Sunday marked the beginning of Pride month, launched in NWT with Inuvik’s Pride Parade. At sunrise on Sunday (June 1), the city of Yellowknife raised the Pride flag on the guest flagpole at City Hall to mark the beginning of Pride festivities.
“The flag will remain in place until sunset on Friday, June 20. This gesture recognizes the importance of equality, inclusion, and the ongoing advocacy for respect and dignity for all members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community,” the city shared in a Facebook post on Sunday.
Festivities continue with Northern Mosaic organizing a Pride Parade in Yellowknife, scheduled to take place this weekend, along with a variety of events and activities in the coming weeks.
Northern Mosaic shared a message today to celebrate the start of Pride and notified the public that today is the last day to register to be in the Yellowknife Pride parade, which is happening on Sunday starting at 11 a.m. Organizers said the event will be followed by a free BBQ at Somba K’e Park until 2 p.m. Anyone who would like to register can head to Northern Mosaic’s facebook page
Today Minister Lucy Kuptana issued a special announcement marking the beginning of Pride Festivities for folks across the territories.
“As the Minister responsible for the Gender Equity Division in the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs, I stand with our vibrant 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities in honouring Pride Month. This is a time to celebrate the diversity, resilience, and lived experiences of Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual plus people across our territory,” said Minister Kuptana.
The minister emphasized Pride Month as a time not only of celebration but also a “solemn reminder of the task ahead” to confront the injustices faced by 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals.
The minister said GNWT is dedicated to continuing to mobilize initiatives across various departments and platforms that address family violence, gender-based violence, and other important social issues intersecting with the lives of 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
Kuptana urged people across NWT to share GNWT’s focus to “create safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for all gender-diverse individuals,” a commitment she said is grounded in respect, understanding, and partnership.
The minister explained that GNWT’s Gender Equity Division collaborates with the Northern Mosaic Network. The initiative is backed by the National Action Plan to end Gender-Based Violence.
“This partnership strengthens access to programs, services, and resources reaching over 5,300 residents across the NWT,” said Minister Kuptana.
The partnership continues to back initiatives like Inuvik Pride events, Qmunity Camp NWT, the 2S!QTIP Gathering, Two Spirit and Indigiqueer Celebration and Awareness Day, and Trans Day of Visibility activities, along with sign-making workshops and educational events like History with a Drag Queen, added Minister Kuptana.
“These events and partnerships with community organizations amplify awareness and create support for healing and environments where gender-diverse people can flourish with dignity and safety. The Northern Mosaic Network also plays a vital advisory role in shaping Gender Equity Division initiatives, as seen in our recent Women in Leadership facilitators workshop. Their thoughtful insights, including encouraging greater inclusivity in our programming titles, help us grow in cultural humility and relevance,” said Kuptana.
Kuptana also shared a link to register for the Pride parade and invited folks across the territories to join in commemorating Pride Month.
“Participation and allyship are powerful acts that are crucial to build safer communities for Northerners,” urged the minister.
“Let us stand united in lifting up voices and nurturing the future where 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals are safe, celebrated, and fully included in every aspect of life across the Northwest Territories.”
