Students and teachers from Gordon Denny Community School painted pride crosswalks outside the school. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Proud Moment

Students bring rainbow crosswalks in Air Ronge to life

Jun 26, 2019 | 12:31 PM

Air Ronge Deputy-Mayor Julie Baschuk believes the rainbow crosswalks painted by elementary school students Wednesday is a simple way communities can make a big impact.

“These crosswalks just send such an empowering message to kids, to youth, to adults, to anybody who needs that extra glimpse of hope that it is OK, you’re accepted, you’re loved and you’re a part of our community,” she said. “It’s something the community needs, it’s something the community can see and it’s something the community support. It’s those easy simple ideas that just need to come out in the open and we can bring it to life.”

The decision to install the pride crosswalks, which could be the very first for northern Saskatchewan, was made June 19 at a regular council meeting where it received unanimous support. Baschuk stated the pride crosswalk was an idea from a fellow councillor and it was project they all jumped behind. She also noted all leaders should be able to support the rainbow crosswalks in their own communities.

While the original plan was for one crosswalk outside Gordon Denny Community School, the Grade 6 students decided to paint two instead. One features a northern sunset with colourful rays, while the other is painted with blocks which will include the word ‘Pride’ overtop when completed.

“This is the first time we’ve had the rainbow crosswalks in honour of Pride Month come to life, and to see that it’s the youth that have envisioned it and are painting each stroke, it’s really important,” Baschuk said. “There’s lots of emotions that just fill this space. Listening to the kids talk about what they’re doing and why they’re doing it and how inclusive they’re all being with one another is something really beautiful.”

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Two rainbow crosswalks can be found in Air Ronge. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Earlier this month, the pride flag was also raised in La Ronge and by the Lac La Ronge Indian Band in support of the LGBTQ movement. Residents of the tri-communities are also welcome to the Lac La Ronge Regional Pride Parade, which will be held June 29 along La Ronge Ave. at 11 a.m.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno