A pride flag now flies alongside the Canadian and Alberta flags outside the Pincher Creek library, following a community ceremony hosted Friday by the town and the library.

The event began with a land acknowledgment delivered by the library’s outreach worker, Samantha Bonwick, setting the tone for a gathering focused on inclusivity and belonging.

Town councillor Sahra Nodge followed with a brief address, underlining the importance of fostering a community “where the value of inclusion is paramount over the value of exclusion or hate.”

Nodge highlighted the ongoing commitment by the town to uphold these values, noting the presence of municipal staff in attendance as a sign of that dedication.

She also encouraged bystander intervention as a way for residents to actively challenge harmful behaviours and reiterated the role of diversity and expression in shaping vibrant, healthy communities.

The pride flag will remain at full mast until June 21, when it will be lowered in observance of National Indigenous Peoples Day.