Serpent River First Nation holds first-ever Pride Parade

SERPENT RIVER FIRST NATION — June 30 marked the end of Indigenous History Month as well as National Pride Month across Canada. To commemorate this, Serpent River First Nation (SRFN) held its first-ever Pride Parade on June 30. This First Nation with a population of about 371 residents came out in droves to celebrate Pride and Indigenous History month. More than 30 vehicles, all decorated with rainbows and other colourful decorations cruised down through the village starting at the Lifestyle Centre, then went down Village Road West to Walkhouse Bay Road making a turn onto Rio Subdivision West ending up on Village Road East and finishing at the Pow Wow Grounds where a raising of the Pride Flag took place.

Those who could not participate in the parade itself showed their enthusiasm and support in other ways; many families and Elders were on their porches or front lawns singing and dancing showing support for the LGBTQ community. SRFN Chief Brent Bissaillion led the parade through the community. Local MP Michael Mantha took part in the parade riding his motorcycle along with other motorcyclists.  All were adorned in Pride colours for the parade.

This first-ever event for SRFN was hosted by the SRFN Community Wellness Department. Chief Bissaillion is an Anishinabe two-spirited man with an education in political science and Indigenous governance. Not to be confused with a gay person, two-spirited people have both a male and female spirit within them and are blessed by their Creator to see life through the eyes of both genders. Although there are parallels between the two, they are not the same.

Following the parade and Pride Flag Raising ceremony, acknowledgements were made by Chief Bissaillion thanking the community and supporters from neighbouring towns. SRFN residents Rob Essex and Lee Simpson performed an Honour Song at the ceremony.

In both urban and rural areas, citizens came together in June to celebrate Pride Month to celebrate and support LGBTQ voices, culture, and rights. June is a month for celebration and political activism, highlighting the many achievements the LGBTQ community has achieved in past years. One of the most notable events during Pride Month is the Pride Parades held in small towns and cities across the country; this year SRFN held their own. Chief Bissaillion thanked the community members and staff who put this together saying, “It was a great way to end Indigenous History Month and Pride Month.”

All of those participating enjoyed pizza and beverages at the Lifestyles Centre prior to the parade.  Participants followed COVID-19 protocols to ensure safety during this event.