The rain didn't put a damper on the flag raising ceremony at Civic Park for the beginning of Pride Week in Humboldt on Monday.
Starting with the flag raising, it will be busy week full of activities.
Humboldt and Area Pride Network Founder and Chair Andrew Matheson says they want to show inclusion, diversity and to fight for diverse communities.
“Especially with the recent introduction of Bill 137 through the Sask. Party has caused a lot of difficulties for youth across Saskatchewan and has shown that need to fight for inclusion and diversity is still needed across rural Saskatchewan and in Humboldt.”
Among the guest speakers for the opening ceremonies were representatives from the City of Humboldt, Horizon School Division, Carlton Trail College, Westminster United Church and Humboldt Regional Newcomer Centre. Matheson appreciated the support from the local organizations.
“Having groups like the Horizon School Division, Carlton Trail Regional College, Westminster United Church and the City of Humboldt as well to publicly state their allyship and their views on diversity and inclusion are super important.”
There will be several events that will be taking place in the community as a part of Pride Week.
The crosswalk painting set for Monday night has been postponed due to the rain, a new date will be rescheduled.
On Tuesday, there will be a Planting Pride and Allyship presentation at Misty Gardens at 7:00 pm.
There will be a Rainbow Coffee Youth Night on Wednesday from 7-9 at 211 Main Street.
An evening of Pride Bowling will take place on Thursday night for 2SLGBTQIA and allied community members at Kemway Lanes at 7:00 pm, with bowling, shoe rentals and ice cream provided by Humboldt and Area Pride Network.
On Friday, there will be the first Queer Connections, which is a virtual networking session for Queer Adults in Humboldt and the surrounding area. Matheson says the sessions are a safe place for adults to network and feel community support. He hopes that Friday’s session is the first of many and that the sessions eventually become an in-person event.
Westminster United Church will be hosting a community potluck on Sunday at 11:30 am at 708 13th Avenue, with hot and cold drinks provided.
Matheson added that it’s vital to recognize the importance of Pride.
“Understanding that Pride came from a riot and was part of a larger movement of diversity and inclusion and taking time to remember where we came from and also celebrating diverse people and communities that can be inclusive is super important and to show a safe place for everyone in our community but more importantly for our youth.”
More information about Pride Week in Humboldt can be found on the Humboldt and Area Pride Network’s Facebook page.