The Indigenous Framework and Action Plan guides the City on ways to engage with Indigenous communities in the most meaningful and respectful ways that benefit all residents in learning about Indigenous histories, cultures, world views and laws.

This initiative reflects Airdrie’s commitment to building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities, acknowledging historical truths and fostering cultural understanding. The Indigenous Framework and Action Plan will guide the City in actions towards advancing reconciliation, responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action. The plan will be reviewed annually, incorporating meaningful input from Circle Connections for Reconciliation, Otipemisiwak Métis Government and Treaty 7 nations to ensure ongoing relevance and impact and alignment with Indigenous Peoples’ priorities.

• Call to Action 43: Adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) as the framework for reconciliation at all levels of government.
• Call to Action 57: Educate public servants on the history of Indigenous Peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, Treaties, Indigenous rights, Indigenous law and Crown-Indigenous relations. This education should include skills-based training on intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights and anti-racism.
• Call to Action 77: Support community-based projects to document and commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools, including the creation of memorials, plaques or public markers.
• Call to Action 88: Support increased cultural programming, particularly in collaboration with Indigenous communities, to honour their traditions, heritage and contributions.

The Indigenous Framework and Action Plan outlines four commitments built on actionable principles for the City:

Commitment one: the City will engage with Treaty 7 and Métis Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Rights Holders at the earliest opportunity on City projects that intersect with Indigenous interests.

Commitment two: the City will engage urban Indigenous residents and groups to ensure they have a voice on City initiatives that impact their experiences in Airdrie.

Commitment three: the City will partner with Indigenous groups to promote and raise awareness of Indigenous Cultures, Ceremonies and Events.

Commitment four: the City commits to learning about Indigenous histories, cultures, worldviews and treaty rights.

Inclusion of design consideration to make public spaces welcoming and inclusive of Indigenous cultures and traditions as identified through one-on-one interviews, open call workshops and/or targeted meetings.

• Inspire's Multipurpose Room J: in alignment with Inspire's guiding development principles, the City consulted with Circle Connections for Reconciliation and Elders to understand how the Indigenous community would feel welcomed in the new facility. The facility's Multipurpose Room J was developed as a round space with finishes that reflect a connection to landscape and nature. The room's ventilation system is equipped to support the use of traditional Indigenous medicines and smudging ceremonies. 

Invite Indigenous artists to participate in public art programs.

• 'From Earth to Sky' public art piece at Inspire: designed in collaboration with Indigenous artist Adrian Stimson and artist Pierre Poussin, 'From Earth to Sky' is located in Inspire's courtyard. The art piece represents a tipi, comprised of seven red poles forming a tipi, with Blackfoot pictographs adorning each pole - representing the seven-generations practice and the seven local tribes of the Treaty 7 Nations. During design, the artists connected with Circle Connections for Reconciliation for Indigenous engagement among other groups to share their artistic practice and discuss the history and meanings of 'From Earth to Sky'.

Seek spiritual guidance preceding important decision-making events or relation building with Treaty 7 Nations.

• An intimate ceremony was held on June 14, 2023, in front of City Hall to remove a temporary memorial of “Little Orange Flags’ that were installed in response to the discovery of unmarked graves in 2021.The City worked with the memorial’s organizer, who had familial ties to the Marieval Indian Residential School.

Develop “nation to nation’ relationships with leadership of Treaty 7 Nations and Otipemisiwak Métis Government (District 4).

• The City permanently located the Treaty 7 and Métis Nation flags at City Hall and in Council chambers during a ceremony held on Sept. 18, 2023.

The City funds and collaborates with Indigenous not-for-profit groups to lead the planning and delivery of cultural education events through the year, as well as events for National Indigenous Peoples Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.