Riding Mountain to Host First Annual Pride Week in September

Activities include an opening ceremony, family street dance party, boat cruise, and more!

July 28, 2017                         Wasagaming, Manitoba                     Parks Canada Agency

Riding Mountain National Park, in cooperation with destination marketing organization Clear Lake Country, is pleased to announce they will be hosting their first annual Pride Week celebrations from September 5 – 10, 2017. Parks Canada recognizes diversity and welcomes all Canadians and visitors from around the world to discover our park.

Activities include an opening ceremony at the administration building and a family street dance party featuring DJ Mama Cutsworth on Saturday, September 9th on Heritage Lane. There will also be a “Pride Yourself” station, where visitors can meet up with local community organisations, get festive and colourful with flags, stickers, and temporary tattoos, and participate in creative workshops.

Parks Canada is working with a number of community organizations and local businesses to create a safe, inclusive and fun environment, showcasing the diversity of the LGBT2SQ+ community and Riding Mountain National Park. The park is working closely with the destination marketing organization Clear Lake Country to put on Pride-themed events, including a boat cruise, live music, kids’ activities, and some local businesses will be offering sales in celebration of Pride. Interpretive programming will also be offered during the celebrations, including the “Call of the Wild” car caravan and a hike to Gorge Creek.

The 150th anniversary of Confederation marks an important milestone and provides a unique opportunity to strengthen our sense of what it means to be Canadian. Diversity and inclusiveness is one of the main themes of Canada 150, along with the environment, youth, and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. As we celebrate in 2017, the Government is pleased to offer free admission to all Parks Canada’s places. Canada’s national parks and historic sites enable Canadians to experience their rich history and heritage in a special way and will play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.

Parks Canada's involvement in Pride events is one way we recognize that diversity and inclusion make our country stronger. Riding Mountain National park is pleased to recognize Canada's strong LGBT2SQ+ community and honour its members who are valued employees and visitors.