Mount Revelstoke pride celebration highlights the importance of youth and family-friendly 2slgbtq+ events
A recent Pride celebration held at the snow forest campground in Mount Revelstoke National Park highlighted the importance of creating inclusive 2slbgtq+ events.
The family-friendly event took place May 10 and 11, and was hosted by the Mount Revelstoke National Park field unit in partnership with Parks Canada’s National Pride Network.
Each year, Parks Canada hosts Pride celebrations in a different national park. Laura Bernier, Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks’ public outreach education officer said the events are driven locally, with a specific park field unit or site deciding to host an event.
“This year, the Parks Canada National Pride Network partnered with Mount Revelstoke National Park to host the event here. And this was kind of special. They were really impressed with Ryan Collins work on the locally produced film People Like Us, and they requested that we host an event to be kicked off by a screening of the film in the community and then followed by family-friendly activities the following day,” said Bernier.
The celebration at Snowforest Campground drew in small crowds throughout the day, with around 60 people attending the event. Bernier said hosting the event at the campground during the day allowed youth to be involved in creating a fun and positive space.
Youth from the StokeYouth Network and Rainbows and Allies were at the event, offering button and bracelet making workshops. Kimberly Poirier with the StokeYouth Network said events like the one hosted at Snowforest Campground are important as people from the 2slgbtq+ community living in small towns like Revelstoke might feel more isolated compared to living in a more urban area.
“I think the attitude towards the queer community because of events like this have become a lot more positive in our community. And I think it’s our job to keep that positive attitude going.”
Members of Shuswap Pride were also at the event. Board member Joanne Wittstock spoke with StokeFM about the importance of youth and family-friendly pride events. She said by far, one of their most popular events was family-friendly roller skating.
“There’s a time to drink a beer, and there’s a time to do physical activity, and there’s time to do a cultural activity, they’re all part of a mix of things that interest people,” said Wittstock.
While there are currently no plans to host another pride celebration, Bernier said the Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks office hopes to continue to support 2slgbtq+ events by taking part in community celebration and diversity initiatives.
