Famous 5 Foundation
Recently we attended one of Famous 5 Foundations speaker series events sponsored by Enbridge here in Sarnia. We learned all about the foundation and found it quite interesting.
THE FAMOUS 5 FOUNDATION MANIFESTO
We know today’s privileges are the results of yesterday’s efforts, and we want the whole story—
We are curiou5.
We are the new leaders and future leaders, and we’re here to shape our nation—
We are ambitiou5.
We have the spirit of discovery, and the desire to explore our great country and beyond—
We are adventurou5.
We are leaders in science, art, politics, education, healthcare; masters of our crafts—
We are ingeniou5.
We are prepared for acts of high and splendid bravery for progress and equality—
We are courageou5.
We are famou5.
The Famous 5 Foundation was founded by 5 amazing women.
Emily Murphy- 1868, Cookstown, ON – 1933, Edmonton, AB
A prominent suffragist, reformer and writer, Emily Murphy (born Emily Gowan Ferguson) became the first female magistrate in the British Empire in 1916
Nellie McClung -1868, Frankville, ON – 1931, Claresholm, AB
Louise McKinney (born Louise Crummy) was a lifelong organizer and staunch supporter of the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU).
Henrietta Muir Edwards-1873, Chatsworth, ON – 1951, Victoria, BC
Nellie McClung (born Nellie Letitia Mooney) was a novelist, reformer, journalist, and suffragist. Feisty and charismatic, Nellie had a way of winning over opponents with her wit and humour.
Louise McKinney- 1849, Montreal, QC – 1931, Fort MacLeod, AB
The eldest of the Famous Five, Henrietta Muir Edwards (born Henrietta Louise Muir), was an artist as well as a legal expert.
Irene Parlby-1868, London, England – 1965, Red Deer, AB
An aristocratic English woman who became a Western Canadian farmer’s wife, Irene Parlby (born Mary Irene Marryat) was a firm advocate for rural farm women of Alberta. She organized and became the first President of the United Farm Women’s Association in 1916.
There are lots of ways this foundation offers knowledge and encouragement.
1) The Speaker Series
The Famous 5 Foundation chooses speakers to talk about their careers, and the passion, vision and determination that drives them toward their goals.
In relating their lives, women and men will hear about the different challenges as well as triumphs; humorous incidents and stories of loss; humbling moments of reflection and inspiring calls to action.
Watch for this speaker series to start up again next year.
2) Legacy
Through educational curriculum’s and projects, the Legacy Programs work to ensure the story of the Famous Five is told and celebrated.
3) Future 5
Through skill-building workshops and events, the Future 5 Program helps young girls grow into Canada’s next generation of leaders.
The speaker we were privileged to watch that day was Jennifer Buchanan. She is just one of the extraordinarily successful women whom they have had present on their stage. Jennifer is a health speaker, health entrepreneur and a certified music therapist. She shared her story along with the struggles she went through as a female entrepreneur starting her own business. She told us about her vision, and the passion she had for it, as well as the fear that sometimes prevents us from moving forward with our dreams. We also learned about the importance music can have on our lives, she shared a short video where we watched how music therapy can be used to help patients with Dementia, as well as its affects for differently abled persons. It was very touching and a great reminder.