Kahnawake prepares for first ever Pride parade

The Mohawk community in Kahnawake just south-west of Montreal, is preparing for their very own pride parade set for June 24th. It will be the first of its kind for the territory.

“We have a really big 2SLGBTQ+ community here, it’s just time that we had one here” says Lanny Lazare who co-owns Thrift the Night Away with Lacey Lazare. Both are a part of the planning committee for the parade, and is something they say is overdue. 

Lacey from Akwesasne, Quebec says they have a floating parade in the river every year, “I thought they do such a great job in Akwesasne, it would be nice to do something here as well,” Lacey says. 

Lanny and Lacey Lazare in front of their store, standing in front of a Pride Flag (CREDIT: Felisha Adam, CityNews Image)

“We want it to just be a really good time just to show people that pride is awesome, that Pride is for everyone,” Lacey adds. 

The Kahnawake Collective Impact is collaborating with various organizations and businesses such as Kahnawake Tourism, James Day’s Haunted Woods, and the Kahnawake Fire Brigade to bring the event to life.

“I’m feeling a lot of pride, I’m proud of our community for coming together to make this happen for our youth and for our 2SLGBTQ+  community members,” says Lily Ieroniawakon Deer a parade organizer, part of Kahnawake Collective Impact.

Kahnawake Collective Impact, one of the many organizations and businesses coming together to bring the event to life (CREDIT: Felisha Adam, CityNews Image)

“There’s a cultural importance of taking care of our own of supporting 2SLGBTQ+ community in our community,” says Deer.

The main goal of the event is to create awareness, and educated others part of the community.

“It’s important for our communities to show everyone regardless of age that you are safe and that you are loved no matter who you are…and that is a big thing in every community,” says Lacey.

Lily Ieroniawakon Deer and Lacey Lazare hold up community banner with the word Sha’tetionkwatenonronhkwahtsherá:te written on it(CREDIT: Felisha Adam, CityNews Image)

Part of the parade, a banner made by the community, with a very special meaning. 

The word “Sha’tetionkwatenonronhkwahtsherá:te” made by two of the language revitalizes in Kahnawake is written across it. “It means that all love is at equal levels,” says Deer, “the youth in our local high school designed to have these people all along the bottom to represent that we are all standing together for Pride,” she added. 

Pride parade flyer (CREDIT: Felisha Adam, CityNews Image)

Since the idea first began, Deer says she’s happy with the progress they’ve made to help those part of the 2SLGBTQ+  community, “we’re seeing a lot of dialogue happen a lot of conversation happen on how we can support the 2SLGBTQ+ community members, in any issues, including in housing and healthcare” 

Kahnawake’s Pride parade route for June 24th (Credit: Kahnawake Collective Impact/FB)

The community’s first ever Pride parade will begin at 7:30 on June 24th, starting at the Kahnawake Sports Complex, ending at the Tekakwitha Island Beach, where a sober dance party will be held. The event is open for all ages to join in the festivities.