Women's History

Portia White (1911-1968). © Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management

Parks Canada’s popular feature This Week in History often highlights women’s historic role in a lively one-page illustrated text. Click on This Week in History Archives on the sidebar, and type in “Women” or one of the designations listed under Sites, Persons and Events in Women’s History above.

Many recent designations of women have been the subject of news releases and/or backgrounders provided to the media upon the creation of a new national historic site, person or event by the Minister of Envrionment. They provide summaries of the extensive research done prior to a commemoration. Go to Parks Canada Agency, News Releases, and search by keyword ‘women’ or an individual name.

Parks Canada’s learning guide on Canadian history, Our Roots, Our Future: Experiencing Canada’s National Historic Sites in the Classroom, includes a chapter on women called “Holding Up Half the Sky”. It features many of the designations relating to women’s historic achievements. While intended for teachers, the guide is excellent for learners of all ages.