photo credits: Randi Su Gage
Last weekend, the city of Grande Prairie paid a powerful tribute to the strength and sacrifice of women in war with the unveiling of a new memorial and a moving two-day symposium. The events, held on March 7th for the unveiling and March 8th and 9th for the symposium, offered a poignant reflection on the diverse roles women have played in times of conflict and the unique challenges they face.
The weekend commenced on Friday with the unveiling of the Women of War Memorial at the Veterans Memorial Gardens & Interpretive Centre. The impressive 2,500-pound black granite monument stands as a testament to the unwavering courage of women who have served their country. One side of the memorial depicts a female soldier, surrounded by images showcasing women's contributions in various military roles, from nursing and communications to mechanics and administration. The opposite side honors the invaluable contributions of civilian women, featuring images of engineers, shipbuilders, lumberjills, and volunteers.
The inscription, "To the brave women who served as soldiers and volunteers, your courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten," serves as a powerful reminder of their enduring legacy. Adding a special touch, the soldier depicted on the memorial wears copper buttons, a tribute to the strength and resilience of Indigenous female warriors.
The unveiling ceremony itself was a poignant affair punctuated by a particularly moving moment: Randi Su Gage, Indigenous Veteran and founder of Indigenous Veterans Day, bestowed a special blessing upon Brigadier General Vanessa Hanrahan, Canada’s newly minted Provost Marshal. The Grande Prairie Women's Community Drum Group filled the air with moving music as a diverse group of attendees, representing five generations of "warrior women," gathered in solidarity. Brigadier General Hanrahan joined Sergeant Shirley Jew, a Vietnam War veteran, and Randi Su Gage, alongside other veterans including Doris Guerette, and members of the 2850 Army Cadets, symbolizing the unbroken chain of women in service.
The following two-day symposium, "Women of War - Building Resilience in Uncertain Times," provided a platform for sharing stories, exploring challenges, and celebrating the resilience of women who have navigated the complexities of war. A common thread woven throughout each presentation was the importance of utilizing personal tools and strategies to overcome fear and adversity. Each speaker candidly shared her own experiences, highlighting the diverse range of approaches women utilize to navigate the challenges they face.
The symposium featured a diverse range of speakers, each offering valuable insights into the experiences of women in times of conflict:
● Duff Crerar illuminated the historical context of women in war, challenging the notion that women's roles as warriors were a modern development. He highlighted how women have always been active participants in conflict until "civilization" pushed them into domesticated and gentrified roles.
● Kate Goodhelpsen of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment Military Museum shared the poignant stories of nursing sisters, drawing upon their diaries to reveal their struggles with fear, uncertainty and physical challenges.
● Brigadier General Hanrahan captivated the audience with her personal insights into building resilience, offering an unvarnished look at the realities of service.
● Indigenous veteran Randi Su Gage provided a unique perspective on resilience, sharing her experiences as a female Indigenous soldier navigating the rigid structures of the military.
● Holly Sorgen shifted the focus to the civilian experience, exploring how women in business and volunteer roles cope with the anxieties of war and how these experiences shape their leadership styles.
● Michaela Koch DStG, a civilian who works with veterans, discussed the unique challenges of supporting those impacted by military service, particularly those living with operational stress injuries. Sharing her own experience with a brain injury, she highlighted the multifaceted nature of resilience.
● Anna-Lisa Rovak bravely addressed the sensitive topic of sexual trauma, highlighting the importance of support systems and coping mechanisms.
● Sergeant Jew shared her personal experiences as a lesbian woman of Chinese descent in the military, shedding light on the prejudice she faced and the tools she used to overcome adversity, including the invaluable role of service dogs.
The symposium also incorporated practical elements, with practitioners Carla Jones, Cassie Woods and Danielle Douchet leading sessions on meditation, yoga, breathing techniques, and mindfulness to equip attendees with coping skills. Recognizing the emotional weight of the topics discussed, the Resource Centre for Suicide Prevention (https://www.sp-rc.ca/) provided on-site counseling services, ensuring attendees felt supported.
The Women of War Memorial and Symposium served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by women in times of conflict and the strength they demonstrate in overcoming adversity. The event fostered connection and understanding, creating a space for healing, reflection, and empowerment.
For more information on the Women of War Memorial and the Veterans Memorial Gardens & Interpretive Centre, please visit veteransmemorialgardens.com
Visit the Special Projects Playlist on Ride Like a Local to see the videos of the blessing and Sayde Squires reciting her poem.
Special thanks to Veterans Affairs Canada, The Royal Canadian Legion 60 Sexsmith, Royal Canadian Legion 54 Grande Prairie, Gregg Distributors, In memory of Corporal Dorothy Chaytor RCAF WD, Miss Bliss Bath, South Peace Archives, 2Day FM, Windspeaker Media and all of the volunteers that made this possible.
