KOOTENAY PRIDE: WE LOVE A PARADE! INSTALLATION

History is coming out.

The art/history exhibition Kootenay Pride: We Love a Parade! was installed in the fall of 2021, inspired by the history of the West Kootenay Gays and Lesbians Society, compiled by Archives volunteer Michael Wicks and gifted to the Shawn Lamb Archives. The accession of this history represents a new chapter in many ways, creating a more inclusive narrative of place.

The magic of Nelson and the Kootenays is that you are going to get to know somebody who’s probably a little different than you. That’s what happened when you have really brave people at the centre of the community who just planted their feet down and said, “This is who I am, I’m not moving, I’m taking my space. – Amy Bohigian, filmmaker

In 2024, the timeline from the We Love a Parade! exhibition was permanently installed in the museum, creating a place where people can reflect and see themselves, educate others, and encourage critical conversations. The exhibition was also the inspiration for a 10-lesson education plan, developed with filmmaker Amy Bohigian and School District 8 District Indigenization Coordinator teacher Jesse Halton. This virtual program is offered for free to educators throughout SD8 and SD20. For more information please email tours@nelsonmuseum.ca.