AIOC enables Indigenous investment that provides meaningful financial returns to Indigenous Nations and groups. Indigenous leadership determines how those cash distributions are used to support their communities’ objectives and participation in the economy. To date, there have been over $95M in distributions back to communities.
* Distribution reporting is as of March 31, 2026, except in some instances where it is as of December 31, 2025.
Our Roots Extend In Many Directions. This year, we focused on strengthening and extending our reach. The goal is to further support Indigenous Nations and groups to participate in economic prosperity, while working with key sectors to help support economic growth.
In June, 2025, Minister of Indigenous Relations Rajan Sawhney announced that the technology and healthcare sectors were added to AIOC’s investment mandate. These sectors are of vital interest to the province from an economic and societal standpoint.
Minister Sawhney described it as an exciting development in AIOC’s evolution.
“Both Indigenous communities and industry have shown interest in working together in these sectors, and AIOC sees promising opportunities on the horizon.”
Our third annual Stampede Celebration was our most successful to date. We welcomed over 400 attendees from Indigenous Nations and groups, industry and government stakeholders.
“This is one of the ‘must-attend’ events during Stampede. It always attracts high-quality guests and participants, and is a true confluence of business, purpose, and opportunity. It was really great. Thank you for bringing us all together.”
Colin Cochran, ExxonMobil
AIOC hosted our Fall Networking Event at River Cree Resort and Casino on the Enoch Nation. We had a large turnout representing Indigenous and industry stakeholders.
For the first time, we began the event with an Indigenous community-only VIP session. This provided a unique opportunity for Indigenous guests to have open conversations with AIOC and other Indigenous Nations and groups, before industry stakeholders were admitted. This was well received and provided a forum for sharing experiences and viewpoints, and asking important questions. The session resulted in valuable feedback related to the strengthening of project finance capacity of Indigenous Nations and groups to enhance their ability to navigate complex transactions.
AIOC hosted a ceremony to celebrate the opening of our southern office at Buffalo Run, a new development on the Tsuut’ina Nation, bordering Calgary. Tsuut’ina Nation is a hub of business activity and innovation, connected to many Indigenous communities and partners across southern Alberta. The location also provides convenient access to Calgary’s downtown business community. Both of our offices are now based on First Nations' lands.
“Opening our office on Tsuut’ina Nation, within Treaty 7 territory, is another important step in AIOC’s journey to support Indigenous economic participation. From the outset, AIOC was set up to create real opportunities for First Nations and Métis groups, and the most meaningful way to do that is by being present on Indigenous lands.”
Chana Martineau, AIOC CEO
AIOC was named to the Indigenomics Institute 10 to Watch List for 2025. This recognition of our successes to date reflects the growing impact of Indigenous-led economic development and the work driven by Indigenous Nations and groups in shaping long-term opportunities in major projects across Canada.
This year, AIOC invested in updating and expanding our website. The goal was to better explain what we do and how our process works. We also provided more context around capacity grants. Separate sections were created to provide relevant information to our key audiences in a more targeted manner, aimed at Indigenous Nations and groups, and Industry partners.
When the Government of Alberta announced the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work with the Federal Government to build a new pipeline to the west coast, it cited the key role AIOC will play. It was recognized by both parties that Indigenous participation is central to the success of this project, and AIOC’s loan guarantee program will support Indigenous investment at scale.
According to Chana Martineau, CEO of AIOC, this Memorandum of Understanding between Canada and Alberta represents a strengthened alignment toward advancing Indigenous economic participation.
“AIOC remains committed to supporting Indigenous Nations and groups as they pursue ownership on their own terms and shape a future built on collaboration and shared prosperity.”
Through ongoing relationship building with Indigenous Nations and groups across the province, AIOC continues to hear a consistent need for increased access to practical, applied financial knowledge to support participation in large infrastructure and equity projects.
In response, AIOC, in partnership with Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada (AFOA Canada), launched a pilot financial training program in late March to support Indigenous leadership and economic development professionals involved or interested in large infrastructure and equity projects.
The goal of the training is to support informed participation, strengthen the ability to assess potential opportunities, and contribute to more effective long-term partnerships.
This initiative included a Micro-Certification in Project Financing and a one-day in-person Project Finance for Indigenous Leadership Workshop, designed to build shared foundational project financing knowledge. The training also featured guest speakers who shared real-world experiences to complement the content and provide practical insights. In addition to building knowledge, the program created opportunities for participants to connect with one another, supporting the development of peer networks across communities.
“I found the session very informative and a positive introduction to AIOC. It’s great to see the fantastic work being done, and more importantly, the meaningful contributions and lasting impact on participating communities. Keep up the awesome work. ay hiy kinaskomatinin”
James Jackson, Band Councillor, Whitefish Lake First Nation #128
Participant feedback on the micro-certification was overwhelmingly positive, with 100% of respondents indicating that the training met or exceeded their expectations. In addition, 94% reported increased confidence in understanding equity participation and indicated they are more likely to explore or engage in equity opportunities because of the training.
