Economic Reconciliation is at
the Root of Our Creation

In 2019, recognizing the imperative laid out by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, specifically #92, the Government of Alberta took a bold step. They understood that relationships between Indigenous Nations and groups and industry could be transformed into meaningful partnerships based on shared values and mutual alignment.

Industry is increasingly realizing the value of meaningful Indigenous economic participation – and are sharing the benefits of their projects. As our model proves successful, we are building a foundation of knowledge, trust and insight that sets the stage for future partnership and shared prosperity.

Chana and board applaud

Our Mandate

AIOC was created to facilitate Indigenous investment and partnerships in Alberta’s natural resources, agriculture, telecommunications, transportation and tourism sectors. This year, technology and healthcare were added as eligible sectors.

Project loan guarantees must be between $20 million and $250 million*. AIOC conducts due diligence to ensure projects are commercially viable and low-risk and that cash flows are able to service the guaranteed debt, while at the same time offering the high potential of immediate and ongoing returns (net of loan repayment and interest costs) to Indigenous Nations and groups.

*There is ability to increase the limit on a case by case basis pending Cabinet approval.

Mario shaking hands

Our Purpose

We aspire to enable every Indigenous community in Alberta to participate in meaningful equity ownership, advancing reconciliation and fueling growth across the province.

Man and woman posing for a photo and AIOC event

Our Goal

Ultimately to facilitate economic opportunities that remove barriers and improve the lives of Indigenous Nations and groups – allowing them to share in Alberta’s prosperity.

The return on investment accelerates prosperity. Indigenous Nations and groups receive sustainable cash distributions that could be used to support a range of social, educational, housing, cultural and economic opportunities that will move communities and Alberta forward.

Since 2019, AIOC has approved more than $10 million in capacity grants, supporting 63 Indigenous Nations and groups.

These capacity grants are critical to ensuring leadership has the knowledge, confidence, and advisory support needed to make informed decisions that deliver long‑term community benefits and transformative impact.

Rooted in Relationship

Strong, trust-based relationships and deep understanding of community priorities are foundational to how AIOC engages with Indigenous Nations and groups across the province.

AIOC’s Indigenous relations team focuses on building and sustaining trusted relationships with Indigenous Nations and groups throughout Alberta. Through direct relationship building with leadership, economic development groups, and community members, the team shares clear information about the mandate and program, supports understanding of eligibility requirements, and provides guidance on project proposals and capacity grant funding, helping to create a transparent and accessible process for communities. This approach helps ensure communities have the information and support needed to make decisions based on their own priorities and readiness.

This year, as part of strengthening our presence across the province, the team also increased its presence at community events such as Pow Wows, Treaty Days, cultural festivals, and rodeos. These engagements are an important part of building trust, deepening understanding of communities’ histories and priorities, and maintaining a consistent presence over time.

Perspective From Our Indigenous Partners

“Alberta is a leader with respect to making opportunities available to Indigenous communities and supporting the aspirations of our people to become part of the economy. Our household income will rise in the communities. Our people will be self-sufficient. And we will be able to take advantage of the wealth that's created through our experience and expertise that we develop through time.”

Jim Boucher
AIOC Board Director, President and Chairman of the Saa Dene Group of Companies, former elected Chief, Fort McKay First Nation

“We're ahead of our time when it comes to how the [Government of Alberta] works with the First Nations communities. It's rare, it's unique, it's one of a kind, it's leading edge, and I feel a lot of the other Canadian provinces stepping up and wanting to follow that model, that best practice model.”

Ruby Littlechild
AIOC Board Director, National Director of Indigenous Relations for AtkinsRéalis

“I would encourage [other Indigenous Nations and groups] to participate, but also make informed decisions on whether or not their communities or their Nations want to participate in large-scale projects. I think it's important to also engage the community in what those ideas might be, exploring potential options with AIOC to further think outside the box of what the community needs might be”

Former Chief Andy Alook
Bigstone Cree Nation

“We went from sending 40 kids to play hockey out of town to 160 kids playing hockey locally after one full season at our facility. That’s the result from working with industry and government [through AIOC].”

Chief Herb Jackson
Whitefish Lake First Nation #128

How It Works

AIOC's primary strategic goal is to drive sustainable returns for Indigenous Nations and groups.

View our video or PDF to learn how AIOC facilitates Indigenous investment that provides real, immediate financial returns to these groups.

An Introduction to AIOC video thumbnail image showing the AIOC logo

Read the AIOC Roles & Responsibilities PDF

Download PDF