Each year in October, to coincide with Women’s History Month, new inductees are added to the City of Thunder Bay Women’s History Month online exhibit. The exhibit recognizes and celebrates women of all ages who played important roles in the history and development of our city.

The City of Thunder Bay Archives launched the Women in History online exhibit in 2013 as a means to recognize women who have made significant contributions in areas such as public service, health care, education, community development, women’s rights, military and the war effort, and to the arts. Every year, we ask for submissions from the community of local women who have made an impact to be included and celebrated within the exhibit.

This year, as we celebrate Thunder Bay’s 50th Anniversary, special consideration was given to women who have made significant contributions to our city since amalgamation in 1970.

“As we reflect upon our city’s progress and noteworthy milestones achieved over the past 50 years, we have had the opportunity to highlight contributions made by remarkable women of Thunder Bay in the more recent past,” said Heritage Researcher Laurie Abthorpe.

Four new inductees are being recognized in the 2020 online exhibit:

Elizabeth Christine Dougall, whose extraordinary influence in our community carried well beyond her significant roles in publication and broadcasting with Dougall Media. Elizabeth gave generously her time and attention to numerous organizations aimed at enriching lives throughout the city. 

Honourary Lieutenant-Colonel Margaret Ruth Page, CM CD MSc, had a lifelong career focused in public health, nursing and its instruction both here in Northwestern Ontario and beyond to an international level. Margaret’s numerous accolades and honours include being named to the Order of Canada.

Katherine Hope Dugmore, whose professional career as a planner and landscape architect shaped many Ontario communities, Thunder Bay in particular. Her central role in developing the vision of Prince Arthur’s Landing led to her appointment as Waterfront Project Manager. Katherine’s leadership was paramount in guiding Thunder Bay through its award-winning waterfront revitalization project.

Lieutenant-Colonel Darla M. Oja, as a decorated member of the Canadian Forces, has served throughout Canada as well as internationally. Beyond her military service, Lieutenant-Colonel Oja actively supports various community associations including the Military Family Resource Centre and St Anthony’s Catholic Church.

The exhibit can be viewed at: thunderbay.ca/WomensHistoryMonth. To learn more, citizens are invited to contact the City of Thunder Bay Archives at archives@thunderbay.ca

  

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Contact: Laurie Abthorpe, Heritage Researcher, laurie.abthorpe@thunderbay.ca