Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation

A big thank you to Rosa Twyman for shining a spotlight on AIOC! 🌟 Her video offers a clear and insightful overview of who we are and the impactful work we’re doing. Don’t miss this great summary—check it out:

Please join us in welcoming Thalia Aspeslet, P. Geo. (she/her) to the team as our new Manager, Indigenous Engagement. Thalia brings over 15 years of experience working in the Alberta energy sector serving in both technical and non-technical capacities as a Geophysicist, Community Liaison, Consultation & Regulatory Advisor and Indigenous & Community Relations Manager. She has supported the development and execution of oil and gas upstream planning for technical and non-technical risk, by serving on integrated teams for both large and mid-sized energy companies. She also has created and implemented an Indigenous Relations strategy, rooted in meaningful partnership with Indigenous Nations, for an energy industry service company. Thalia is passionate about transferring the knowledge that she has gained throughout her career to the youth through mentorship with programs such as Calgary Youth Justice Society’s In-The-Lead, along with the many Indigenous summer students from the various organizations she has been with. Thalia was raised in Treaty 8 Territory in what are now known as Grimshaw, Peace River and High Level and is a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. She spends time with her beautifully blended family being a swim parent, hiking in the mountains, camping, and participating in outdoor sports, as a guest in Treaty 7 Territory, moh’kinsstis (Calgary), where she calls home. We are incredibly excited to have Thalia on board and look forward to the energy and expertise she will bring to our team. Welcome, Thalia! To learn more about Thalia and the rest of the AIOC staff team visit: https://lnkd.in/daGBvedP #Welcome #NewHire 

Don’t miss our CEO, Chana Martineau BA, ICD.D, as she highlights the powerful role of government loan guarantees in unlocking economic opportunities for Indigenous communities at #FNMPC2024

Curious about AIOC’s progress this year? Here’s a sneak peek from our 2023/24 Annual Report! This past year has been marked by significant growth and key milestones. We’ve seen a remarkable increase in the number of Indigenous groups benefiting from our partnerships, along with major strides in loan guarantees that are driving impactful projects across Alberta. The full report is packed with detailed insights, including key data, statistics, and stories that highlight the impact AIOC has made across the province. We invite you to explore it and get a closer look at the progress and accomplishments from the past year. To view the report, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/gCfcJdbD #IgnitingProsperity #EconomicReconciliation #IndigenousPartnerships

Thank you to Joe Momoh for the opportunity to have our incredible CEO, Chana Martineau BA, ICD.D, share her insights on leadership, economic reconciliation, and empowering Indigenous communities through strategic investments. Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/gSDkKfJs #Leadership #EconomicReconciliation #IndigenousEmpowerment #CommunityDevelopment #Alberta

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