Grande Prairie City Council endorsed the 2023 to 2025 Indigenous Relations Framework that outlines 29 action items for the City of Grande Prairie to take to advance toward reconciliation and redress the legacy of residential schools.
The action items are in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls-to-Action and the Government of Canada’s endorsement of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP).
Each action item in the framework is connected to specific City operations and outlines specific and actionable steps that the City can take over the next three years to continue progress toward reconciliation and redress the legacy of residential schools.
The action items are rooted in five focus areas:
- Building Connections
- Community Culture
- Commerce & Creativity
- City Services
- Education & Acknowledgement
“The endorsement of the Indigenous Relations Framework demonstrates City Council’s commitment to our Indigenous community and ensuring their perspective, voice and experience guide our actions,” said Jackie Clayton, Grande Prairie Mayor. “Council values the importance of being active partners in healing and reconciliation with our Indigenous community members, and we are eager to see the changes that the framework will guide in the coming years.”
Local First Nations and Metis communities were involved in the development of the framework, which was led by the City’s Indigenous Relations Advisor.
“Connection to the Indigenous community during the development of the Indigenous Relations Framework was critical,” said Warren Nekurak, Indigenous Relations Advisor at the City of Grande Prairie. “We cannot create reconcile with the Indigenous community without their input and their involvement in the solutions. My gratitude goes to the many community members who shared their thoughts, experiences, and solutions with the City during the creation of the Indigenous Relations Framework.”
The full 2023 to 2025 Indigenous Relations Framework is available for viewing here.
