Reconciliation is a journey
We respectfully acknowledge that AltaLink’s service area and our work is located within the traditional lands of diverse Indigenous peoples of Treaty 6, Treaty 7, Treaty 8, and the Metis Nation. We honour the heritage of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples and give thanks to them and their gifts which are woven into the fabric of Canada.
Read our Indigenous Relations brochure Contact us at Indigenous.Relations@altalink.caIndigenous Relations Principles
AltaLink’s Indigenous Relations Policy is based on these Guiding Principles:
- Respectful Indigenous Relations is practiced across the company as we all have a responsibility and we all benefit from healthy and engaged communities across our province.
- Respecting Indigenous Ways of Life is integral at AltaLink, and we look for meaningful ways for Indigenous communities to be involved with our business.
- Respectful Indigenous Relations is practiced across the company as we all have a responsibility and we all benefit from healthy and engaged communities across our province.
- Enhancing Relationships with Indigenous communities, by delivering sustainable results and encouraging socio-economic growth and reconciliation.
- Communications with Indigenous communities is open, respectful and ongoing. We will seek to communicate in ways that foster common understanding.
- Balanced Outcomes are reached by managing our business to achieve positive outcomes including seeking opportunities for local communities.
- Meaningful Consultation is essential to AltaLink’s core values and to growing Indigenous participation. AltaLink will fulfill the duty to consult in ways that add value to both the community and our business.
- Community Support for our projects is essential to our business.
Making Progress
In 2019 and 2020, AltaLink formed two limited partnerships – one with the Piikani Nation and one with the Blood (Kainai) Tribe – providing them with 51% of the equity portions of AltaLink’s Southwest 240 kV transmission line across their respective lands.
Learn more about PiikaniLink L.P. Learn more about KainaiLink L.P.Current Investments in Indigenous Communities
Here are AltaLink’s current Indigenous community investments:
- Indigenous Student Awards
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s Na-mi-quai-ni-mak (I remember them) Community Support Fund – Since 2021 AltaLink has contributed to this fund that offers grants to Indigenous communities, survivor organizations, registered non-profits and others to support healing, memorials and remembrance.
- Alberta Role Models of Alberta Awards – AltaLink has been a sponsor since 2015, celebrating excellence and leadership within Aboriginal communities
- Métis Education Foundation – AltaLink’s investment in the Métis Education Endowment Trust Fund supports scholarships in perpetuity for Alberta Métis post-secondary students
Learn more about AltaLink’s community investment philosophy.
Business Opportunities
AltaLink supports Indigenous economic participation by bringing qualified Indigenous businesses into our supply chain. Businesses or contractors with Indigenous employment or capacity opportunities are considered positively in our procurement process.
AltaLink wants to achieve Indigenous participation levels that are proportionate to population levels in Alberta or higher, considering the opportunity presented by its projects and operations.
AltaLink’s Indigenous Relations team will liaise with procurement and project representatives and Indigenous businesses interested in opportunities with AltaLink. Where possible, AltaLink connects its contractors and Indigenous community businesses to foster relationships and initiate pre-qualification for procurement.
As a regulated Transmission Facility Operator, AltaLink procurement activities must comply with the Alberta Electric System Operator’s Rule 9.1.5: Project Procurement Compliance Monitoring Audit Process.
While maintaining compliance with legislated competitive bidding requirements, AltaLink also encourages Indigenous participation in its procurement activities.
Indigenous businesses are encouraged to submit their business profile through AltaLink’s Supplier inquiry online form.