Edmonton’s Pride festival officially begins in Churchill Square
Posted August 24, 2023 3:38 pm.
Last Updated August 24, 2023 7:32 pm.
Edmonton’s Pride festival kicked off Thursday in Churchill Square, with Alberta’s first ever two spirit pow-wow.
“Humbled, honoured, ecstatic. It’s magic,” said Kîsik Whiskeyjack, director of Indigi-Hauz of Beaver Hills, while saying this moment is essential. “Two spirit, in short, is an umbrella term for Indigenous LGBTQ community.”
In 2018, Edmonton’s former Pride festival and parade was canceled after criticism over the lack of inclusion of Black, Indigenous and people of colour.
“Especially with the 2018 cancelation of pride, to come back in this way, giving a platform to tow spirit voices and the marginalized community is really important.”
MLA Brooks Arcand-Paul has noticed an uptick in Pride celebrations in smaller Alberta communities at the same time Alberta RCMP warn of an increase in hate motivated incidents targeting the 2SLGBTQ community.
“There are people who might not identify as two spirt, but as a two spirit person myself, its just lovely to see everyone come together and support all of our community. It really inspires hope that things are good on the horizon,” said Arcand-Paul.
“Because of that volatility, its no longer everywhere is a safe space. Even I’m concerned I’m going to experience some hate out there. And as a politician, I’m used to it. But for those who don’t want to be in the public spotlight, its not okay to experience this.”
The Edmonton Pride festival continues at Churchill Square, with events all weekend.
