Celebrating Women’s History Month 2021: Adrienne Clarkson

October is Women’s History Month in Canada. Over the next few weeks we will be highlighting remarkable women through history to the present day, and featuring some of their works in our library collection.

This week we are showcasing Adrienne Clarkson. From the Government of Canada on Women of Impact in politics: “In 1999, Adrienne Clarkson became the first visible minority to be appointed Governor General of Canada and the first to hold the position without a military or political background. Born in Hong Kong, Clarkson and her parents came to Canada as refugees in 1942, settling in Ottawa. Clarkson spent many years at the CBC as a TV host-interviewer, writer and producer.”

A selection of works by Adrienne Clarkson in our collection:
Belonging: The Paradox of Citizenship
Heart Matters
Canada: A Possible Vision

A general search for articles, biographies and more can be found here.

Additionally this week, some historical trivia (Women in Canadian History: A Timeline):

1875: A university degree is awarded to a woman in Canada for the first time.
1929: Women in Canada are officially recognized as “persons” (previously property).
2005: Same-sex marriage becomes legal across Canada.

Adrienne Clarkson Photo: Image Source