We acknowledge, recognize, and honor the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples as the original stewards of the lands where we now live and work. We express our gratitude to the Knowledge Keepers and Elders, both past and present, who guide us with their wisdom. In Alberta, we are situated on the traditional territories covered by several key treaties. These are: Treaty 6 (1876): Signed with multiple First Nations, recognizing their rights and establishing agreements over central Alberta. The First Nations under Treaty 6 include: Alexander Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation Beaver Lake Cree Nation Cold Lake First Nations Enoch Cree Nation #440 Ermineskin Tribe Frog Lake Heart Lake Kehewin Cree Nation Louis Bull Montana O'Chiese Paul Saddle Lake Cree Nation Samson Sunchild First Nation Treaty 7 (1877): Covers southern Alberta, establishing agreements with the following Nations: Bearspaw Blood (Kainai Nation) Chiniki Piikani Nation Siksika Nation Stoney Tsuu T'ina Nation Wesley Treaty 8 (1899): Encompasses northern Alberta and includes: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Beaver First Nation Bigstone Cree Nation Chipewyan Prairie First Nation Dene Tha' Driftpile First Nation Duncan's First Nation Fort McKay First Nation Fort McMurray #468 First Nation Horse Lake First Nation Kapawe'no First Nation Little Red River Cree Nation Loon River Cree Lubicon Lake Mikisew Cree First Nation Peerless Trout First Nation Sawridge First Nation Smith's Landing First Nation Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Sucker Creek Swan River First Nation Tallcree Whitefish Lake Woodland Cree First Nation We acknowledge these truths as vital for numerous reasons. We recognize Indigenous sovereignty, respecting and honoring the enduring relationship between Indigenous peoples and their traditional territories. We acknowledge our role in the complex history between Indigenous peoples and settlers, understanding the significant impact of colonizatio
Alberta's history is a profound narrative of resilience and prosperity, etched deep in the very soil of this majestic province. For over 10,000 years, the indigenous peoples of Alberta thrived, living symbiotically with the land, rivers, and bison that roamed the vast prairies. Their rich traditions and deep-rooted wisdom laid the foundational spirit of Alberta—a spirit of respect and harmony with nature. As the 1750s ushered in European explorers drawn by the lucrative fur trade, Alberta became a bustling hub of activity. The Hudson’s Bay Company and the North West Company, titans of the fur trade, established their dominion, weaving the threads of commerce and European culture into the fabric of the land. Their merger in 1821 marked the beginning of a new era, and by 1870, when Canada asserted its governance, Alberta was already a tapestry of cultural interactions. The arrival of the 1870s saw southern Alberta transforming into a land of ranches and cowboys, an enduring symbol of the Albertan spirit. Despite the trials faced by the First Nations, their resilience remained unbroken, a testament to their enduring strength. The establishment of the North-West Mounted Police in 1874 heralded an era of law and order, paving the way for safe settlements. The Dominion Lands Act of 1872 beckoned settlers far and wide with the promise of land and hope. The steel ribbons of the Canadian Pacific Railway soon stretched across the province, reaching Calgary by 1883 and binding distant communities together. The influx of settlers brought a demographic and cultural transformation, with Alberta's population booming to 374,000 by 1911. Innovations in agriculture, particularly in wheat, turned the province into a bountiful breadbasket under the vast, open skies. The proclamation of Alberta as a province in 1905, with Edmonton as its proud capital, was a declaration of its burgeoning identity and potential. The discovery of oil in Calgary in 1914 sparked a new economic revolution, propelling Alberta into the modern age. Though challenged by the economic tides of the Great Depression and World War I, Alberta's spirit never waned, with the Social Credit Party steering the province through hardship with bold new economic policies. World War II and the construction of the Alaska Highway invigorated Alberta's economy, setting the stage for a post-war boom fueled by oil and natural gas discoveries. This marked Alberta's transformation from a primarily agricultural realm to a dynamic urban and industrial powerhouse. Today, Alberta stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its people—resilient, innovative, and forward-thinking. It is a land where the past and future coalesce, where the rugged beauty of the Rockies and the fertile plains speak of a legacy of survival and triumph. Alberta is not just a province; it is a vibrant testament to the power of community and the unyielding spirit of progress.
Alberta, the heart of western Canada, proudly boasts an astonishing variety of landscapes that are as breathtaking as they are diverse. From the windswept prairies that stretch endlessly under vast azure skies to the lush, verdant parklands that serve as a tapestry of rolling hills and sparkling lakes, Alberta's geography sings a ballad of natural beauty and spirited resilience. Venture into the south, and you'll be embraced by the iconic prairies, where golden fields of wheat sway in harmony with the dry, sweeping winds. This is a cowboy country where rugged history meets endless horizons, and every sunset paints a new masterpiece on the canvas of the sky. Central Alberta is a transition, where the prairies rise gently into rich parklands, peppered with aspen groves and woven through with threads of pristine lakes and rivers. Here, the soil is as fertile as the community spirit, supporting agriculture and a thriving ecosystem inviting nature lovers and explorers alike. To the north lies the majestic expanse of the boreal forests, a vast and untamed wilderness where spruce and birch trees stand sentinel over a land teeming with wildlife. This cooler, mysterious landscape offers a stark contrast to the open fields of the south, showcasing the adaptability and rugged beauty of Alberta's natural world. But Alberta's geographic pride does not end with its forests and fields. The southwest cradles the dramatic rise of the Rocky Mountains, their jagged peaks cutting the sky with snow-capped splendor. These mountains are not just a barrier but a destination, offering solace and challenge to adventurers and a stunning backdrop to the towns and cities at their feet. Furthermore, the waters of Alberta tell their own stories—the southeast's Milk River journeys to distant seas, while countless other streams and rivers cradle the province's life, winding their way through varied landscapes to distant northern or eastern reaches. Alberta's climate is marked by stark contrasts and dramatic shifts, from the chinook winds that chase the cold of winter with unexpected warmth to the clear, starlit nights of summer. It reflects the indomitable spirit of its people and the land they call home. In Alberta, every corner of the province, from the dense woodlands of the north to the rocky inclines of the southwest, proudly declares its unique beauty and character. This is a land of strength and beauty, where nature and people live together in a grand, enduring partnership.
As of January 1, 2024, Alberta’s population stood at 4,800,768, marking a significant growth trend. Over the past year, the province experienced a robust increase of 202,324 people, translating to a growth rate of 4.4%. This is the highest annual growth rate since 1981 and a notable jump from the 3.0% growth recorded in the previous year. Alberta’s growth notably outpaced the national average, with Canada seeing a growth rate of 0.6% in the last quarter of 2023. Alberta led the four largest provinces in population growth during the fourth quarter, with Ontario following at 0.69%, British Columbia at 0.52%, and Quebec at 0.41%. The main driver of Alberta’s rapid growth was international net migration, contributing 0.65% to the increase. Additionally, net interprovincial migration added 0.21%, while natural increases (births minus deaths) contributed 0.07%. Alberta has consistently seen the highest net interprovincial migration gains in Canada for six consecutive quarters, with a net gain of 9,913 new residents in the fourth quarter alone. The province also recorded the largest gain from interprovincial migration in 2023, with an increase of 55,107 people, the highest since records began in 1972. This trend marks a reversal between 2016 and 2021 when Alberta experienced a net loss of residents to other provinces. The most significant influx of interprovincial migrants came from Ontario (3,812), British Columbia (2,991), Manitoba (1,058), and Saskatchewan (763). In terms of natural increase, Alberta, alongside Manitoba, recorded the highest growth rates among the provinces, with Alberta adding 3,410 people in the fourth quarter from a natural increase.
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