A large gathering in Market Square yesterday afternoon celebrated the first event of Pride week.

The first ever Pride week in Swift Current's history kickoff with a flag raising ceremony that was attended by the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan.

"As mentioned change is often slow in coming, but we must never forget how far we've actually come," said Vaughn Solomon Schofield, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan. "The reason we've come so far is thanks to all the courageous members of the LGBTQ community who have faced rejection and prejudiced to share their stories and to share their lives. You are deeply inspiring to me and I thank you all for making our communities that much better."

This is the sixth year the City of Swift Current will celebrate the LGBTQ community, with this year being the first time it was proclaimed as a week, instead of a day.

"I want to thank our local Southwest Saskatchewan Pride group for giving us the honour of having the province's first rainbow crosswalk," said Mayor of Swift Current Denis Perrault. "I also want to congratulate the group for your leadership, your vision and tireless efforts working with us on council as well as with administration. I do really hope that the progress we've made together spurs on similar efforts in cities across Saskatchewan."

Mayor Perrault also added that he spoke with several mayors across Saskatchewan last week and many of them will be following the lead of Swift Current.

Pride week activities will continue tonight with a Pride Coffeehouse held at the Southwest Newcomer Welcome Centre beginning at 6 p.m.