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Mayor Sandy Bowman shared the following remarks at the ᒣᐢᑲᓇᐊᐧ ᑯᑎᑯᑕᑳᐧᐤ Intersections exhibit opening, held last night at Jubilee Centre in Fort McMurray:
“Tonight, I want to make a statement about inclusion, diversity, equity and rights in the region and our support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
“Sometimes, we are asked to speak about what we’re against, but it’s just as important to speak about what we’re for.
“As a region on Treaty 8 territory, we must respect and honour the Indigenous and northern culture and heritage that is the foundation of our home. We are also a place where people from different backgrounds have come from across Alberta, Canada and around the world to make a better life for themselves and their families.
“In that way, we are a place of tremendous opportunity, connection and intersection.
“This shared reality means it’s important to build communities where everyone is free to be themselves and where inclusion, diversity and respect are fundamental principles.
“We need to listen, seek common understanding and take positive action.
“We know there are many examples of this work ongoing today, and our deepest appreciation goes to the many people and organizations that are contributing to it. This includes the members of the Regional Advisory Committee on Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (RACIDE), Pride YMM, Public Art Wood Buffalo, and many, many others.
“As community members, we also respect everyone’s right to freedom of association, personal conscience and individual expression. Even if we don’t always agree, these rights and freedoms are part of what gives our community and society the opportunity to progress.
“Tonight’s event and its meaning is a great example of this opportunity. It’s what can happen when all people are free to express themselves in an open, inclusive and understanding community.
“At the same time, with rights come responsibility. As leaders, we need to be mindful we are here to lead for everyone, and for all people. Regardless of our personal views, let’s work together to unite people, not divide them.
“As part of this commitment, it’s important we stand firmly against any and all expressions of discrimination and hate towards all people including the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
“All of our actions matter, and so do our words. As we work towards the community we’re for, let’s listen, learn and inspire each other to be our best selves.”
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