Futures
A research & advisory studio
About Maskwa
We are a Métis-founded research and strategy studio specializing in sustainable food systems, agricultural innovation, and renewable and clean energy development. We also work within the startup and innovation ecosystem, helping organizations integrate sustainability and innovation across their strategy, research, and implementation. We help organizations move from research to real-world implementation through strategic thinking, market intelligence, funding strategy, and communication advisory. Through these services, we help clients validate opportunities, reduce risk, and build partnerships that drive meaningful and sustainable growth.
Rooted in Alberta’s agricultural and innovation landscape, Maskwa futures a research and strategy studio was founded to help organizations pursue sustainability and growth through data-driven insights, systems thinking, and integrated strategy. We support those working toward meaningful change while striving for economic feasibility—bridging research, policy, and market realities to create practical, fundable solutions.
Too often, strategies are built without fully understanding the interconnected systems at play: policy, funding, supply chains, and environmental dynamics. Our goal is to help close that gap by providing the research, insight, and structure organizations need to make informed, evidence-based decisions before they act. With a focus on system-level thinking and long-term sustainability, we map the relationships and dynamics that shape industries—uncovering pathways for collaboration, investment, and economic growth.
Founder Erin Creegan-Dougherty is a Métis entrepreneur and founder, passionate about bridging sustainability, innovation, and community through research-driven strategy. Her work emphasizes cultural tailoring, strategic communication, and translating complex ideas—such as market positioning and funding alignment—into practical, actionable steps that drive results, all through a unique multidisciplinary lens.
Grounded in evidence and guided by purpose, Maskwa Futures transforms insight into strategy—and strategy into action—building a future where innovation, culture, and sustainability move together.
Mission
Our mission is to bridge the gap between research and real-world implementation. We help organizations make confident, evidence-based decisions through market intelligence, funding strategy, and communication advisory. Grounded in sustainability, cultural awareness, and systems thinking, we empower innovators, communities, and institutions to turn insight into strategy—and strategy into measurable impact
Vision
Our vision is a future where innovation, culture, and sustainability move together—where organizations create economically viable and environmentally responsible solutions informed by research, guided by collaboration, and rooted in respect for both people and place. We aim to empower organizations to be bold—to think beyond convention, challenge assumptions, and have the confidence to ask, “why not?”
About the Founder
Erin Creegan-Dougherty
Erin Creegan-Dougherty is a Métis entrepreneur and researcher passionate about connecting sustainability, business, and community. Growing up deeply connected to agriculture and the land, she developed a lasting appreciation for working with nature—and learning from it.
She holds an MBA in Sustainable Development and Global Energy Management from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and History, with a focus on Canadian Indigenous history, American political history, and ancient Chinese civilization. Her education is complemented by transdisciplinary projects in sustainable agriculture and Indigenous agricultural practices, alongside Mitacs-funded research on ag-tech integration in food preservation and food waste reduction in Canada. This work emphasized policy and supply chain challenges and the potential for the agriculture and energy industries to collaborate toward a cleaner, renewable future, with a focus on biofuel innovation and policy in Canada. Her professional experience spans agriculture, clean and sustainable energy, food and consumer packaged goods, and the healthtech and technology product management sectors.
Erin brings a deep understanding of entrepreneurship and business development, supported by her background in international business and history—drawing on global case studies and lessons from diverse practices. This allows her to integrate political, cultural, and regulatory perspectives into her work, bridging innovation with practical implementation. She evaluates feasibility through both strategic and policy lenses, ensuring creative ideas are grounded in real-world viability.
She has collaborated extensively with universities, Indigenous organizations, and early-stage ventures to design scalable, impact-driven strategies. At Mount Royal University, she has designed and facilitated entrepreneurship development programs, including transdisciplinary healthtech initiatives that bring together researchers, business professionals, and technical experts. Driven by a deep passion for problem-solving and creative thinking, Erin helps clients develop well-rounded, actionable, and impactful deliverables.
This work has strengthened her ability to translate complex information across disciplines, fostering collaboration and understanding among innovators from diverse fields. A skilled communicator with extensive pitch and presentation experience, she continues this mission through Maskwa Futures —helping organizations and communities turn research into strategy, and strategy into tangible, sustainable impact. Her work embodies a belief that informed action, cultural awareness, and system-level understanding can create meaningful, lasting change.