This month, October 2009, is Canadian Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the lives of women in Canada’s history and be aware of all they achieved in every level of society. The Status of Women in Canada has chosen "Women in the Lead: Winter Sports" as this year's Canadian Women's History Month feature. With the Olympics a mere few months away in the winter of 2010, the sportswomen will be making their best effort to reach the winners' podium for Canada.
Women were first permitted to participate in the Olympic Winter Games in 1928, held in Amsterdam, Holland. Canada sent six women for track and field events, and they became known as the “Matchless Six”.
The "Matchless Six"
- Jean Thompson was a middle-distance runner from Penetanguishene, Ontario
- Ethel Catherwood was a high-jumper from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
and the four sprinters from Toronto, Ontario
- Fanny “Bobbie” Rosenfeld
- Ethel Smith
- Myrtle Cook
- Florence Jane Bell
The “Matchless Six” athletes competed well. Ethel Catherwood brought home a Gold medal in the High Jump, Bobbie Rosenfeld took two medals, the team Gold in the 4x100 m relay, the Silver in 100 m race. Another Gold medal was awarded to Jane Bell for the team 4 x 100 m relay, and along with the team Gold for the 4 x 100 m relay, Ethel Smith also took the Bronze medal for the 100 m race. Myrtle Cook received the team Gold medal and achieved a World Record in the 100 m Olympic Trials. The field was wide open for women to compete in the Olympics and the Canadian women made a grand debut.
Have a sampling of a few other Canadian women who were – and still are – an integral part of Canada’s exhilarating history:
Alice Wilson, First Canadian Woman Geologist
With degree in hand and working as assistant with the Geological Survey of Canada, Alice Wilson had to break through a glass ceiling to receive recognition of her Doctorate. Among other achievements, Alice Wilson wrote a textbook on geology for kids, “The Earth Beneath Our Feet”. She retired from her fascinating work at age 82.
Laura Secord, Saving Upper Canada from Overthrow
In 1813 in a village near Niagara Falls, Ontario, Laura Secord overheard an American plan to overthrow the British in Upper Canada. She slipped out and ran in the dark night through woods, swamps and craggy territory to warn the British troops of the impending attack during the War of 1812.
Elsie MacGill, Taking Engineering and Aeronautical Science to the Top
Elsie MacGill was the first woman engineer in Canada, and the first Canadian woman to have a Master’s Degree in aeronautical engineer. She oversaw the construction of the Hawker Hurricane fighter aircraft in WW2, among other high-level posts. Later, Elsie MacGill became an advocate for women’s and family rights in Canada.
Marie Rollet Hébert, Mother of the First French Family in Canada
Arriving in the wilds of New France in 1617, Marie Hébert, her husband Louis and their three children made The Habitation in Quebec their home. Harsh struggles and hardships were daily, but the Hébert family survived the settler life. Marie used her knowledge to help other settlers and natives, becoming a beloved figure in the new world.
Canadian History is enriched with wise, talented and inspired women. Keep watching – women are making brilliant history every day in Canada. Just imagine the distances they could reach.
You go, girls!
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