Residents of Tulita gathered to celebrate inclusiveness and diversity for the hamlet's first Pride celebration on June 28.
A joint effort by Chief Albert Wright School, the hamlet's administration and the local detachment, the day included a community barbecue, games and an opportunity to paint one of the local police cruisers.
"We saw all the Pride day celebrations happening around Canada," said Const. Ryan Adam, who helped organize the event with Const. Katherine Duncan, whom Adam credited for taking the lead.
"It was great. We had the truck painted for almost 48 hours. Everyone loved it SA国际影视传媒� everyone was waving and the kids were screaming.
"The kids had a great time and we helped educate them a little bit. If they had questions, we'd tell them it's about creating a safe and welcoming space for all residents of the Sahtu of all ages."
Adam said the crowd ebbed and flowed throughout the day but at one point he counted more than 50 people coming out to show support. covered the cost of food and the paint while the hamlet contributed volunteers and firewood and the school provided the venue.
Promoting an inclusive community that's safe for 2SLGBTQI+ (two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and additional people who identify as part of sexual and gender diverse communities) helps promote community safety, Adam stated.
"It was the first-ever Pride event [in Tulita]," he said. "I think personally it was a meaningful step for celebrating inclusivity and diversity in our community. We got to collaborate with all of our partners in the community. We created a safe and welcoming space for all the residents.
"There's a few individuals in our community who are strong with the 2SLGBTQI+ community who were very excited to come out and they felt pretty safe and welcome. I think it strengthens our relationship and builds trust," Adam added.
Noting events like Pride celebrations are particularly important in smaller communities where everyone knows each other, Ryan said organizers were hoping to build on the initiative and hold more inclusive events throughout the year.
For example, he said planning is underway to have inclusive events at the school at least once a month when classes resume in September.
"It's very important for small communities to have a sense of community," he said. "We want everyone to feel welcome, no matter who they are. We want people to feel like they belong.
"So our plan is at least to do something once a month. Our door is always open and I always have a coffee pot on."
SA国际影视传媒 contacted hamlet staff for comment but received no response prior to press deadline.
