Pride flag raised at City Hall
The event is meant to highlight the City's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the celebration of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
At the beginning of the flag raising, Mayor Craig Copeland read out the proclamation.
“Raising the Pride flag served as a kickoff to a multitude of community events throughout the month of June,” said CAO Kevin Nagoya. “The City of Cold Lake’s Community Services Department, specifically FCSS, Cold Lake First Nation, and 4 Wing, all celebrate Pride season through different events and initiatives. The Government of Canada has recognized June as Pride Month. Raising the Pride flag in our city honoured the 2SLGBTQIA+ community members.”
He added, “The Pride Flag was created as a symbol of unity and strength. Along with raising the flag, we recognized the Pride Proclamation. This proclamation highlighted the strengths and commemorated the struggles faced in past and present by the 2SLGBTQ+ community.”
Nagoya emphasized the broader significance of the event, noting, “Pride Season is a term that refers to the wide range of Pride events that take place over the summer (June to September) when 2SLGBTQ+ communities and allies come together to spotlight the resilience, celebrate the talent, and recognize the contributions of 2SLGBTQI+ communities.”
Nagoya said the City of Cold Lake has been actively working towards fostering a positive and inclusive community. He highlighted the importance of remembering and honouring the Stonewall uprising of June 1969, which initiated a significant social movement advocating for diversity and inclusion.
He also noted that the first demonstrations in Canada occurred in Ottawa and Vancouver in 1971.
Nagoya explained that raising the Pride flag was a celebration of sexual diversity and freedom of expression. This event helps to combat prejudice and fosters acceptance and understanding. “This is year four of this event, we first raised the flag in 2021 during COVID,” said the CAO.
Friday’s event was well-attended by FCSS staff, FCSS Advisory Committee Members, members of the business community, fellow social service organizations, and elected officials. Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) groups from local area high schools were also invited to participate.
He added, “The City of Cold Lake’s Community Services Department, specifically FCSS, provides support, advocacy, and referrals to all peoples experiencing adversity and stands in support of members of our pride community at all times. We make referrals to a wide array of counseling and support services for family members struggling to support members of their families in the LGBTQ2IA+ community, as well.”
The event concluded with an address from guest speaker Shaunna Okemow, who shared stirring insights about youth in the community. Okemow spoke about the pivotal role of shaping young minds.
“A solid sense of identity is what our youth need to imagine a world and a future of endless possibilities. My struggle with personal identity became deeply rooted, leading to years of depression and anxiety into my adult life.”
In light of prevailing political challenges, Okemow called for solidarity and recognition of young advocates, urging, “In the face of the anti-2SLBTQ+ legislation being seen throughout Alberta, let us honour these young people and advocates who continue to stand on the front lines of these monumental moments for unity and love in the face of hate and fear.”
Closing her address, Okemow delivered a message to the youth, affirming their intrinsic value and potential.
“I leave you with a message to know that you are a gift from the Creator. Keep shining your light on this community. You are doing the work every single day, and it is your generation that will illuminate the narrative that it will get better.”
Chantel Downes, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeland This Week
