Opening the Door to Opportunity II
Reporting on the Economic Contribution of Indigenous Peoples in Alberta
As part of ATB’s commitment to advancing economic reconciliation, ATB and MNP have partnered on an initiative to understand the economic contributions of Indigenous Peoples to Alberta’s economy.
This study—Opening the Door to Opportunity—analyzes how opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurship and greater labour market participation are key to closing the gap between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous population in Alberta. It also explores the challenges and barriers faced by Indigenous Peoples with respect to these opportunities.
The first report was published in 2021. This 2024 update builds on the original study, examining the progress made in the last few years—and the road ahead.
We hope Opening the Door to Opportunity II will be a useful resource and catalyst for action for anyone who is interested in and committed to advancing Indigenous economic reconciliation. By working together, we can create a more prosperous and inclusive future for Indigenous Peoples, and all Albertans.
Key findings (2021 vs. 2024)
- Income growth: Indigenous household contributions have increased by approximately 4%, suggesting progress.
- Income gap: While some narrowing is observed, disparities in income and educational attainment between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous population persist.
- Employment challenges: Indigenous workers are over-represented in lower-paying roles and under-represented in management and professional positions.
Key opportunities
- Elevate opportunities: Closing income gaps requires facilitating transitions into higher-skill, higher-paying roles and fostering entrepreneurship.
- Invest in education: To enable Indigenous individuals to access better job opportunities, educational disparities must be addressed.
- Support entrepreneurship: Investment in capital, networks and capacity-building initiatives is necessary to overcome barriers to entrepreneurship.
View the 2024 report
View the 2021 Report
About the report artist
Kevin Cardinal is a visual artist with a deeply spiritual artistic practice influenced by his culture and experiences.
Kevin Cardinal is of Woodland Cree ancestry from Bigstone Cree Nation located in north central Alberta on Treaty 8 Territory.
Kevin’s body of work interprets things seen, heard or experienced through travel, cultural and spiritual ceremonies. His art represents peoples, spiritual beings, ideas, concepts, and principles through animals and circles using bold black lines and lively, vibrant colours reminiscent of the Woodland style. By sharing his artwork, Kevin aims to promote cooperative relationships and bring healing and unity to the community — this is reflected in his artistic process.
Incorporating themes of humility, forgiveness, and courage, Kevin’s organic and shape-driven body of work allows each piece to tell its own story. The animals he paints can represent people, spirits, beliefs, thoughts, emotions, and life experiences.
ATB's reconciliation journey
We are working towards honouring and fully implementing the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Call to Action #92. Read more about ATB’s reconciliation journey.
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. While we’re continually developing products and services to best meet the needs of Indigenous Peoples, we have a dedicated team of individuals ready to serve. Read more about ATB’s Indigenous Relations Team.