Who We Are & What We Do
Nanaimo Pride Society began in 1997.
Nanaimo Pride began as a very small organisation and has been evolving and coming into its own after years of growing pains.
The society’s size and public exposure really took off in 2009, with the election of a supportive Mayor and City Council, as well as a full slate of keen and motivated board members. In 2019, the Nanaimo Pride Parade & Festival witnessed an incredible turnout of over 20,000 watchers and participants. This was more than double the numbers from the year before.
Since the time of its creation, the Nanaimo Pride Society has focused on supporting the inclusiveness, accessibility, and diversity of Pride Week events.
Today, we are one of a few national Pride Societies who encourage all people to walk the Pride parade route – generating thousands of people ‘proudly’ walking the streets of Nanaimo for themselves, colleagues, or loved ones. As our community, sponsors, and supporters grow, so too does the opportunity to share who we are, where we come from, and most importantly, our personal pride.
OUR HISTORY
ABOUT US
Nanaimo Pride Society (NPS) is a volunteer based non-profit organisation that relies on the generous support and collaboration of businesses and organisations that share our values & our vision for an inclusive society through financial support, services, donations and advertising. These partnerships enable us to continue providing our free events and services to diverse communities.
Values
Down-To-Earth
Trustworthy
Open-Minded
Helpful
Meet the Team
Alessandro Iachelli
President / Governance & Partnerships Coordinator
Nicole Utulinde
Vice President
Jeffrey Sheppard
Secretary
Nanaimo Pride Society shall have four (4) Director positions dedicated to reflecting diversity and inclusion on the Board for the Society. These positions are reserved for individuals self-identifying as part of a traditionally socially excluded group within the gender and sexually diverse community, including but not limited to: Female identified, Trans-identified, Queer and Trans People of Colour, Indigenous and/or Two-Spirited, Seniors (55+), people living with disabilities, People with HIV, non-binary, etc.
Members of these communities can also be elected to other Director positions in addition to the dedicated positions and are encouraged to do so.