In recent decades, Indigenous communities have been making significant progress by investing in a range of infrastructure projects, including oil and gas, mining, transmission lines, clean energy, renewables, farming, and forestry.
As they gain ownership stakes in projects on their land, they’re not only securing financial returns but also building greater economic sovereignty and autonomy.
This shift is driving meaningful development, creating new opportunities, and empowering communities to shape their own future across multiple industries.
Indigenous participation in the natural resource sector, particularly in oil and gas, represents a transformative shift in how communities engage with these industries. A key driver of this change is the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC), which was established in 2019.
The AIOC’s primary mission is to facilitate Indigenous investment in major natural resource projects by providing loan guarantees, and other forms of support through collaboration.
These loan guarantees allow Indigenous communities to secure equity positions in projects that would otherwise be out of their financial capabilities, allowing them to become co-owners of pipelines, energy infrastructure, and other critical assets that exist on or near their communities.
By securing these ownership stakes, Indigenous communities transition from passive beneficiaries of royalties or lease payments to active stakeholders in projects with a direct say in how they are developed and managed.
This involvement ensures that Indigenous values and priorities are being embedded in the project throughout its lifetime.
In addition, ownership in these assets provides a steady source of income, which can be reinvested into local economies, education, healthcare, housing, and other essential services—leading to long-term economic stability and independence.
For example, the Clearwater midstream asset purchase is just one of the projects that show the benefits of indigenous investment within Canada’s natural resource industries.
With the support of AIOC’s loan guarantee program, 12 Indigenous community partners were able to secure an 85% ownership stake in the project.
The revenues from this investment are now being reinvested back into the community, funding housing projects, education programs, and other initiatives that directly increase the quality of life for its peoples.
While oil and gas projects remain a primary focus, Indigenous investment is expanding into other sectors.
In mining, communities in British Columbia are partnering with companies like Teck Resources and Newmont Corporation, securing equity stakes and job opportunities. These collaborations focus on mutual economic benefits and community growth.
Indigenous involvement is also growing in renewable energy projects. In Ontario, communities are co-owning and operating wind and solar projects, diversifying their economic base while contributing to long-term financial stability.
In forestry and agriculture, Indigenous-led ventures are generating revenue while respecting traditional land use.
In Quebec, forestry operations are providing income, and across the Prairies, Indigenous communities are investing in agribusiness to drive economic growth and local development.
These expanding investments across multiple sectors are transforming how Indigenous communities engage with natural resources. They are no longer limited to being passive participants or recipients of government or corporate initiatives.
Instead, they are increasingly co-investors and co-managers in projects that affect their land, environment, and economic future.
Many banks and large professional service firms are developing financial products tailored to the distinctive needs of Indigenous communities. These include low-interest loans, grants, and financial advisory services.
These financial instruments are critical for enabling Indigenous communities as many do not have the expertise or knowledge to know what path to take.
Moreover, the federal government’s recent Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program (ILGP) is yet another positive step in making it easier for Indigenous communities to participate in resource projects.
This program further levels the playing field, making it easier for Indigenous communities to participate in large-scale resource development and, ultimately, share in the economic benefits that these projects generate.
Indigenous investment in Canada’s natural resource sectors including oil and gas, mining, renewable energy, forestry, and agriculture is crucial in shaping the future for Indigenous communities.
Amongst the cash flows it brings to communities, it creates a clear path towards greater economic sovereignty, community autonomy, and important development that is key to bettering their communities.
The continued support of corporations, banks, and government programs is key to providing the necessary financial support and creating easier conditions for investment, these partnerships help Indigenous communities make the most of their natural resources.
As a result, Indigenous peoples are not only securing their share of the economic benefits extracted from their lands, but they are also doing so in a way that benefit current and future generations.
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