COLD LAKE - The front lawn of Cold Lake City Hall transformed into a space of love, resilience, and solidarity on May 30 as community members gathered to raise the Progressive Pride Flag and kick off Pride Month.
City of Cold Lake Coun. Bob Mattice led the proclamation and flag raising ceremony, stating, “By raising the flag today, we acknowledge the representation of LGBTQ. It's very important to us that we recognize the achievements and the resilience of the 2SLGBTQ+ community over the years.”
Mattice spoke of the City’s support for diversity and equality.
“Your struggles do not go unnoticed. We see you. I’d like to take a moment to highlight the safespace that Cold Lake and District FCSS has created - where everyone is welcome.”
He praised the FCSS team for their efforts in inclusion, saying, “The staff there are very kind, understanding, and they do an incredible job at representing the diverseness of our community.”
The flag will remain outside City Hall throughout June.
“It is reaffirming the City's commitment to fostering a community who embraces and honours individuals to be their authentic selves and ensuring everyone is welcomed, respected, and accepted,” Mattice said.
Guest speaker Janine Heebert shared her personal journey of coming out at 41 years old.
“Telling my then-husband that I was gay was one of the easiest and hardest things I have ever said aloud to be a person,” she said, acknowledging the fear and uncertainty she faced. “However, I loved myself enough to know I deserve to be a whole me and not just part of a person living a half-life.”
Heebert also reflected on her growth and newfound happiness.
“Today I am in a committed relationship with my best friend . . . I am happy. I am currently working through my community social work program here in Cold Lake at Portage College . . . And my goal is to be an advocate for those who are LGBTQ. Thank you for listening to me today. I love you all. You are enough.”
Another flag raiser, Shaunna Okemow, a two-spirit Cree woman with Polish ancestry, delivered a call to action.
“Today is a day of reflection, advocacy, and action. It is more than just a celebration. It is a tribute to those who have come before us,” she said. “And while we celebrate, we must also recommit because across Alberta and Canada we continue to see homophobia, transphobia, and discrimination persist.”
She urged the crowd to do more than show up for Pride events.
“Show up, not just for the parade, but for the purpose, not just to wave a flag but to raise your voice . . . Being an ally isn’t passive, it’s powerful and our children need it more than ever.”
Then in a moment of unity, Mattice officially proclaimed that June is Pride Month in the City of Cold Lake.
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