Pride flag vandalized in Mistissini, Que.; community support grows, one window at a time

After a Pride flag was torn down at Voyageur Memorial High School in Mistissini, Que., one local family decided to show solidarity with the Pride movement, by painting their windows.

Kerrie Coon says her son Kai Coon, a student at Voyageur Memorial, recently came home from school happy and excited to share with her that he had helped raise the Pride flag at the school.

"That's when he came out, while they were putting up the flag. I could see that he even wanted to cry because of how happy and proud he was for doing that," Kerrie recalled.

"It's only been recently that he started coming out as trans and gay. For him, it was such a big step, especially to do at school. It was a very exciting, nervous, proud moment for him."

However, the following day, Kerrie discovered a disturbing post on the school's Facebook page: the Pride flag had been torn down from its display. 

A statement from the Cree School Board's director of regional school operations earlier this week described the vandalism as an "annual occurrence" in Mistissini and asked anybody with information about the incident to contact the school.

"While we are deeply disappointed that this destructive behaviour continues to happen each year, we remain steadfast in our commitment to inclusion and respect," wrote Betty Anne Forward.

Kerrie Coon says she wonders who would engage in such vandalism. 

"What came to mind was, 'where did they learn that from?' Maybe it's the hatred or the judgment. They probably learned that from somewhere," Kerrie said.

The Coons then decided to make their own statement, displaying Pride colours at home. 

"We can show our Pride here, and so that's what we did — we painted our front window," said Kerrie.

For Kerrie, her concern extends beyond her son to other LGBTQ2S+ youth.

"We wondered how other youth might have felt because this story is just one, it's just our story," said Kerrie.

In response to the recent vandalism, Maloose, a two-spirit advocate and author from Mistissini, shared a video online expressing his thoughts on the deeper meaning behind the torn flag.

"I felt sad for the young people because that flag came from high school students. They're the ones who wanted that flag there," said Maloose.

He noted that in remote or tight-knit communities like Mistissini, visible support for Pride is not always common — making public displays of solidarity even more meaningful.

"I'm glad that there is support at the local level. Normally, in isolated communities, in smaller communities, the Pride movement hasn't really had that much support," said Maloose.

He pointed to small but symbolic actions — like local organizations updating their logos with Pride colours — as important steps toward broader acceptance.

"Nowadays I'm very glad that there are community members from Mistissini standing up against hate — and not only coming from two-spirit people, but also our allies," said Maloose.

He also highlighted symbolic actions from local institutions as a sign that change, though gradual, is underway.

"I saw all the three organizations — the Cree Nation Government, Cree Health Board, and Cree School Board —changing their logos to using Pride colours. That's a step. It's not a direct step, but it's just a show of support," said Maloose.

'What we can do is show that support at home'

Kerrie Coon believes the most important support system is the one closest to home. She and her son worry about young people who may not have the same support and acceptance from family members at home. 

"We can't control what other people do or say or believe, but what we can do is show that support at home and provide a safe place at home," said Kerrie.

For Kai, Pride Month holds special meaning because it brings people together.

"I really feel like Pride Month makes a big impact on how people see the world and see that not everyone is the same, and that it's OK to be different," said Kai.

"It feels really special for me to know that other people in the world are like me, and are different too," said Kai.

He emphasized the importance of reminding others that support is always available.

"They're not alone, and they could always find support somewhere," said Kai.

Support systems are in place, such as the Cree Health Board's Wîchihîwâuwin Helpline, where people can call anytime.

"You can make your own family. Even if your family at home doesn't accept, you can always make your own," said Kai.

Offering a message of hope to those who may not find acceptance at home, Kai and Kerrie had a simple, meaningful suggestion for anyone wanting to show their Pride.

"Paint your windows with rainbows," they said together.