Read the Action Plan
Visit our Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan page to learn more and read the full plan.
Community
Advancing Truth & Reconciliation at ATB
ATB is committed to adopting a reconciliation framework to support the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and advance the TRC's 94 Calls to Action.
ATB's Reconciliation Responsibility
Indigenous Peoples and communities have existed and thrived on Turtle Island long before any financial institution made its way into society through colonization. ATB understands and respects traditional values, cultural perspectives and diversity across Indigenous Peoples in Alberta and within our business.
While listening and learning, we have been taking action to fulfill our role in Truth and Reconciliation efforts. ATB is actively building reciprocal and respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples, communities and organizations by being accountable, having integrity and taking initiative in uplifting legacies and livelihoods.
We are committed to:
- Implement an integrative, enterprise-wide approach to foster meaningful relationships, supported by leadership, community engagement and community support.
- Use our power and influence to bridge the gap for equitable access to capital, provide client solutions and meet the needs of Indigenous Peoples, communities and organizations.
- Advance a truth-based approach through education and experiences, which will integrate Indigenous cultural worldviews into our workplace and support Reconciliation.
- Positively impact the Indigenous economy through an increase in representation of Indigenous suppliers in ATB’s procurement processes.
- Be the employer of choice for Indigenous Peoples, with a workforce that is representative of the Indigenous communities that we serve.
As we engage with Indigenous Peoples, communities and organizations we are committed to ongoing listening and learning. As often as necessary, we will make changes to our approach and our plans with advancing Truth and Reconciliation to center the voices of Rights holders in Alberta.
CEO Message
Curtis Stange - President and CEO
Since 2017, ATB has made the advancement of Indigenous inclusion, and Truth and Reconciliation a key part of its business operations through the development of its Indigenous Relations strategy.
We are honoured to be invited to build strong relations with Indigenous leaders, business professionals and the community at large. Witnessing the power of creating meaningful, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous Peoples, organizations and communities has been an enriching and enlightening experience. I recognize the importance of fostering a safe, supportive, and open forum for learning, consultation and co-creation. Expanding our understanding of Indigenous cultural views, values and lived experiences has fuelled a purpose-driven path forward to influence economic prosperity in our province and beyond. The past is indelible and will remain as an integral guide for how we become a more purposeful and collaborative organization. We deeply respect and value the connections we’ve made and look forward to continuing to build trusting relations with Indigenous Peoples, organizations and communities.
As we continue on our journey of honouring and implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action #92 - Business and Reconciliation, we’re proud to play a role in continuous growth, healing and uplifting legacies and livelihoods - both within our walls and beyond. Our dedication to listening, learning and adapting our business practices to support Indigenous Peoples is unwavering as our company promise is rooted in powering possibility for all.
Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan
Reconciliation is a journey of learning, unlearning, listening and taking meaningful action. It is a journey that begins with truth.
At ATB Financial, we recognize that the path forward is built on relationships—ones rooted in respect, reciprocity and a shared commitment to a better future. Through deep engagement, thoughtful consultation and the generous guidance of Indigenous partners, clients and communities, we have gained invaluable insights that continue to shape our understanding and actions.
This Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan is both a reflection of what we have learned and a declaration of what we will do. It stands as a testament to the trust placed in us by Indigenous Peoples and to our responsibility to honour that trust with humility, integrity and action. We are grateful for the wisdom shared with us and are committed to upholding these relationships as we move forward—together.
How we are honouring our reconciliation responsibility
Indigenous Financial Services
After seeking the advice of Indigenous community leaders and business professionals, we began building the enterprise Indigenous Financial Services strategy in 2017.
Helping Indigenous communities reach new heights
Diverse Indigenous groups came together under Athabasca Indigenous Investments to finalize a billion dollar agreement with Enbridge. ATB provided financial solutions, expert advice, and allyship.
Indigenous Youth and Community Economic Development
ATB has a partnership with CANDO and has been a Gold Sponsor of their Youth Economic Development Summit — an initiative that promotes Community Economic Development for Indigenous youth.
Community and Entrepreneur Support in Action
ATB's Vends with Benefits custom vending machine brought fun & market bucks to 2023 holiday markets. In total, $33,350 was infused into 132 Indigenous businesses, with exposure to 1,200 Albertans in Edmonton and Calgary.
Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) Certification
ATB Financial has achieved bronze certification as part of the Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) program from the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB). This highly regarded accreditation signals an important step forward in ATB’s Indigenous Relations strategy as it demonstrates that the company is delivering on its commitment of advancing Truth and Reconciliation as it relates to Call to Action #92 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
PAIR is the only recognized corporate Canadian program with an emphasis on Indigenous Relations. This framework, which is governed and maintained by the CCIB, is a tool to guide reconciliation strategy development. The organizations within the CCIB PAIR program represent organizations that are committed to Indigenous prosperity and inclusion.
Read more about the certification here.
Bronze Certified
ATB has achieved bronze certification as part of the PAIR program from the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB).
sipeyitamowin poko ta ayaak ᓯᐯᔨᑕᒧᐃᒼ ᐳᑯ ᑕ ᐊᔭᔭᐠ
“it is important that we have patience as we work together”
Kevin Cardinal is a visual artist of Woodland Cree ancestry from Bigstone Cree Nation in north-central Alberta who has a deeply spiritual artistic practice influenced by his culture and experiences. His body of work interprets what he sees, hears and experiences through travel and cultural and spiritual ceremonies, incorporating themes of humility, forgiveness and courage.
The image you see at the top is titled sipeyitamowin poko ta ayayak, which means “It is important that we have patience as we work together” in Cree. Kevin developed this artwork for ATB in 2023, and it reflects his aim to promote cooperative relationships and bring healing and unity to the community. This sentiment is representative of ATB’s commitment to reconciliation.
Our Indigenous Relations team is here for you
ATB is committed to finding ways to provide access to capital as well as recognizing and meeting the unique needs of Indigenous Peoples, communities and businesses. We have a dedicated team of individuals ready to serve.