Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation

Today, AIOC joins Albertans in commemorating the signing of Treaty 6 on August 23rd, 1876. This day reminds us of the history, cultures, and strength of the Treaty 6 Nations and their unwavering commitment to protecting their lands, rights, and futures. We stand in solidarity with the Treaty 6 Nations, recognizing the vital contributions they continue to make in shaping our communities. Through our work at AIOC, we remain committed to fostering opportunities that empower Indigenous people and support sustainable economic growth grounded in respect for their rights and traditions. On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening partnerships with Indigenous communities, rooted in respect, trust, and a shared vision for the future. #Treaty6 #Reconciliation #SharedFuture

At this year's AIOC Calgary Stampede event, we had the privilege of hosting an incredible community of representatives from Indigenous Nations and groups, industry leaders, and partners from across Alberta.  The Calgary Stampede is an iconic Alberta tradition, known for its thrilling rodeo, vibrant parties, and captivating exhibitions. At its heart, it’s about celebrating culture, community, and connection. It creates the perfect opportunity to bring people together to network, share experiences, and celebrate the partnerships that drive progress across our province. We’re proud to share a brand-new video, filmed at our Stampede event, that highlights the powerful impact of AIOC and the incredible supporters behind our mandate. In the video, you’ll hear firsthand what our work truly means: empowering Indigenous Nations and groups, creating long-term partnerships, and fostering opportunities built on trust and collaboration. Watch and discover how we’re making a difference—one partnership at a time. 🎥 – Jay Gould, The Story Foundry 🗣️ – Tom Schwartz, KC, Chana Martineau BA, ICD.D, Rod Graham, ICD.D, Colin Gruending, Brian Schmidt, Stephen Buffalo 🎵 – Curt Young & The Healers | Ashley Ghostkeeper Government of Alberta #AIOC #CalgaryStampede #IndigenousPartnerships #EconomicReconciliation #IgnitingProsperity

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Shafak Sajid, our new Interim Director of Indigenous Engagement. With over 13 years of experience at the intersection of industry, government, and communities, Shafak is dedicated to building meaningful relationships and driving impactful change. A recipient of the Young Women in Energy Award, Shafak excels in strategic planning, and relationship building. She is known for her innovative approach to integrating diverse perspectives, fostering collaboration, and delivering actionable results in complex environments. Shafak started her career in Karachi, Pakistan, focusing on health, education, and micro finance projects in communities throughout the country. Shafak moved to Calgary in 2011 to pursue her Master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Calgary. Her career has included policy research where she authored several policy reports and has been featured in print, broadcast, and radio outlets across Western Canada. Shafak then focused her career leading community engagement and stakeholder relations at CAPP and Pathways Alliance. Beyond her professional career, Shafak is also an avid traveler, a tennis enthusiast, and an active volunteer in Calgary's arts community. We are incredibly excited to see the positive impact Shafak will undoubtedly have on our organization. Welcome aboard! To learn more about Shafak and the rest of the AIOC team visit https://lnkd.in/daGBvedP #Welcome #NewHire

"Collaboration with the federal government presents a valuable opportunity to enhance our collective impact, streamline processes, and leverage resources more effectively," says Chana Martineau BA, ICD.D in a Q&A with M&W following the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation's loan guarantee on the purchase by a consortium of Indigenous communities in western Canada to purchase a stake in TC Energy Corp.’s natural gas pipeline system. Read the full Q&A here: https://lnkd.in/ei6STRGQ #cdnpoli #cdnecon #WhereBusinessMeetsPolitics

Oki, tânisi, danit’ada, háu, âba wathtech, taanishi, bonjour, and hello! Happy International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples! Today we celebrate the unique cultures, traditions, and knowledge that each Indigenous Nation and group brings to the world. At AIOC, we are honored to have partnered with 42 Indigenous groups, creating beneficial deals and supporting their journey towards economic reconciliation. According to UNESCO, Indigenous peoples own, occupy, or use around 22% of the globe’s land and that number will continue to grow. For the peoples of the Willow Lake Métis Nation, partnering with AIOC enabled them to purchase over 205 acres of land with the revenue, allowing them to be formally recognized as a Nation by the Canadian government. We are glad to continue to help serve our Indigenous siblings across the land in seeking #ReconciliACTION, economic opportunities, and prosperity. #InternationalDayoftheWorldsIndigenousPeoples #IndigenousProsperity #Indigenous 

Please join us in welcoming Mario Auger to the team as our new Manager of Indigenous Engagement. Mario is a proud member of the Bigstone Cree Nation of Treaty No. 8 Territory. He is a NAIT graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in management. Mario has several years of experience with Indigenous relations and over twenty years in the energy industry, more specifically in civil earthworks. Mario has worked for non-profits, industry, and local governments with roles such as Business Industry Liaison, Project/field coordinator, Field Supervisor and Foreman. Within those roles he developed an extensive network and built key relationships with First Nation communities, different levels of government, Indigenous organizations, and numerous companies in various sectors. Mario’s personal mission is to foster meaningful relationships built on trust and respect, bridging the gap between Indigenous and corporate communities, and work towards the advancement of reconciliation by Indigenous inclusion in the Alberta workforce. He is a proud father of two beautiful children and is passionate about learning and reconnecting with his culture. We are incredibly excited to have Mario on board and look forward to the energy and expertise he will bring to our team. To learn more about Mario and the rest of the AIOC team visit https://lnkd.in/daGBvedP #Welcome #NewHire

Following yesterday’s historic announcement, our CEO Chana Martineau BA, ICD.D discussed the significance of this groundbreaking deal on CBC's Calgary Eyeopener. The Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation is set to provide a $1 billion loan guarantee to support what will become the largest Indigenous equity partnership in history. This unprecedented collaboration involves TC Energy and an Indigenous Consortium Committee, representing up to 72 First Nations and Métis groups across Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. It marks the first cross-jurisdictional partnership of its kind and the largest Indigenous loan guarantee ever issued in Canada. Listen to the interview in full here: https://lnkd.in/gcHvkMBD

Congratulations to the Consortium of First Nations & Metis Communities, TC Energy and the Government of Alberta. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been a part of this extraordinary journey. Together, we are forging a legacy of prosperity and collaboration for generations to come.

Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation is honoured to announce a landmark agreement that will bring Canada's largest Indigenous equity ownership into reality. For the first time ever, up to 72 Indigenous communities from Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan will own an equity stake in TC Energy’s NGTL System and Foothills Pipeline assets—Canada’s largest natural gas pipeline network. This monumental agreement marks a pivotal step in advancing economic reconciliation in Canada. Through this groundbreaking partnership, Indigenous Nations and groups will gain access to long-term revenue sources, driving meaningful change and prosperity. AIOC’s $1 billion loan guarantee has been crucial in making this vision a reality. This agreement underscores our commitment to reconciliation and reinforces Alberta’s leadership in creating inclusive economic opportunities. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Indigenous Consortium Committee, TC Energy, and the Government of Alberta for their tireless efforts in bringing this historic partnership to fruition. Congratulations to all involved in this transformative achievement! Read more in the release here: https://lnkd.in/gucQzb98 #IndigenousPartnership #EconomicReconciliation #AIOC #TCEnergy #IndigenousEquity #HistoricAgreement #IgnitingProsperity

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Elescia Wojak, our new Office Manager. Elescia has over 11 years of experience in office management and corporate governance and is a people person through and through. She is empathetic, intuitive, and well-organized. She is proud to join AIOC and be a part of economic reconciliation for Indigenous groups within the province of Alberta. When not making sure the office is running like a well-oiled machine, she can be found with her nose buried in a book, watching movies, taking a long walk with her dog, or spending time with her husband and two children.  We are incredibly excited to see the positive impact Elescia will undoubtedly have on our organization. Welcome aboard! To learn more about Elescia and the rest of the AIOC team visit https://lnkd.in/daGBvedP #Welcome #NewHire