The Northern Lights Catholic District School Board was pleased to accept the invitation from Thunder Pride to raise the Pride flag in all three Thunder Bay school boards. A short ceremony was held on June 5, 2019 in front of the board offices. The flag will be flown until June 16 and during Thunder Pride.
"This flag is an important symbol and allows us to display our beliefs to the entire community regardless of language barriers. This flag allows us to communicate to the entire Thunder Bay community that at the Northern Lights Catholic District School Board we celebrate diversity and inclusion. It is a testament to the fact that discrimination and harassment are not tolerated in our community," said Lucie Allaire, Director of Education.
Jason Veltri, Chair of the Thunder Pride Committee delivered a few words along with a student from the Board who noted, "In our schools we are free to show our true colors, uniqueness and identity. I am happy to be part of a school board that celebrates diversity and inclusion.
Council staff, teachers and students in attendance also enjoyed a speech by Jean-Marcel Forget, a former student of La Vérendrye Catholic High School and member of the Thunder Pride Committee: "This is a day that will remain in our history for the rest of our lives. My time as a gay student was not always easy. We raise this flag as a sign of unity, inclusivity and love for all, regardless of our skin color, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or gender identity. I give all my love and strength to the people who will come after us, and especially to the youth; you are not alone, you are loved and I see you."
