Our
Story
Get to Know Us
Askiy Advisory Group is a First Nations owned business operating out of Edmonton, Alberta and Victoria, BC. We work alongside First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Non-Indigenous communities, providing strategic consulting services that support community-driven planning and sustainable development.
Since 2017, Askiy has provided strategic support to First Nations, Métis, Inuit communities, Indigenous organizations, regulators, and non-profits across Canada. We specialize in delivering high-quality, culturally grounded services spanning Indigenous consultation and engagement, regulatory and environmental assessments, policy and governance development, and community-based program design. Led by First Nations founder Donna Hovsepian, who brings over two decades of experience in Indigenous governance, regulatory policy, and community engagement, Askiy delivers culturally grounded solutions that work. Our approach integrates Indigenous knowledge with professional consulting standards, ensuring projects are both technically sound and community-centered.
Mission
We help put reconciliation into real action by supporting Indigenous communities to advance their own goals and priorities, and by giving non‑Indigenous partners the knowledge and tools to build respectful, effective relationships.
Vision
Strong First Nations, Métis, and Inuit governments, each building the future on their own terms.
Meet the Team
Our team brings together diverse experience, shared values, and a commitment to working alongside communities. Meet the people behind Askiy Advisory Group below.
Director & Principal Consultant
Donna Hovsepian
Donna Hovsepian is a member of Pimichikamak Cree Nation (Cross Lake), Treaty 5 Territory, and the Founder and Director of Askiy Advisory Group, a consulting firm with offices in Edmonton, Alberta and Victoria, BC. With over 20 years of experience spanning government regulatory agencies, Indigenous consultation, and strategic planning, Donna brings deep expertise in navigating complex government and regulatory processes. Donna has 16 years of experience working on government's responsibility to consult with Indigenous communities and supporting impact assessments on resource projects. For eight years, she worked with the Alberta Energy Regulator reviewing oil, gas, coal, and forestry projects and their environmental impacts. She also served 3 years as a Senior Business Advisor with Western Economic Diversification and Indigenous Services Canada, and 5 years with the Manitoba government as a Policy Analyst supporting Indigenous community and economic development and strategic initiatives. This foundation, combined with her First Nations lived experience and academic training, positions Donna to bridge Indigenous and non-Indigenous worlds. Donna holds an MA in Environment and Management from Royal Roads University and a BA in Indigenous Studies from the University of Manitoba.
Senior Advisor
Elissa Cook
Elissa is a proud member of York Factory First Nation, with Swampy Cree and Denesuline heritage, and ties to Pimicikamak Cree Nation. Based in Victoria, BC, Elissa is an Indigenous and socio-cultural strategist with over 10 years of experience working with Indigenous communities, governments, and organizations. She is passionate about Indigenous sovereignty, digital media, and storytelling. As a senior advisor, Elissa has contributed to Traditional Land Use Studies, Cumulative Impacts Assessments, Indigenous Knowledge protection, and governance. She also specializes in multimedia research, report production, and online content design, helping amplify Indigenous voices in a variety of project initiatives. She holds a Diploma in Canadian Studies and a Bachelor of Arts with distinction, specializing in Indigenous Studies and Digital Media from the University of Victoria.
Trusted Partners
Our Commitment
We value our partnerships and strive to build long-lasting relationships based on trust and success.