In October the Mission Community Archives will once again mark women’s history month in Canada by staging its annual celebration of women to promote awareness of those who have shaped the history and the economic, social, political, and cultural landscape of our community.
Through Paths and Pathfinders the lives and stories of four local women will be told using their personal records, photographs, taped reminiscences, organizational records and/or memorabilia preserved in the archives.
“As a result of this annual event,” said archivist Val Billesberger, “the archives has been able to expand its holdings on women of all ages and abilities and from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The archives holds records on more than 80 women related to the last 100 years of the community’s history.”
This year the women will be selected from nominations and the public is encouraged to send in suggestions.
Nominations for the 2011 event have been extended to Feb. 28. Eligible women must have resided or presently reside in the District of Mission, Hatzic Prairie, Hatzic Island, Dewdney, Deroche, Nicomen Island, Lake Errock and/or McConnell Creek.
The nominator must submit on two pages or less, biographical information about the nominee, including length of residence in the community, field of endeavour and personal attributes, and two letters of support for the nominee from family, friends, associates, etc.
To obtain a nomination form or additional information, phone 604-820-2621 (Thursdays and Fridays only) or send an e-mail to mca@missionarchives.com. Nomination forms may be obtained at www.missionarchives.com.