Because June is both National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month, Langford has chosen a special flag design to commemorate both which will line the city streets this summer.
In the downtown core, on Goldstream Avenue’s lampposts, the Rainbow Trout artwork is now hung and can be seen by those walking the streets and those driving through.
This design was conceptualized by Russ Chipps, Chief of Sc’ianew First Nation (Beecher Bay) and designed by his daughter Jeannie Chipps.
According to Langford, the Rainbow Trout design combines local Indigenous culture with the colours associated with Pride and aims to project inclusivity and unity.
“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.
According to the City, this project is meant to be a step in the right direction of reconciliation because they are collaborating with Indigenous cultures and celebrating the cultures of their surrounding First Nations.
“Langford is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada, with a population that represents a wide range of cultural backgrounds and diverse voices,” said Scott Goodmanson, Mayor of Langford.
“Fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and included is a priority of council. These banners celebrate Indigenous art and culture and represent the spirit of diversity and inclusion that we strive to cultivate within the community.”
The City says that in the coming months they will be working on an engagement campaign to gauge how the public wants them to move forward with their arts and culture planning.
More Pride and Indigenous heritage celebrations
Another way Langford is working with local First Nations is their upcoming Change Makers Gathering Festival on Saturday, June 8th.
There, festivities will take place which celebrate and honour Indigenous arts, culture, values and histories.
This free event will be held at Starlight Stadium and will feature a Coast Salish art workshop, an Indigenous artisan market, a free bannock taco lunch, a live music performance by Stax and more.
In addition to this, the City of Langford will be officially participating in Victoria’s Pride parade for the first time this year.
“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,” said Ace Mann, President, Victoria Pride Society.
“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.”
The City will be hosting their own Pride celebration on June 14th during the ‘Fridays at the Station’ event.
This Pride-themed Friday is intended to be a colourful celebration and will include a community art project, a musical performance by Jaxxee, an Instagram photo-op wall, a friendship bracelet-making station as well as a craft market.
