Serpent River First Nation hosts its third annual Pride Parade

June 1, 2023
Serpent River First Nation’s 3rd Annual Pride Parade floats make their way through the community on their way to the pow wow grounds for the flag-raising on May 27.

By Leslie Knibbs

SERPENT RIVER FIRST NATION — When driving along the Trans-Canada Highway 17 on the North Shore of Lake Huron, you can’t miss the sign indicating you’re passing through Serpent River First Nation (SRFN); it simply states, “Serpent River First Nation, a community of caring and compassionate families.” And this is true, and clearly shown during the month of June each year when First Nations and Canadians celebrate Indigenous History month, as well as National Pride month with a parade.

Such was the case on Saturday, May 27, when SRFN held its third annual Pride Parade with many colourful floats visible from the highway as they arrived at the pow wow grounds for the raising of the Rainbow Pride Flag.

The parade was well-attended with many individuals and families from the community participating with their own colourful floats. All along the parade route from the Lifestyles Center on Hwy 17 through the village to the pow wow grounds, families and supporters stood roadside to cheer the participants on and join in the festivities.

Chief Brent Bissaillon is a Two-Spirit man who set things in motion for the first Pride Parade in 2021. It took no time at all for the community of about 371 residents to get behind their Chief showing inclusiveness and support for the LGBQT+ community.

This year, many of those attending wore tie-dye t-shirts emblazoned with a heart and peace sign. The shirts were gifted to SRFN by the Toronto Pride committee when Steve Meawasige and others attended the Canada Pride Conference in Toronto.

Local MP Carol Hughes attended the parade wearing Pride-themed clothing with her vehicle decked out in rainbow colours showing support and unity with the community. MPP Michael Mantha was also in attendance to support Pride. Douglas Elliot, a lawyer from Elliot Lake and a life-long advocate for Gay rights, was also in attendance. After arriving at the Pow Wow grounds, Elliot announced the crowning of a new Empress of Pride for Algoma region and a new Emperor. In a brief ceremony, although fun and touching at the same time, Elliot crowned Chief Bissaillion as the incoming Empress of Pride for the Algoma region and Alan MacDonald of Elliot Lake the new Emperor as the new presiding sovereigns of Pride in the communities along the North Shore.

There are many First Nations recognizing National Pride month and increasing in numbers each year across the country. Flying Dust Cree First Nation in Saskatchewan held its first Pride Parade in 2021.  The largest First Nation in the province, Six Nations of the Grand River, was the first to hold a Pride Parade. Perhaps Chief Hill’s words following the initial First Nation Pride parade will ring true for many others First Nations: “Our culture is accepting of all diversity — gay, lesbian, transgender, Two­-Spirit people are very special to us. I know there’s a lot of people that are not accepting of it, but that’s something that we need to work on. I think events like this are going to help to bring that awareness and education to people.”

All along the parade route in SRFN, Rainbow flags, the quintessential symbol of the LGBTQ movement, were blowing an a gentle breeze on a sunny Saturday.  To close the day off everyone went to the Band Hall for an outdoor BBQ.