An increase of Aboriginal workers in the oil sands industry is proving to be very beneficial for business.

A survey by the Oil Sands Developers Group shows over 1,700 aboriginal people were employed full-time in the oil patch last year.

"Through the work of Aboriginal people and with the support of oil sands firms the capacity has grown. So year over year, more and more aboriginal people are getting more training , more education, that allows them into the workforce," said OSDG President Don Thompson.

By partnering with oil sands operators, local aboriginal companies have earned more than $5 billion since 1998.

In 2010 alone, oil sands companies contributed $5.5 million to aboriginal communities in Wood Buffalo and the Lac La Biche region.