Check out the changes and events, March 9 - 13
This year marks 12 years since NAIT’s first Pride Week, held in March 2014. The inclusion-boosting event has changed significantly from year to year but never strayed from its original intention.
“NAIT is so proud to be a place for queer and trans folks,” says Daley Laing, manager of the Centre for Community and Belonging (CCB).
“We really want to make sure that every student and staff member from that community, [and] connected to that community, knows we're celebrating them.”
One change to enhance that celebration this year is higher visibility for programming overall, which students requested following pandemic recovery efforts and changes in the CCB, which included a major relocation on campus. That effort to shine a brighter light on Pride is reflected in a bold, eye-catching rebrand featuring the theme “Pride Lives Here.”
For Laing, the word “lives” is crucial. It’s meant to demonstrate that Pride is more than just the focus of one week each year. “[It’s] something that we embody across the institution in our day-to-day actions,” they say. What’s more, “it's going to continue to grow and change.”
That growth will be charted on a new, permanent NAIT landing page, where staff, students and community members can learn about Pride-oriented events held at the polytechnic year-round.
Those events, Laing adds, were informed by a newly struck Pride committee, which includes staff members and students from across campus, as well as representatives from the NAIT Students’ Association (NAITSA).
In addition to helping to guide the rebrand, the committee contributed ideas to the refreshed Pride Week programming, running March 9 - 13. It includes notable firsts. Among them is Pride Week’s first “living library” session, in which IT Business Analysis chair Dana Marsh will share their story of exploring identity as a queer person growing up in a small town in the 1990s.
Leading up to that, NAIT’s South Lobby will be transformed on Tuesday, March 10 as the site of the inaugural Pride Week Carnival, featuring games, cotton candy and other treats, and prizes.
Staff offices will be brightened by a decorating contest, splashing Pride colours throughout the polytechnic.
In the background, staff offices will be brightened by a decorating contest, splashing Pride colours throughout the polytechnic. Laing expects heated competition, and a lot of sparkles. “Literally, one of the categories is ‘sparkliest,’” they say.
Overall, Laing hopes the events of Pride Week and after foster “a sense of belonging for all students and staff,” that those groups see themselves reflected in the activities, and feel empowered to keep suggesting improvements for the many Pride Weeks to come.
Just as importantly, however, Laing hopes the NAIT community has fun.
“What's the thing you remember in your body that makes you feel belonging?” asks Laing. “It's joy.
“Our students and staff are navigating so many things,” they acknowledge. “Hopefully there’s some levity and joy in being seen and in feeling a sense of belonging.”
Come check out the 2026 NAIT Pride Week events
Pride Week Treat Trolley
Monday, March 9
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Keep an eye out for staff making their way across campus to share treats and swag.
Lunch and Learn: Supporting 2SLGBQTIA+ Belonging at NAIT
Monday, March 9
12 to 1 p.m.
Online
Join this virtual session to explore strategies to foster an environment where all 2SLGBTQIA+ students at NAIT experience a strong sense of belonging.
NAIT Pride Week Carnival
Tuesday, March 10
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
South Lobby, Main Campus
Don’t miss this chance to connect and celebrate in a welcoming space filled with exciting games, delicious treats and amazing prizes.
Living Library – NAIT Pride Week Edition
Wednesday, March 11
12 to 12:50 p.m.
Centre for Community and Belonging, E134, Main Campus
Join IT Business Analysis chair Dana Marsh as they share stories of growing up, growing out, and growing into a life that holds both queer joy and queer complexity. Marsh’s Living Library session explores identity, language, pronouns, small-town survival, and the ongoing process of becoming.
Reel Pride: A Pride Week Mini Film Festival
Thursday, March 12
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Centre for Community and Belonging, E134, Main Campus
Celebrate the rich diversity and lived experiences of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community with this curated global collection of short films that highlight powerful, heartfelt and inspiring stories of resilience, creativity and joy.
NAITSA will also host a series of Pride Week events.
