‘Beautiful to witness’: Pride Flag raised at Saskatoon City Hall

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A jubilant crowd gathered outside Saskatoon’s City Hall Monday evening to raise the Pride Flag and ring in a week of celebrations for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

“To see us gather here like this, from all different walks of life, is really beautiful to witness,” said 2 Spirits in Motion Society executive director Paulie Poitras. “We are here to celebrate ourselves, and to be ourselves, and to nurture what it is to be queer.”

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Blake Tait, co-chair of the Saskatoon Pride board, was “excited” to see so many people come out to Civic Plaza, sporting all their rainbow colours or simply showing up to show their support.

“We hope to see such a great turnout all week — we’re very, very excited all around,” said Tait. “Very excited to be celebrating how we all come from one light and shine many colours on this community.”

This year, Tait said, seeing so many people show up to stand with the queer community isn’t just a joy — it’s necessary.

“Pride this year is extra important, considering the current political landscape and where we’re at in the province right now,” he said.

For city councilor Cynthia Block, watching the Pride Flag go up in front of City Hall is an “inspiring” moment, every year.

“It’s important that this community is visible,” said Block. “It’s not just a flag: It’s a way to show and appreciate every one of you who is fighting for a more inclusive Saskatoon.

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“Raising this flag also demonstrates our city’s unwavering support for equality. We stand with you. This is our home. We must continue to work together against discrimination and prejudice. You are our friends, our family and our neighbours — and we’ve got your back.”

This month, all over the city, Block said it has been “incredibly exciting” to see the rainbow murals, crosswalks, flags and window decals popping up outside of homes and businesses.

“This promotes inclusivity,” she said. “It says that, in Saskatoon, everyone is welcomed and valued.”

At the flag raising, Saskatoon Pride also introduced some of the Grand Marshals who will be leading the Pride Parade through the city on Saturday.

This year, the people and organizations being honoured include human rights lawyer J. Wallace Skelton, Momentum Canada Executive Director Fae Johnstone, the Two-Spirit Alliance of Saskatchewan, Filipino drag collective Bahay Kubo, NDP MLA Nathaniel Teed, longtime community advocates Jai Richards and Nicole White, and OUTSaskatoon board chair Melody Wood.

Jordy Ironstar, who will be representing the Two-Spirit Alliance of Saskatchewan in the parade, said this marks a major milestone for the young organization.

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The Two-Spirit Alliance of Saskatchewan launched at the end of 2022, after “some concerns were brought up that here, in the province of Saskatchewan, there were no queer Indigenous programs or resources that were for us and by us,” Ironstar explained.

Now, Ironstar says, being recognized as a Grand Marshal shows how the landscape in the province is changing.

“I’m really excited for what’s to come,” they said. “I’m very, very grateful that the work we do is being acknowledged in this way.”

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