Aristos Education Services      October 2023 Newsletter

Educational History with Canada’s Coolest Women

Journey through the history of education in Canada via historical and modern Canadian women to celebrate Women’s History Month 

Dear Aristos Community,

October is a month of great significance in Canada, as we come together to celebrate Canadian Women's History Month. This is a time to reflect upon and honor the invaluable contributions of Canadian women to our society, particularly in the realm of education. Join us as we pay tribute to the remarkable women who have shaped Canada's educational landscape.

1645: Jeanne Mance - Canada’s First Hospital

Born in 1606, Jeanne Mance was a woman ahead of her time. In an era when women were confined to traditional roles, she defied societal expectations and embarked on a mission that would change the course of Canadian healthcare forever. Her vision was clear: to establish a place of healing and care, irrespective of gender or social status.

Jeanne arrived in Canada among the founders of New France in 1642. She provided hospital care out of her own home until 1645, when she established Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal - Canada’s first hospital. She did most of the care directly herself until 1657, when she hired her first employees, three sisters of Religieuses hospitalières de Saint-Joseph, so she could take a director role. Her unwavering commitment to providing healthcare to the sick and vulnerable set a groundbreaking precedent. Jeanne Mance's hospital was not just a place of medical treatment; it was a symbol of empowerment and a harbinger of women's liberation and place among healthcare.

1853: Mary Ann Shadd Cary - First Black Newspaperwoman in North America

Born in 1823, Mary Ann Shadd Cary was a woman of unwavering conviction. In the tumultuous 19th century when Black folks and women were denied basic rights and often relegated to the margins of society, she refused to accept the status quo. Determined to challenge the prevailing norms, she embarked on a remarkable journey of activism and journalism. Mary’s family was heavily involved in the abolition of slavery and the Underground Railroad. Growing up, her family home was a safe haven for escaped slaves. Her parents believed in the importance of education, and would run an informal school for the folks they cared for. But when it became illegal to educate Black children in the state of Delaware, the family moved to Pennsylvania, dedicated to pursuing freedom for Black folks in North America. In 1840, she would found her own school in East Chester, Pennyslvania, inspired by the staunch activism of her parents and her own education at a Quaker school.In 1850, the Fugitive Slave Law was passed, putting Mary and her family in jeopardy. In order to continue their work, they moved to Canada. Soon after, Mary established an integrated school to bring education to the Black folks of Windsor, and by 1853, she had founded "The Provincial Freeman," a newspaper dedicated to advocating for the rights of Black people and marginalized communities. This groundbreaking publication served as a platform for her voice and the voice of Black Canadians, advocating not only for the abolition of slavery but also for women's rights and empowerment. Mary Ann understood that women's liberation was inextricably linked to broader social justice movements, and she fearlessly championed both causes, regardless of the risk and danger she faced. 

1981: Joy Kigawa - Publishing of Obasan

Born in 1935 in Vancouver, Canada, Joy Kogawa grew up in a world marked by prejudice and injustice. Her family's internment during World War II, and her subsequent experience as a Japanese Canadian woman left her with a lot to say. It was through her writing that she found a voice to articulate the profound impact of these issues, and became an enduring symbol of women's liberation and the transformative power of education.

In "Obasan," Kogawa's seminal novel published in 1981, she sensitively explores the experiences of Japanese-Canadian women during and after the internment. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Naomi Nakane, Kogawa paints a vivid picture of the hardships endured by women, highlighting their resilience, strength, and capacity for liberation in the face of adversity. Joy’s work not only sheds light on the injustices faced by Japanese-Canadian women but also underscores the vital role of education in understanding and overcoming systemic discrimination. 

Joy went on to produce more works for both children and adults including Itsuka/Emily Kato (1992/2005), The Rain Ascends (1995), and Naomi’s Road (2005). Joy also produced poetry throughout her life, published in various poetry selections including A Garden of Anchors: Selected Poems (2003). 

1985: Mary Two-Axe Earley - Passing of Bill C-31

Born in 1911, Mary Two-Axe Earley was a proud Mohawk woman from the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory in Quebec. Her mother, a nurse and teacher named Juliet Smith, died treating patients while they were living in South Dakota when she was young, leaving her to her grandparents at  Kahnawake. It became her true home as she developed a deeper connection to the community during the rest of her childhood.

After she married, herself to a non-native man, Mary Two-Axe Earley became a vocal advocate for Indigenous women's rights, particularly concerning the archaic Indian Act, which stripped Indigenous women of their status and rights if they married non-Indigenous men. This rendered these women incapable of passing indigenous status to their children and of owning land and living in their own communities. 

Mary traveled extensively, tirelessly lobbying Canadian policymakers to rectify the discriminatory provisions. Her efforts culminated in the passing of Bill C-31 in 1985, which restored status and rights to Indigenous women and their descendants, marking a monumental victory for women's liberation and Indigenous rights. Throughout her campaign, she stressed the importance of spreading the word, giving many talks and submitting works to educate folks on the nature of the issue. Later, she would serve on the board of directors for the Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women.

Local Resources and Events about Women’s History Month

Hamilton Public Library

• Link to Women’s History Month page for 2023: https://www.hpl.ca/womens-history

• Indigenous Market at Central branch HPL: Saturday, October 15 - 10:00am-4:00pm

• Artist Talk: Ellen Ryan at Dundas branch HPL: Friday, October 14 - 2:00pm-3:00pm

• Make Art for teens (Program) at Waterdown HPL: Monday, October 2 - 6:00pm-7:00pm

Canadian Women's History Month is a reminder of the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead. By honoring the contributions of Canadian women in education, we ensure that their legacy continues to inspire future generations.

International Cybersecurity Awareness Month

This month we also want to call attention to international Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Cybersecurity Awareness Month, observed every October, serves as a critical reminder of the importance of safeguarding our digital lives. In an era of increasing cyber threats, this annual campaign seeks to educate individuals and organizations about the ever-evolving landscape of online security. It promotes best practices, encourages vigilance against phishing scams, malware, and data breaches, and underscores the significance of strong passwords, regular software updates, and two-factor authentication. By raising awareness, Cybersecurity Awareness Month empowers people to take proactive measures in protecting their sensitive information and digital assets, ultimately contributing to a safer and more secure online environment for all.

Cyber-Hygeine Tips

1. Strong Passwords: Use unique, complex passwords for each online account, combining letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a trusted password manager to store and generate strong passwords.

2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to provide a secondary verification method, like a text message or authentication app code, in addition to your password.

3. Regular Updates: Keep your operating system, software, and applications up to date with the latest security patches and updates. Cybercriminals often exploit known vulnerabilities.

4. Beware of Phishing: Be cautious of unsolicited emails, messages, or links. Verify the sender's identity and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. Phishing is a common method for cyberattacks.

Thank you for entrusting Aristos with your educational goals. We hope to educate folks of all ages on the importance of security when using the internet. And we hope to foster a deeper appreciation for Canadian women's history and empower students to create a more equitable future. 

We are here to support you every step of the way. Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Happy learning!

Warm regards,

info@aristoseducation.ca (365) 889-3756Admin: contact@aristoseducation.ca (289) 858-6065