Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation

Thank you Young Women in Energy (YWE) Summit for inviting AIOC to participate at this year’s event in Kananaskis, and to Chana Martineau BA, ICD.D and Shafak Sajid for representing us there! The question asked of participants this year was, ‘What is your moonshot?’ And in the session, Indigenous Economic Empowerment: Pathways to Reconciliation, moderated by our friend Chelsie Klassen, M.A., LLM, Chana shared her journey of inspiration with the group. She also highlighted the impactful work AIOC is doing to foster economic opportunities in partnership with Indigenous Nations.  Chana spoke about recent successes and AIOC’s ‘moonshot’ vision for empowering Indigenous-led economic growth while advancing reconciliation through meaningful action. In her words: “Do the things that no one wants to do; do the things that are hard.” #YWE #AIOC 

Chana Martineau BA, ICD.D, recently joined CBC’s Radio Active with Jessica N. and Min Dhariwal to talk about AIOC’s mandate, our new office on Enoch Cree Nation, and the real impact of Indigenous partnerships. She shared how AIOC facilitates access to capital to foster true economic collaboration with Indigenous Nations and groups across Alberta. We’ve seen the impact of these partnerships through reinvestments to address community priorities such as; Elizabeth* Metis Settlement's  purchase of transport vans for Elders to make health appointments and stay connected, and Whitefish Lake First Nation (Goodfish), who used investment revenue to build vital community spaces. 🎧 Listen to the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/gXHa9yBk #IndigenousPartnerships #EconomicReconciliation #AIOC #RadioActive *Edited for correction from the original interview

Indigenous leadership in capital markets is growing, and it’s encouraging to see the momentum accelerate. The launch of Cedar Leaf Capital Inc. is a milestone, not just for its founders but for all those working to break down barriers to Indigenous economic participation. This article highlights the efforts of communities, leaders, and organizations like First Nations Major Projects Coalition and Canada Development Investment Corporation (CDEV) who are pushing for more and continued opportunities for Indigenous participation in the economy. At AIOC, we know access to capital is a key piece of economic reconciliation, and we’re proud to support Indigenous Nations and groups in partnerships as owners in major projects. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gqFE_qcc (please note this article may be behind a paywall)

Today is International Mother Language Day, celebrating linguistic and cultural diversity worldwide. It’s a reminder of the importance of preserving languages as a vital link to cultural identity and heritage. In Canada, Indigenous Nations and groups speak more than 70 distinct languages, each carrying generations of knowledge and tradition. For centuries, colonial policies have sought to suppress and eradicate these languages. Today, many remain at risk, underscoring the urgent need for collective action to protect them.  At AIOC, we work to foster economic opportunities that reflect the values of Indigenous Nations and groups, supporting efforts to revitalize languages and preserve cultural heritage. Learn more about the significance of Indigenous languages and how you can support their preservation: https://bit.ly/4hrRO6I  #MotherLanguageDay #IndigenousLanguages #AIOC 

AIOC has a new home! 🎉 Our new office on Enoch Cree Nation (Maskêkosihk) marks a meaningful step forward, reinforcing our long-term commitment to fostering Indigenous economic participation and reconciliation. The Grand Opening brought together leaders, partners, and representatives of Indigenous Nations and groups to recognize this milestone and the opportunities it represents. 📍 Located in Treaty 6 territory, this office will be a place where connections are built, partnerships grow, and meaningful collaboration takes shape. Establishing a presence on reserve is a vital step in truly honoring our commitment to standing in solidarity with Indigenous Nations and groups and forming lasting bonds. Thank you to everyone who joined us to tour the space, connect with our team, and be part of this next chapter. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our new Enoch location, and as always, our Calgary location is open to those connecting in the area. Here’s to a bright future in our new home! 🦬 To read a statement from our CEO visit: https://lnkd.in/gzsbg4zN Thank you for joining us! Chana Martineau BA, ICD.D, Steven Kroeker, Scott Alanen, CPA, CBV, CFM, ICD.D, Rhonda Cooper-Burgess, CPHR, Nelson Iziogba, CFA, CA, Calvin Steendam, Shafak Sajid, Thalia Aspeslet, P. Geo. (she/her), Allison Wusaty, Jessica Clark, Emmett Noonan, Elescia Wojak, Stephen Buffalo, Donavon Young, Ruby Littlechild, ICD.D, MBA, M.Ed, BA, Jim Boucher, Vitaliy Milentyev, CFA, Government of Alberta, Enoch Cree Nation, Chase Morin, Shane Peacock, Kyle Peacock, Andrew Boitchenko, Minister Rick Wilson, Chief Greg Desjarlais, Chief Andy Alook, CFNHM, Chief Trevor Mercredi, Chief Vernon Saddleback, Barbara Engelbart McKenzie, EMBA, Metis Settlements Development Corporation, Metis Settlements General Council, Jamie Humble, Jay Gould 📸 - Curtis Comeau #AIOC #EnochCreeNation #GrandOpening

Today is recognized as Louis Riel Day, an opportunity to honour the life and legacy of a leader and politician who fought for Métis rights, land, and culture. Louis Riel was instrumental in the founding of Manitoba. His leadership in the Red River Resistance and North-West Resistance is a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice and equality for the Métis Nation and Indigenous peoples. Learn more about Louis Riel and his legacy here: https://buff.ly/3PXlUmU #LouisRielDay #Métis #IndigenousLeadership #AIOC

Today, we recognize Have a Heart Day, an initiative led by children and youth to advocate for equity for Indigenous children. This day is a call to action, urging all Canadians to ensure that every Indigenous child has access to the support, services, and opportunities they deserve. At AIOC, we are committed to fostering an environment where Indigenous voices and futures are empowered. Have a Heart Day reminds us of the importance of standing with the next generation to build a more equitable future for all. 🧡 Learn more here: https://buff.ly/4aDB5ey Together, let's support young voices advocating for fairness and equality #HaveAHeartDay #IndigenousYouth #AIOC 

Today AIOC officially opened our office on reserve on Enoch Cree Nation in Treaty 6 territory! "It's so important for us to be in the heart of Indigenous business. We're here in support of Indigenous investment in our province and this is where we should be," says Chana Martineau BA, ICD.D, AIOC CEO. Thank you to everyone who was able to attend to celebrate with us today and to all of those who helped make this possible. Read and hear about the event here: https://lnkd.in/gdB8wGwG

Yesterday, Thalia Aspeslet, P. Geo. (she/her) and Mario Auger from our AIOC engagement team spoke with students in Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)'s Indigenous Pathways Program at the Natoysopoyiis Centre! 🎓 They engaged with students about educational and career opportunities, focusing on the value of business education and the pathways available for Indigenous learners. A big thank you to SAIT for hosting this meaningful event. We’re proud to support initiatives that inspire and empower future Indigenous leaders, and honored to have Thalia and Mario on our team. Learn more about the program here: https://buff.ly/4go7ib3 Learn more about Thalia and the AIOC team here: https://buff.ly/40qMIkh #AIOC #IndigenousPathways #SAIT

We're proud to have our Board Chair, Stephen Buffalo, represent AIOC and champion Indigenous-led investment on a global stage! #AIOC #EnergyPartnerships