Committed Level
ATB is currently at the Committed Level, Phase Three of the PAIR program and is required to submit regular reports of our activities.
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.
The Heart of Truth and Reconciliation
To advance reconciliation, we're committed to promoting a shared understanding of truth within ATB. That truth was shaped by over 6,500 survivors and witnesses who told their story to inform the Truth & Reconciliation Commission (TRC) final report. This report addresses systemic racism and trauma against Indigenous Peoples in the Indian Residential School system. The TRC presents 94 Calls to Action focused on child welfare, education, language and culture, health, justice and reconciliation.
ATB is dedicated to fulfilling TRC Call to Action #92, calling on the Canadian corporate sector to adopt the internationally recognized United Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). UNDRIP is a comprehensive international framework that enshrines a spectrum of rights, including self-determination, the preservation of culture, language revitalization, and safeguarding land rights, among others.
Here is a simple way to understand:
UNDRIP: Global Indigenous rights framework.
TRC 94 Calls to Action: Specific Canadian reconciliation recommendations.
We encourage you to join us in reading and understanding these reports.
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.
Our five strategic pillars
Accountable leadership
Develop meaningful partnerships with Indigenous Peoples, championed by leadership.
Client solutions and enablement
Provide equitable access to capital and client solutions for Indigenous Peoples.
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.
sipeytamowin poko ka ayayak
“it is important that we have patience as we work together”
Kevin Cardinal is a visual artist with a deeply spiritual artistic practice influenced by his culture and experiences. He is of Woodland Cree ancestry from Bigstone Cree Nation located in north central Alberta on Treaty 8 Territory. Kevin’s body of work is an interpretation of things seen, heard or experienced through travel, cultural and spiritual ceremonies. Incorporating themes of humility, forgiveness, and courage, Kevin’s organic and shape-driven portfolio allows each piece to tell its own story. 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.
The image you see at the top and weaved throughout this page is titled "sipeytamowin poko ka ayayak”, a Cree term meaning “it is important that we have patience as we work together." Through sharing his artwork, Kevin aims to promote cooperative relationships and bring healing and unity to the community — this is reflected in his artistic process. His spirituality allows his imagination to explore the work's intention and what shapes and animals come to him. Once his vision for sipeytamowin poko ka ayayak began to take shape, he started with the heavy black outline to frame the details before applying the colours. Kevin holds close the deeper meanings of his works, allowing people to experience the art without influencing their perception.
Aboriginal vs Indigenous Terminology
Originally, The Constitution Act used the term “Aboriginal” to refer to all First Nations (both status and non-status), Métis and Inuit people. Although Aboriginal is widely used in Canada and not considered derogatory, the term Indigenous is internationally accepted and a preferred term that refers to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples - as seen in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
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.