Haley Dykstra, Haley Dysktra, health & wellness coordinator for the Students' Association of Medicine Hat College, takes a photos at the Show Your Pride selfie station at MHC on Sept. 13, 2022. (Photo Courtesy Ross Lavigne)

By Chris Brown

Show Your Pride

Equality and inclusion: Medicine Hat College celebrating Pride Week

Sep 13, 2022 | 3:09 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Medicine Hat College is colouring the campus, marking Pride Week with four days of activities.

It began Monday with the raising of the Pride flag and continued Tuesday at the Show Your Pride selfie station photo booth set up at the main entrance of Centennial Hall.

Haley Dykstra, the Students’ Association of Medicine Hat College’s health & wellness coordinator, says the week is about building a feeling of equality and inclusion among students.

“We do the outreach so that they can have academic success at the same time so that it’s a holistic kind of wraparound around approach to their wellbeing to work towards their success in post-secondary,” she said. “Because that’s what we’re here to support ultimately and have them grow here so that they can keep growing in life.”

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

Dec 14, 2024

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

On Wednesday groups from inside and outside of the college will take part in a Pride Fair near the library. They’ll be raising awareness and providing information about resources available at the college and in the community.

Participating groups include the students’ association, the college counselling department, Medicine Hat Integrated Youth Services and Pride Association of Southeast Alberta.

Dysktra says she’s already heard from one student who appreciates the efforts the college community is going to in order to improve equality and inclusion.

“The last conversation I had with a student, they weren’t super comfortable where they were from but they loved all of our spaces and inclusivity and feeling of safety on campus. So that was nice to hear,” she said.

The four-day celebration ends with a campus “communitea” at the Den on Thursday.

MHC’s Brooks campus is also hosting events this week, including hand-printed canvas painting and information-sharing on how to be an ally to the LGBTQ2S+ community.

Students’ association leaders will continue to promote diversity, and inclusion on campus. A new Progressive Pride flag will be displayed at the office throughout the year.

Alysha Kuntz, president of the students’ association, says the “flag helps give visual representation of our endeavour to grow as leaders of allyship and equality.”

For more information on the Pride Week activities being hosted by the students’ association, visit samhc.ca.