Fort Smith celebrates Pride with weekend festival

Fort Smith, N.W.T., celebrated the Frank Gruben Pride Festival this past weekend with drum circles, drag events, community meals and more.

The festival, organized by Ryker Lonehardt, was in honour of Frank Gruben, a member of the LGBTQ+ community who went missing over a year ago.

Lonehardtdidn't know Gruben personally, but told CBChis disappearance had a profound impact on him and the community.

Since his disappearance, Lonehardtsaid he's gotten to know his family.

"It's been really nice, hearing the stories, hearing about Frank and what he loved to do when he was not missing," Lonehardt said.

"Honestly, even though this is a Pride festival, I don't want it to limit people it's really just a festival for everyone for Frank."