They are cattle breeders and politicians, teachers and entrepreneurs,
but above all, they are women who work hard to build agriculture and
rural communities.
About 20 women from the three prairie provinces were recognized in a
new program at Canadian Western Agribition.
Faces and Voices of Rural Western Canada was developed to increase
awareness of women’s achievements and roles, said Jill Clark, marketing
manager for Agribition.
“This is to give visibility to the contribution women have made in
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agriculture and to rural communities.”
Millie Boake of Rocky Mountain House, Alta., was thrilled to be present
at Agribition for formal recognition at a display in the Prairie
Lifestyles area. The display included pictures and biographies of the
women recognized this year.
“It’s a great honour to be selected out of so many women doing so many
great things,” she said.
Boake and her family have purebred Angus and Shorthorn herds. She is
active in various organizations and is an Alberta Cattle Commission
delegate. She was the first woman to judge Herefords at the Pacific
National Exhibition in Vancouver.
Doreen Holden is past-president of Saskatchewan Women’s Institutes and
has been a WI member for 35 years. She has also been involved in
community groups and 4-H.
“It feels good,” she said of the recognition given by Regina’s farm
show.
Other women recognized this year were involved in Alberta Women’s
Institutes, the National Farmer’s Union, Saskatchewan Women’s
Entrepreneurs, Southwest Farm Women’s Network, Manitoba Women’s
Institutes and Manitoba Farm Women’s Conference.
Clark said she hopes the program will expand every year and include
women from more organizations.
It may eventually include a conference-type setting with speakers and
discussion forums, she said.
