KINCARDINE, ON – In Municipality of Kincardine, June is a time for both recognition and celebration as we observe National Indigenous History month and Pride month.

The unveiling of two murals at the Always Welcome event on June 1st this year honours both occasions. Installed to the garage doors at the Welcome Centre which is in the Kincardine Centre for the Arts at 707 Queen Street, both pieces are symbolic and filled with deep meaning.

In her opening remarks at the Always Welcome celebrations, Deputy Mayor Andrea Clarke commented that “these garage doors allow us the opportunity to acknowledge and recognize the contributions and achievements of Indigenous peoples to our lands. It also allows us the ability to reflect and recognize the many injustices and past wrongs.

“June is the month in which we also celebrate Pride,” continued Clarke. “We stand united with the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the fight for equity and justice. We will continue to educate ourselves and by doing that, we will continue to make progress.”

National Indigenous History Month and Seven Generations Mural

The garage door on to the left features both a land acknowledgement and original artwork by Ojibway artist Jeffrey (Red) George (Ma-Mi-No-ga-boo.) Named in honour of the seven generations teachings, the artwork takes the form of an eagle feather.

The idea urges the current generation to live and cooperate for the benefit of the next seven generations ahead. The colour black represents the dark period in Canadian history of the residential school system, the Indigenous children taken from their homes, and the abuse they endured. The colour orange represents every child matters. The colour white represents the healing powers of prayer that lead us from a darkened past to a brighter future with hope.

To learn more the Municipality’s journey to reconciliation, and upcoming learning circle opportunities in June and the month’s ahead, visit the journey to reconciliation webpage.

Pride Month and Progressive Pride Flag Mural

The second garage door on the right features the Progressive Pride Flag originally designed by Daniel Quasar. This version of the flag includes a chevron of black, brown, blue, pink, and white overlaid on the traditional rainbow bands of colour.

Each of the original six Pride colours have individualized meanings but combined are meant to represent hope. The additional five colours in the progressive flag have meanings of their own with black and brown representing marginalized communities, while blue, pink, and white represent Trans Pride.

 “The Municipality of Kincardine has shown their commitment in supporting Pride by installing this Progressive Pride Flag mural,” remarked Sandy Blackwood, president of Kincardine Pride.

“We are deeply grateful as this powerful symbol represents a commitment to inclusion and diversity. It reminds all that this is a place where everyone is welcome and valued. The installation is a beacon of hope and a step forward in our journey towards a more inclusive and loving community. Thank you for standing with us,” said Blackwood.

Looking ahead, Kincardine Pride is excited to be hosting the sixth Kincardine Pride Parade and Celebration on June 22nd. All rainbow family supporters, friends, and allies are welcome to join the festivities with event details available on the Kincardine Pride website.

The Pride flag is also set to raise and fly at three locations in the Municipality of Kincardine, showing further support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Scheduled for Friday, June 14th, flag raising ceremonies are at:

• 10 a.m. at the Kincardine Branch of the Bruce County Public Library
• 10:30 a.m. at the community flagpole at the Davidson Centre track
• 11 a.m. at Kincardine Fire and Emergency Services Station 11 in Tiverton

More Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) information

For more information about IDEA work in the Municipality of Kincardine including greater details about the Welcome Centre murals and upcoming learning opportunities, visit the IDEA webpage.

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Media Inquiries:
Lorie Fioze, Manager of Strategic Initiatives
Municipality of Kincardine
519-396-3468