Nestled in the heart of Alberta, northwest of Edmonton, The Alexander First Nation is a vibrant and resilient Indigenous community. A member of the Treaty 6 Confederacy, the Nation has a rich cultural heritage rooted in the traditions of the Nêhiyawak (Cree) people. With a strong commitment to self-sufficiency and economic development, the Alexander First Nation has established itself as a leader in business, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship to create opportunities for future generations. Through strategic partnerships and forward-thinking initiatives housed under the umbrella of the Alexander Business Centre, the Nation continues to thrive, ensuring both economic prosperity and cultural continuity for its members.

The Alexander Business Center LP is more than just a commercial hub—it’s a culmination of the Alexander First Nation’s vision to create opportunities for its members and contribute meaningfully to the regional economy. Established with the goal of fostering sustainable development, the center was born from a collective desire to blend traditional stewardship with contemporary business practices.

The Alexander Business Centre LP is the home for industry and the Alexander First Nation to connect on forward-thinking economic development and community-driven business initiatives. Established to foster Indigenous entrepreneurship and economic self-sufficiency, the centre serves as a hub for business innovation, partnerships, and workforce development.

The idea for the business centre emerged from the need to diversify revenue streams and provide a platform for Indigenous-led businesses to thrive. The initiative was supported by strategic investments and collaborations between the Alexander Business Corporation (ABC) and key industry stakeholders, ensuring that the centre would serve as a foundation for economic empowerment. The vision was clear: to create a business ecosystem that not only generates revenue but also uplifts the Alexander First Nation community by providing employment, training, and wealth-building opportunities.

Driving Business Growth and Opportunity

Since its inception, the Alexander Business Centre LP has played a crucial role in driving regional economic growth. By offering office spaces, industrial facilities, and business support services, the centre has attracted a diverse range of enterprises, from resource development firms to logistics companies and construction businesses. These enterprises contribute significantly to local job creation, with a strong emphasis on hiring Indigenous workers and fostering professional development within the community.

One of the centre’s most notable ventures is Alexander Willowridge Industrial Services LP, a company that has secured partnerships in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Through collaborations with leading industry players, it has positioned Indigenous businesses as key contributors to major projects. Additionally, the Tilley Solar Project, in which the Alexander Business Centre LP played an integral role, highlights the centre’s commitment to sustainable energy initiatives. By investing in renewable energy, the centre is ensuring long-term economic stability while aligning with Canada’s broader clean energy goals.

The centre has also facilitated significant investment in manufacturing and technology, exemplified by the launch of Alexander Tubular, Canada’s first and only First Nation-owned high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe manufacturing company—a critical component in industries such as oil and gas, mining, water infrastructure, and renewable energy. By entering this market, Alexander Tubular not only strengthens the Nation’s economic self-sufficiency but also creates valuable employment and training opportunities for Indigenous workers, positioning the company as a leader in both economic development and Indigenous entrepreneurship.

Empowering the Community

Beyond its economic contributions, one of the Alexander Business Centre LP’s primary goals is to create opportunities that enhance the quality of life for members of the Alexander First Nation. Through skills training programs, mentorship initiatives, and direct employment opportunities, the centre has provided Indigenous youth and professionals with the resources they need to build successful careers. By collaborating with training institutions and industry partners, the centre has established programs that equip community members with the technical skills necessary to excel in various industries, particularly in construction, energy, and business management. These programs ensure that Indigenous workers are not only participants in the economy but also leaders in their respective fields.

The centre also fosters cultural and entrepreneurial growth by supporting Indigenous-owned businesses and artisans. This emphasis on cultural preservation and economic self-sufficiency helps reinforce the identity and sovereignty of the Alexander First Nation, ensuring that traditional knowledge and modern business practices go hand in hand.

Key Businesses and Strategic Partnerships

• The Alexander Business Centre LP is home to several significant enterprises that contribute to its status as a thriving economic hub. Some of the most influential businesses include:
• Alexander Willowridge Industrial Services LP – A major player in energy and infrastructure services, providing employment and business opportunities for Indigenous workers.
• Alexander Tubular – The first First Nation-owned HDPE pipe manufacturing company, serving critical infrastructure needs across Canada.
• Tilley Solar Project – A landmark renewable energy initiative demonstrating Indigenous leadership in sustainable development.
• Alexander Martushev Partnership LP – Focused on construction, industrial services, and heavy equipment operations, strengthening the region’s economic base.

Through these businesses, the centre has forged strategic partnerships with both public and private sector entities, ensuring that Indigenous enterprises have a competitive edge in the marketplace. These collaborations have not only led to revenue growth but also reinforced the importance of Indigenous participation in Canada’s economic landscape.

A Model for the Future

The Alexander Business Centre LP represents a model for sustainable economic development that other Indigenous communities can replicate. It has created hundreds of jobs, both directly and indirectly, and has played a pivotal role in attracting investments to the region and has diversified its portfolio to include industries such as manufacturing, energy, construction, and logistics. By prioritizing self-reliance, industry leadership, and social empowerment, it has successfully created a business environment where Indigenous entrepreneurship flourishes.

To learn more about Alexander Business Centre LP, please visit www.afnbc.ca