Áhskwa Consulting Inc.

05/19/2026

After years of growth, reflection, and evolution, we’re excited to finally share that Okwaho Equal Source Inc. is now Áhskwa Consulting Inc.

Áhskwa means “roof" or "bridge” in the Mohawk language—a name that reflects the heart of our work: building meaningful bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, knowledge systems, organizations, and ways of thinking.

What began over a decade ago as a consulting company has evolved into something much deeper and more expansive. This new name, brand, and website better reflect who we are today and the work we are being called toward—Indigenous economics, governance, nation building, systems transformation, relationship-building, and Indigenous-led solutions grounded in reciprocity and long-term impact.

We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built and deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey over the years.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped bring this vision to life.

We’d love for you to check out the new website!

Visit https://ahskwaconsulting.ca/

05/12/2026

Something new is taking shape.

Over the past several months, we’ve been evolving—refining our vision, expanding our impact, and preparing for what comes next.

Soon, we’ll be unveiling a new brand and experience that reflects where we’re headed.

Stay tuned.

01/16/2025

We are excited to share that Okwaho Equal Source President & CEO Shyra Barberstock, PhD has been nominated for the DMZ Women of the Year award!

I’m excited to share that I’ve been nominated for ’s Women of the Year award! It’s an incredible honour to be recognized alongside such inspiring individuals.

I can’t wait for the big reveal during the DMZ Women Innovation Summit this March. Let’s recognize the incredible women shaping the future of tech! 🌟

05/05/2023

Kwe-Biz (an Okwaho Equal Source project) was featured by Queen's University!! "The Kwe-Biz Program proves instrumental in providing resources and mentorship to many Indigenous women entrepreneurs." Read the article here - https://www.queensu.ca/partnershipsandinnovation/news/kwe-biz-program-proves-instrumental-providing-resources-and-mentorship-many-indigenous-women

It has been awesome supporting Indigenous women entrepreneurs in Ontario over the past 3 years! Through the Kwe-Biz business accelerator, workshops, and mentorship program, we have been proud to see over 90+ Indigenous women entrepreneurs grow in confidence. There have been some great business success stories!

A special Miigwech/Nia:wen (thank you) to the Queen's University WE-CAN Program for supporting the Kwe-Biz Program. You have been wonderful to work with!

Update: Our program funding ended March 31, 2023, however, we are actively exploring other funding opportunities so we can continue to support Indigenous entrepreneurs. Our programming will be on hold until we find new funding. Stay tuned for future updates.

Funded and led by Queen’s Partnerships and Innovation, the WE-CAN Project inspires and empowers existing and aspiring women-identifying entrepreneurs by providing them with tools, resour

04/26/2023

There are still a few spots available!

Upcoming Webinar (April 27th from 10:00am-11:30am EDT). Inclusion of Indigenous Women (and Indigenous Peoples) in the Workplace with Dr. Shyra Barberstock and Ryan ‘Rye’ Barberstock, co-founders of Okwaho Equal Source.

Register at: https://tinyurl.com/4rts8596

This interactive Indigenous-led webinar will engage the audience on the inclusion of Indigenous women (and Indigenous Peoples) in the workplace and will explore the importance of diversity. The speakers will animate the conversation through examples from their lived/academic/professional experience about Indigenous relations and reconciliation, broadly, and in relation to the workplace. They will also interweave an appreciative analysis of the Dish With One Spoon treaty territory and historical/contemporary economic development.

*The Zoom link will be provided on Eventbrite approximately 15 minutes prior to the starting time of the event.*

Join us in this interactive, Indigenous-led workplace inclusion webinar!

04/19/2023

UPCOMING EVENT: Inclusion of Indigenous Women (and Indigenous Peoples) in the Workplace with Dr. Shyra Barberstock and Ryan ‘Rye’ Barberstock, co-founders of Okwaho Equal Source.

Register at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/inclusion-of-indigenous-women-and-indigenous-peoples-in-the-workplace-tickets-604959920407?fbclid=IwAR1_71tW6IQWYeDK-KXWcoI7Qe1s6ExzdoRsqRCHIHv7LU7YxgKzh3Ttajo

This interactive Indigenous-led webinar will engage the audience on the inclusion of Indigenous women (and Indigenous Peoples) in the workplace and will explore the importance of diversity. The speakers will animate the conversation through examples from their lived/academic/professional experience about Indigenous relations and reconciliation, broadly, and in relation to the workplace. They will also interweave an appreciative analysis of the Dish With One Spoon treaty territory and historical/contemporary economic development.

*The Zoom link will be provided on Eventbrite approximately 15 minutes prior to the starting time of the event.*

03/21/2023

Upcoming Kwe-Biz Workshop: Financial Planning for Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs with Guest Speaker & Kwe-Biz Alumni, Carol Ann Budd, Founder and Principal Advisor of Woodland Wealth Inc. (Wednesday, March 29th from 6-9pm EST). Up to 15 spots available. RSVP via Eventbrite link below.

"In my wide circle of friends and professional contacts, I’ve noticed a pattern; even the smartest people are not confident about their finances or savvy about how to make their money work for them. And often, the brightest and most creative people are prone to neglect their finances to pursue their passions. Entrepreneurs have even more responsibility to take control of this area." - Carol Ann Budd

Workshop description - Beginning with identifying your goals, in this workshop, you will build your knowledge of personal wealth-building and wealth-management techniques. You will learn simple and realistic strategies to assist you in making sound financial decisions to build, protect and preserve your wealth. If you’re ready to be more empowered and strategic and gain more confidence regarding your finances, this workshop is for you.

Eligibility: Kwe-Biz is an Okwaho Equal Source and Queen’s University Initiative with Funding from the WES Ecosystem Fund for Southern Ontario. Based on funding criteria, this workshop will prioritize Indigenous women entrepreneurs in Ontario.

RSVP - https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/kwe-biz-workshop-financial-planning-for-indigenous-women-entrepreneurs-registration-596048776937

Knowledge is Power - Learn financial planning and wealth-building principles from Carol Ann Budd of Woodland Wealth Inc.

02/28/2023

Upcoming Kwe-Biz Workshop - Design Thinking for Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs (March 9th and 10th in Belleville). Up to 10 spots available.

In this 2-day interactive workshop, Indigenous women entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of Design Thinking from 2 knowledgable and seasoned Indigenous Design Thinking facilitators.

Eligibility: Kwe-Biz is an Okwaho Equal Source and Queen’s University Initiative with Funding from the WES Ecosystem Fund for Southern Ontario. Based on funding criteria, this workshop is limited to Indigenous women entrepreneurs in Ontario.

(Note: If you are interested in attending this workshop but you do not fit within the eligibility criteria, please email us at [email protected] to be placed on the waiting list. If there are additional spots open prior to the event, we will consider opening the spots to those on the waiting list).

What is Design Thinking?

Design Thinking is a human-centric, innovative approach to problem solving. Through participating in Indigenous-led sharing circles, Design Thinking, and Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) exercises, participants will have the opportunity to co-create innovative strategies for their business. In addition, you will learn facilitation insights from the instructors so you can use these tools for your business, and with your clients.

To learn more, or to RSVP, visit the Eventbrite link below.

RSVP - https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/kwe-biz-workshop-design-thinking-for-indigenous-women-entrepreneurs-tickets-566545241067

Learn about the fundamentals of Design Thinking in a two-day immersive workshop.