As the “Weather Woman of Alberta(external link), the only woman in Canada to hold such a position, she took hourly readings and compiled reports from 140+ weather stations to submit to Headquarters of the Dominion Meteorological Society every day. Her data was used by aviators, farmers, forest rangers, and journalists across Canada and the United States.
After performing with her all-women touring show, Beatrice(external link) made Edmonton her home and helped form the music scene in our city. Some of her accomplishments are:
Playing 1st violin in the Edmonton Symphony, as well as conducting its final concert, earning the distinction of being the first woman in Canada to conduct an orchestra
Organizing and conducting the University of Alberta Orchestra in 1923, leading to the formation of the University Philharmonic Society
Founder and musical director Edmonton Civic Opera Society
Graduating from the University of Alberta, Violet was the only woman in her graduating class. She was the first Black person to obtain a law degree in Alberta and the first Black female lawyer in Canada. The Violet King Henry Plaza, overlooking the Alberta Legislature, is a reminder of her legacy(external link) in Alberta breaking barriers for Black people and women across the province. Violet was honoured as the Google Doodle(external link) in 2023.
Thelma Chalifoux(external link) dedicated her life to advocating for social justice and women’s and Indigenous rights. In 1997, she became the first Indigenous woman appointed to the Senate, and after retiring, she served as Métis Elder in Residence at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. She is honoured on a Canadian stamp (external link)in the Indigenous Leaders series.
Betty has an impressive list of titles over her career, including:
16x Alberta Ladies Amateur Champion
4x Alberta Senior Champion
Eastern Provinces Title
Canadian Ladies Close Amateur Champion
5x represented Canada internationally
40x City of Edmonton Championships