The annual flag-raising event returned to in-person after two years of having to be done virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event was held May 14 at the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce. A crowd of 125 people gathered to see various flags raised to celebrate Kitimat’s diversity.
“This event is a great opportunity to celebrate the diversity of Kitimat. Kitimat was built by people who moved here from all over the world to make this their home and today’s a great day to celebrate that,” said Kitimat Mayor Phil Germuth.
The event included the playing of the national anthem and some words from local dignitaries.
The flag-raising featured hot dogs, drinks and cake and was open to the public. Laurel D’Andrea, Kitimat Chamber of Commerce executive director said the event went over very well and is thankful for donations from Civeo, Save On Foods and the Kitimat Humane Society. D’Andrea is also happy to be able to once again meet in person and celebrate the many cultures that makeup Kitimat.
“There were people from so many different backgrounds and so many different communities that came to work at Alcan and you know, that’s just continued through the years,” she said. “We’re very lucky that we have such a diverse group of individuals that call Kitimat home.”
For more than 40 years flags have been raised at the Chamber of Commerce and this year included, Australia, Ireland, Italy, Brazil, Austria, Finland, India, Denmark, Greece, Fiji, Philippines, France, U.K., Mexico, Madeira, Portugal, the Azores and the Haisla flag. The Canadian flag along with the B.C. and Kitimat flags were also raised.