“It’s an honour and a pleasure to take part as first vice-regal representative to address this Pride rally,” Lieutenant Governor Janice Filmon said. The theme of this year’s parade was ‘Be Authentic.’ Some First Nations communities have been rocked by high numbers of suicide among youth. “I’m here today and I hope the message reaches them as well, that all of us here, all of us in leadership, we love you. “Some of the young people in our communities are struggling with who they are - not just within their identity as original people but within their identity in who they are in other ways as well,” Nepinak told the LGBTTQ* community and supporters on the steps of the Legislative Building. Nepinak referred to some of the challenges faced by many First Nations youths. Manitoba leaders of all backgrounds embraced a celebration of pride on Sunday.ĭerek Nepinak, Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, was one of those addressing Pride Parade participants for the first time as the event marked its 29th year.
