Today, Minister Lucy Kuptana, issued the following statement for Pride Month:

“As the Minister responsible for the Gender Equity Division in the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs, I stand with our vibrant 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities in honouring Pride Month. This is a time to celebrate the diversity, resilience, and lived experiences of Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual people, plus diverse identities and expressions across our territory. 

The Government of Northwest Territories’ focus is clear: to create safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for all gender-diverse individuals, a commitment deeply rooted in respect, understanding, and partnership. 

The GNWT’s Gender Equity Division collaborates with the Northern Mosaic Network, supported through operational funding from the National Action Plan to end Gender-Based Violence. This partnership strengthens access to programs, services, and resources reaching over 5,300 residents across the NWT. Together, we have supported impactful initiatives such as Inuvik Pride events, Qmunity Camp NWT, the 2S!QTIP Gathering, Two Spirit & Indigiqueer Celebration & Awareness Day, and Trans Day of Visibility activities — including sign making workshops and educational events like History with a Drag Queen.  

These events and partnerships with community organizations amplify awareness and create support for healing and environments where gender-diverse people can flourish with dignity and safety. The Northern Mosaic Network also plays a vital advisory role in shaping Gender Equity Division initiatives, as seen in our recent Women in Leadership facilitators workshop. Their thoughtful insights, including encouraging greater inclusivity in our programming titles, help us grow in cultural humility and relevance. 

Pride Month is not only a celebration but also a solemn reminder of the task ahead to tackle the injustices faced by 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals. The GNWT continues to advance this work through multi-sectoral initiatives addressing family violence, gender-based violence, and other critical social issues intersecting with the lives of 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. Pride is a vital part of this health and wellness journey toward equity and reconciliation. 

To continue this momentum, I invite all residents of the Northwest Territories to join us in commemorating Pride Month.  Please register through this link, for upcoming events and workshops that celebrate, educate, and empower. Participation and allyship are powerful acts that are crucial to build safer communities for Northerners. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out — there are resources and caring hands ready to help. 

Let us stand united in lifting up voices and nurturing the future where 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals are safe, celebrated, and fully included in every aspect of life across the Northwest Territories.”

Media Requests, please contact:
Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
PressSecretary@gov.nt.ca