Every October, Canadian Women’s History Month celebrates the women and girls whose leadership, creativity, determination, and achievements have helped shape Canada. First designated in 1992, Women’s History Month recognizes a variety of contributions, from politics and science to arts, culture, business, and community leadership. October also includes Persons Day on October 18, marking the historic 1929 decision that recognized women as “persons” eligible for appointment to the Senate.
Our ORL Reads Celebrating Canadian Women reading list brings together 15 books about Canadian women, their experiences, accomplishments, challenges, and contributions. Here are five to start with.
Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton
In this acclaimed graphic memoir, Cape Breton cartoonist Kate Beaton recounts the two years she spent working in Alberta’s oil sands after leaving home to pay off her student loans. Through words and illustrations, Beaton explores life in an isolated, male-dominated workplace while examining broader questions about work, gender, exploitation, environmental change, and the complicated choices people make to earn a living.
Around the Kitchen Table: Métis Aunties’ Scholarship
Edited by Laura Forsythe and Jennifer Markides, Around the Kitchen Table brings together scholars, artists, storytellers, and community leaders to celebrate the knowledge and contributions of Métis women. The collection explores subjects including education, history, health care, language, land-based education, governance, culture, and representation, while centring the aunties and grandmothers who have helped shape Métis communities and identities.
Rubymusic: A Popular History of Women’s Music and Culture by Connie Kuhns
When journalist Connie Kuhns proposed a Vancouver radio program devoted entirely to music by women in 1981, some wondered whether there would be enough music to fill a half-hour show. There was. Rubymusic went on to run for 15 years. Kuhns draws on decades of music journalism, interviews, and experience to explore women’s music in Canada, including Vancouver’s punk scene and the artists who fought to make their voices heard.
Canadian Women Now and Then: More Than 100 Stories of Fearless Trailblazers by Elizabeth MacLeod
Want to meet more than 100 Canadian women in one book? Canadian Women Now and Then introduces readers to trailblazers from different periods of Canadian history, connecting women from the past with those making a difference today. It’s an accessible starting point for younger readers, families, or anyone curious about the remarkable women found throughout Canada’s history.
Rising: Becoming the First Canadian Woman to Summit Everest by Sharon Wood
In 1986, Sharon Wood became the first Canadian woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest. In Rising, Wood tells the story behind that achievement, from her development as a climber to the challenges and decisions involved in attempting one of mountaineering’s most demanding climbs. Her memoir offers a personal look at ambition, risk, perseverance, teamwork, and what it means to pursue an extraordinary goal.
Discover More Stories
Explore the complete ORL Reads Celebrating Canadian Women list for more memoirs, biographies, history, music, politics, and stories about women who have helped shape Canada.
You can also explore the Government of Canada’s Women in Canadian History timeline to discover milestones and notable women from across Canadian history.
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