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City banners recognize National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month

May 30, 2024
City banners recognize National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month

(Langford, B.C.) – The City of Langford celebrates the month of June as National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month. Residents and visitors will see new downtown street banners featuring the ‘Rainbow Trout’ artwork, ideated by Russ Chipps, Chief of Sc’ianew First Nation (Beecher Bay) and designed by his daughter Jeannie Chipps. The artwork combines Indigenous culture with Pride colours, symbolizing inclusivity and unity. The banners will be displayed on lampposts along a portion of Goldstream Avenue in downtown Langford.

“When making this design, I wanted to create a unity between both the 2SLGBTQIA+ and the Indigenous communities that would be seen as powerful for both groups and equally meaningful for people residing in both groups,” said Jeannie Chipps.

The project aligns with Council’s Strategic objective of taking meaningful action towards reconciliation, by working to implement the actions specific to local government as outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, continuing to collaborate with Indigenous partners, and celebrating Indigenous culture.

“Langford is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada, with a population that represents a wide range of cultural backgrounds and diverse voices. Fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and included is a priority of Council,” said Scott Goodmanson, Mayor of Langford. “These banners celebrate Indigenous art and culture and represent the spirit of diversity and inclusion that we strive to cultivate within the community.”

Council’s Strategic Plan introduces the development of the City’s first Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy alongside an Arts and Culture Strategic Plan to highlight and celebrate the diversity represented in Langford. In the coming months, the City will conduct public engagement to seek input from the community and key partners to help shape the future of arts and culture in Langford.

In keeping with the City’s commitment to celebrating Indigenous culture, Langford is hosting the annual ChangeMakers Gathering Festival on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Starlight Stadium. The public is invited to join the festivities that honour Indigenous art, culture, values, and history. The event will feature various activities all at no cost such as a Coast Salish art workshop, an Indigenous artisan market, a free bannock taco lunch, a live music performance by Stax, and much more.

In another significant step towards diversity and inclusion, the City of Langford will participate, for the first time, in the Victoria Pride Parade, being held on July 7at 11 a.m. Langford is proud to be a member of the Victoria Pride Society, a not-for-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to supporting Greater Victoria’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the City of Langford for acknowledging both Pride Month and National Indigenous History Month with their new, inclusive banners. And, for the first time, we are thrilled to welcome the City of Langford in the Victoria Pride Parade! These initiatives represent progress in fostering a more inclusive and respectful community for all and we are grateful to see these symbols of diversity and equity,” said Ace Mann, President, Victoria Pride Society.

The City is hosting a ‘Pride celebration’ during the ‘Fridays at the Station’ event, at The Langford Station (720 Station Avenue) on Friday, June 14, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in collaboration with the Victoria Beer Society. The Pride-themed Friday will feature a colourful evening with a community art project, a musical performance by Jaxxee, an Instagram photo-op wall, a friendship bracelet-making station, and a craft market.

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