Natural resource development is something that has been occurring in Alberta for many centuries. It began with Aboriginals, who used the land to enrich their lives, such as using the sticky oil sands to waterproof their canoes, and it continues today in the form of large resource development programs, like the oil sands development project occurring near Fort McMurray. The resources being developed have changed through time, and so have the technologies that help develop them.

Throughout Alberta's history natural resources have affected almost every aspect of life. Government, in particular, has been concerned with the revenues coming from resource development, and it was not until the 1930s that Alberta gained control over its own natural resource revenues.