‘Boots on the ground’: New group Proud of Pride sees a different path

The goal, she said, was to create more community was paramount.

“We just thought more places to feel safe and be loved,” said Wilson.

The fledgling organization was the brainchild between her and Donald Meriam who will serves as vice president and as they slowly develop over the past month, they are looking for people to join.

“I was just like, ‘You know what? I’m ready to put boots on the ground,’” she said.

Meriam agreed.

“We are the gateway to the north, it is needed to include our Indigenous communities ‘cause they provide so much to our economic development, especially with the new (Red Pheasant Cree Nation) land,” he said.

“It’s very important that we include our Two-Spirit brothers and sisters, and Indigenous communities and councilors and Chiefs…so that we can go out there and provide teachings,” he said, noting they “need to reestablish the connection between our identities and sexuality.”

This group is separate from the area’s other group Battlefords Pride and they said they wanted their group to be inclusive of the surrounding areas, not just the local community.

“I just that Donald and I are both very passionate the Indigenous aspect as well as involving them in the here and the now,” said Wilson.

“I think because we’re both able to get so loud about what we’re passionate about, I think that was kind of why we branched off,” she added noting there is freedom in the way they approach how they run the group.

“Do it the way that we feel embraces the Aboriginal community, the youth community.”

Wilson, who identifies as polysexual, bisexual and is married, said she also isn’t seeing much queer representation for her age group – those in their 30s.

“It almost feels like I’m in that middle where there is no – there’s nobody like me, right?”

Another reason they wanted to start a new group was to add more variety and gives more room for growth.

“It also gives us that chance to work together, to build bigger events, more education, more information,” she said.

“I think it fosters an even healthier, bigger, safer space.”

The first event the group has planned as an introduction to the community is a menstrual product drive from June 10 to July 10.

“When I was thinking of ‘How are we going to make an impact, I don’t want to just have a come and go tea or have a barbecue – that doesn’t benefit,’” she said.

The idea is a passion project, and hits close to home, not just for Wilson but also other family members.

“I just felt like we have a large population in and around our community that doesn’t always have access to those things,” she said.

“The health complications that can come with improper hygiene let alone improper menstrual hygiene are astronomical.”

Meanwhile, Meriam said they are actively seeking out community volunteers to join along with those wishing to join their board.

“As a member they will play a crucial role in shaping the direction and impact of the organization,” he said.

“We’re looking for individuals that are going to be a proud ambassador of the organization, be able to represent LGBT people within the city and our Treaty 6 communities. People that are passionate about wanting to serve, to make a difference.”

Wilson agreed.

“At the end of it, like yes, we understand that Pride is fun, Pride is all about inclusivity, but there are hard conversations that people have to have,” she said, noting not all people agree with certain topics.

“We need to make sure that we have a team of people that really believes in what we’re doing.”

To learn more or to donate to their menstrual product drive, visit Proud of Pride’s Facebook page.

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julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com

On X: jls194864

by Julia Squires

‘Boots on the ground’: New group Proud of Pride sees a different path

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