52 Canadians Arena

June is Pride Month, and one of the first events in Fort Frances takes place next week.

A coalition of agencies is coming together for an Interagency Pride event at the 52 Canadians Arena.

Allison Cox, Communications Coordinator with Giishkaandago’Ikwe Health Services, says there will be a variety of activities.

“We’re hoping we get a lot of families coming out with their kids to enjoy some take-home crafts. There’s going to be some inflatables,” says Cox.

“We have a free grab-and-go dinner that’s available. We also have five speakers lined up to talk about their personal stories and perspectives that highlight the diversity within the 2SLGBTQI+ community.”

Giishkaandago’Ikwe hosted a similar event last year.

Cox says several other community partners jumped on board this yeaer to make it bigger and better.

The ten agencies involved will also have booths to showcase the resources they provide.

“It’s important for us to celebrate diversity, support members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and create a welcoming space,” says Cox.

“We just find it’s really important that we’re allowing that space to be available so that people of all backgrounds and all diversities know that they’re welcome, not just in our organizations, but in our community as well.”

The event is free to attend, and everyone is welcome.

It will begin at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 8th, with a mini parade.

Anyone wanting to participate can do so.

That will be followed by a traditional opening, followed by the speakers.