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Mandate letter
The Premier's mandate letter to the Minister of Indigenous Relations outlines the objectives and priorities of the work they will focus on in their role.
From the Minister
Red Dress Day honours the spirits of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
Alberta’s government is taking action to reduce domestic violence for all people across Alberta.
Alberta’s government has taken one more concrete step towards making reconciliation a lived reality.
Widens the door to self-determining Metis Settlements.
Accomplishments
Alberta’s government will invest up to $150 million to expand and improve broadband internet in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.
Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation is a first-of-its-kind Crown corporation to facilitate Indigenous investments and job creation.
Joined the Premier in hosting a historic government-to-government meeting with all First Nations chiefs.
Worked with the Premier to renew a protocol agreement with the Blackfoot Confederacy as a foundation for working closely together.
Key information
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Economic programs
- Played a key role in the creation of the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation, a $1 billion crown-corporation investing in job-creating natural resource and infrastructure projects in Indigenous communities.
- Opened intake for applications for Aboriginal Business Investment Fund, to provide eligible Indigenous community-owned businesses with up to $500,000 for ventures that demonstrate social and economic benefits for their communities.
- Supported the provision of $3.1 million to the Employment Partnership Program, which will support Indigenous people in training and employment.
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Cross-government work
- Built relationships with all Indigenous communities during countless province-wide community visits and meetings.
- Collaborated with federal and Indigenous governments to support Indigenous safety during COVID-19, ensuring all Albertans benefit from pandemic planning and response.
- Worked with Alberta government ministries on programs supporting Indigenous Peoples through affordable housing, addiction treatment beds and the $1 billion Site Rehabilitation Program.
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Indigenous consultation
- Cut red tape for industry and communities through the revision of the Proponent’s Guide on Indigenous consultation.
- Established the Alberta government’s Métis credible assertion process, where consultation will occur if organizations (other than Metis Settlements) first successfully demonstrate a credible assertion of Aboriginal rights.
- Assisted the first Métis organization in establishing the right to consultation on Aboriginal harvesting rights in Fort McKay.
In focus
Taking quick, effective action to cut costs and deliver relief to help families, businesses and vulnerable Albertans.
Funding to find unmarked Indigenous graves
Funding to help Indigenous communities research undocumented Indigenous deaths and burial sites.
Funds engagement, research and related activities associated with the deaths and burials of children at Indian residential schools.
Supporting Indigenous-led mental health efforts
Alberta’s government will invest in Indigenous-led mental health efforts, including supporting the healing of residential school survivors and their families.
Biography
Minister Wilson was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta on April 16, 2019, as the MLA for Maskwacîs-Wetaskiwin.
Wilson brings an extensive record of public service to the legislature, including: 15 years as County Councillor with County of Wetaskiwin, seven years as Chairman of Crossroads Regional Health Authority, six years as Member of the Western Canadian Agriculture Debt Review Board, five years as School Board Trustee with Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools and decades as a local business owner and farmer.
Wilson’s family farm has been in operation for more than 100 years, and is recognized as an Alberta Century Farm and Ranch. Through his own hard work, in addition to that of his family, he has earned a place in the history of Wetaskiwin. As much as the Wilson family is deeply connected to the land his farm sits upon, he recognizes The Maskwacîs-Wetaskiwin region is home to a diverse and welcoming community of over 15,000 Indigenous citizens.
Wilson grew up and went to school with the First Nations of Maskwacîs. He lived near the 4 bands in the Summer Village of Ma-Me-O Beach, which he considers an integral part of his personal story.
Rick Wilson was appointed as Alberta’s Indigenous Relations Minister on April 30, 2019. He brings his rich life experience and dedication to Alberta’s First Nations to the portfolio, and remains focused on reconciliation, consultation, and ensuring that Alberta’s First Nations are partners in the prosperity of the province.