A tree’s root system never stops growing. This sustains and builds a foundation for continued growth and stability and supports the broader ecosystem to flourish. It is an apt analogy to describe AIOC’s efforts over the past fiscal year.
It was a year of growth for both our Indigenous and external relations and investment teams as we increased our internal capacity to deliver on our mandate. The Indigenous relations team crisscrossed the province to enhance outreach efforts and build meaningful relationships with Indigenous Nations and groups. Together, our team attended over 45 events in 2025/2026 including Pow Wows, Treaty Days and speaking engagements.
This year, for the first time, we hosted an Indigenous community-only VIP session before our fall networking event. The goal was to provide an environment where Indigenous guests could feel comfortable speaking frankly and openly amongst themselves and directly with AIOC leadership. The focus was on strengthened relationships and presence in the community. As part of this session, we received feedback on the need to strengthen capacity of Indigenous Nations and groups to navigate complex transactions.
In June 2025, technology and healthcare were added as eligible sectors for AIOC loan guarantees. With our expanded mandate, we’re ready to back Indigenous-led projects in growing sectors that matter to Indigenous Nations and groups – and are critical to our shared economic future. Imagine a world where Indigenous communities own the clinics that serve their people, or the infrastructure that powers their economies and ours.
In September, AIOC moved into a new permanent office on Tsuut’ina Nation, near the Grey Eagle Resort bordering Calgary. From the outset, AIOC was set up to create real opportunities for Indigenous Nations and groups, and the most meaningful way to do that is by being present on Indigenous lands. We are incredibly proud to be part of this vibrant hub of Indigenous entrepreneurship.
Behind the scenes, we updated our website to provide a better understanding of what we do and how we can support Indigenous investment. Our team also introduced changes to strengthen our governance and operations processes. We even explored ways to support our efforts with AI tools.
AIOC worked diligently to advance several loan guarantee proposals in 2025/26. As is the nature of projects of this size, scope and complexity, negotiations continued past the end of this fiscal year. We expect to share updates in early 2026/27.
To support Indigenous Nations and groups in exploring and advancing new economic opportunities, AIOC approved over $2.1 million in capacity grants this year. This included the launch of a pilot financial literacy training program, delivered in partnership with AFOA Canada, to strengthen project finance knowledge among Indigenous Nations and groups across Alberta.
There continues to be optimism that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of Alberta and the Federal Government to build a new pipeline to the west coast will come to fruition. AIOC was explicitly named as a commitment in facilitating Indigenous investment in any future partnership. Meanwhile, external factors, such as economic and political issues at home and abroad, further illustrated the opportunity for Canada and Indigenous partners to step forward as a stable, responsible and predictable supplier of energy to the world in these uncertain times.
The greatest validation of our loan guarantee program continues to be reflected in the measurable impacts of the program at the community level. To date, it is estimated that over $95 million in actual cash distributions has flowed back to Indigenous Nations and groups through their participation in AIOC-backed projects.
Willow Lake Métis Nation has reinvested profits from its stake in the Northern Courier Pipeline to develop an Indigenous tourism destination. The Nation also created a program to relocate a herd of Wood Bison to the community as part of a $50-million, multi-year food sustainability plan. This includes a honeybee colony, poultry, greenhouses, hydroponics and community gardens.
As demand, interest and opportunities continue to grow, AIOC, anchored by our roots, remains committed to supporting Indigenous investment through our loan guarantee and capacity grant programs to cultivate lasting economic growth.
Hiy hiy.
Stephen Buffalo
Chair,
Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation
Chana Martineau
Chief Executive Officer,
Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation