Older women may have lived through decisive moments in Canadian women's history that are not covered in every textbook. Their experiences may include changes in women's rights, work, and education. They may also have seen changes in family life and opportunities throughout their lives.
Women's History Month in October offers an easy reason to sit down together, open a few stories, and treat her as the expert at the table. If your family needs extra support, Senior Helpers Calgary West can help with companionship and everyday routines while you spend time together.
Start With the Famous Five and Alberta Roots
The five women behind the 1929 Persons Case had strong Alberta ties. Their efforts helped establish that women were considered "persons" under the law and could be appointed to the Senate.
The Canadian Encyclopedia's profile of the Famous Five provides a readable summary of Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney, and Henrietta Muir Edwards.
Read a short section aloud, then stop and ask what she makes of it. Some seniors have strong opinions about Nellie McClung.
Persons Day falls on October 18. That weekend works well for a visit.
Connect Her Story to Canadian Women’s History
Big national stories get things started. The best material usually sits in a shoebox. Pull out old photos, report cards, a union card, a nursing school pin, or a wedding invitation.
Ask where she was working at 25 and who managed the household finances. You can also ask which jobs were considered open to women when she was young.
Let her set the pace. She may want to talk at length on some days and simply look at pictures on others.
Please jot down a few names and dates as you proceed. These details can help preserve family history for future generations.
Simple Activities for an Afternoon
You do not need to plan a big outing to explore Canadian women’s history together. These simple activities can work at home or nearby:
- Browse the Women and Gender Equality Canada page on Women's History Month together and pick one woman to read about each week.
- Borrow a biography or memoir from the local public library in large print or audiobook format.
- Watch a short documentary about women in wartime factories, then ask what women in her family did during those years.
- Cook a recipe from a family cookbook and talk about the woman who first wrote it down.
Short sessions can make these activities easier, especially if reading or concentrating for long periods is tiring.
Honouring the Women in Your Family
Once the stories start coming, save them in a notebook or, if she's comfortable, a phone recording. Some families make a small booklet with a photo and a paragraph for each woman in the family tree, from great-grandmothers to younger generations.
Your loved one can become the keeper of the family record. Recording these stories can also give families a way to preserve names, dates, memories, and experiences for future generations.
Sharing Stories Across Generations in Calgary
Preserving these memories helps future generations learn more about Canadian women’s history. They also show the women and experiences that shaped their families. Simple activities, conversations, and recorded stories can turn everyday memories into a lasting family record.
We offer companionship, help with daily routines, transportation to the library or a local event, and a friendly face for older adults across Calgary. Contact us to ask about companionship and daily support.