Thousands spread 'positive energy' at Winnipeg Pride Parade

Thousands of Winnipeggers gathered in the city's downtown Sunday for the annual Winnipeg Pride Parade and the final day of Pride week festivities.

Jonathan Niemczak, president of Pride Winnipeg, said more people registered to take part in support of LGBT rights this year than last year or 2014. 

A total of 92 groups and close to 2,000 people officially participated in the parade itself, while thousands more watched and cheered from the sidelines.

• Canada needs to lead by example on LGBT rights, Pride Winnipeg says
• Pride Winnipeg announces 2016 festival theme: Be Authentic

"It's really important to see all these folks coming out in support, as well as just being themselves ... showing society how more diverse we're becoming," Niemczak said. "[We're becoming] more accepting ... and just making Canada that authentic LGBT nation."

Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman said the huge turnout makes him proud to be a Winnipegger.

"There's such good, positive energy here and this really is a celebration [of] who we are as individuals and as a community," he said.

"I want all Winnipeggers to be proud of who they are, and I want them to be proud of our community and we're seeing that on full display today."

Premier Brian Pallister said the parade is about celebrating diversity and love for one another.

"We are the people who celebrate difference because it's our unique differences that make us who we are," Pallister told a crowd of thousands at the Manitoba Legislature.

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) Grand Chief Derek Nepinak said this is the first year the AMC has ever officially participated in the event.

"It's very important for us to be here and recognize the efforts that are made within our community to become more inclusive," Nepinak said.

"In this day of truth and reconciliation which we are in, we must reflect on people [who] have been pushed to the margins."

The parade started at noon and wound around downtown before finishing back at the Manitoba Legislature. The festivities continued at The Forks into the evening Sunday.