through his consulting practice, Dr. Barberstock leads Indigenous relations and engagement initiatives that embed inclusion, reconciliation, and sustainability within corporate and government strategies. He provides executive advisory support on ESG, procurement, and corporate social responsibility frameworks, helping organizations develop Indigenous inclusion strategies that align ethical business practice with Indigenous rights and economic partnership.
An advanced Design Thinking for Business practitioner (Rotman School of Management) and an OCAP®certified professional, Dr. Barberstock has guided the development of constitutions, traditional law frameworks, and Indigenous-led self-governance plans. He has co-developed national research on Indigenous economies and continues to teach Indigenous business, governance, and economic reconciliation at the postsecondary level.
