Visit Science World’s newest exhibitions: Trailblazing: Women in Canada since 1867

Trailblazing: Women in Canada since 1867 Exhibition Unveils Untold Stories at Science World
starting on June 16th

Exhibition delivers a captivating exploration of women’s impact, empowerment, and
challenges through engaging presentations, interactive stations, and historical artifacts.

Trailblazing: Women in Canada since 1867 presented by Acuitas Therapeutics will be on exhibition at Science World, starting on June 16, 2023. This exhibition explores how women have transformed Canadian politics, work, and everyday life. The exhibition also examines work that still needs to be done in the 21st century with respect to women’s rights, different experiences based on race, class and ethnicity, and the experiences of the “everyday” woman. Currently in Canada, there is no national women’s history museum or long-term exhibition devoted to this topic.

Highlighted throughout the exhibition are Canadian women who have been “trailblazers” in bringing about social and political change. Visitors will learn about the accomplishments of hundreds of remarkable women. From Hide Hyodo Shimizu, a teacher who organized a school system in British Columbia’s Japanese internment camps during the Second World War to Sheila Watt-Cloutier, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee in 2007 and Inuk who advocates for the environmental, cultural and human rights of Inuit of the Arctic. All their stories will inspire.

“This exhibition is an opportunity to showcase the monumental impact women have had on Canadian history, acknowledging the stories of those who contributed to social and political change,” said Tracy Redies, President and CEO of Science World. “By highlighting the significant contributions, but also the struggles women have experienced, we bring to light the need to increase diversity in all fields in order to achieve gender equality, and particularly, Science World’s commitment to increasing diversity in STEAM fields.”

What visitors can expect to see at the exhibition:

A violence against women memorial theatre, a 360-degree outward projection onto 16 figures representing women from different backgrounds. When projecting, the figures become animated with content focusing on a variety of themes relating to Violence Against Women*.

Hands-on “women’s work” interactives, where visitors will explore various types of work available to women from the 1930’s to 1960’s, including six hands-on interactives: ironing, a switchboard, nursing, World War II fuse assembly, typewriting and fish canning. Each interactive has a video showing the activity being performed.

A hands-on hockey game that features famous Canadian female players from a variety of time periods, that operates like the common NHL game sold in stores. From Lady Stanley, who played in the first recorded female hockey game in 1889, to Manon Rhéaume, the first woman to play in an NHL game, Trailblazing also explores the history of women’s hockey in Canada. Visitors will view items worn by Olympian Hayley Wickenheiser, on loan from the Hockey Hall of Fame.

And much more.

“This will be an exceptional exhibition that will inspire, engage, and make us think. We’re proud to be a presenting sponsor,” said Abi Coman-Walker, Chief Operating Officer of Acuitas Therapeutics. “Women have contributed an exceptional amount to our lives, despite those contributions often being overlooked or unrecognized.” She added: “At Acuitas, we are committed to doing our part to support, lift up, and create opportunities for women and other underrepresented communities because understanding what has happened in the past and what we need to do for tomorrow is the key to a successful and equity-based society.”

Did you know?

Between 1892 and 1969, it was illegal in Canada to advertise, sell, or distribute contraceptives. In 1936, social worker Dorothea Palmer was arrested and charged for distributing birth control information. Her trial captured the nation’s attention, and sparked debate about a woman’s right to contraception.

In 1978, the Fleck workers’ strike occurred. Women workers at the Fleck Manufacturing plant had endured horrible working conditions and sexual harassment. This strike set a precedent and challenged the labour movement to address the needs of women workers.

*Trailblazing contains stories of real women with themes of gender, sexuality, racism, discrimination and sexual and domestic violence. Due to the sensitive nature, we encourage visitors to take care before exploring the gallery.

Tickets are available at scienceworld.ca and at the door.
@scienceworldca #scienceworldca

The exhibit was created by the Waterloo Region Museum in collaboration with women’s history professors from the University of Waterloo. Input from various groups from across Canada also influenced the design and content of the exhibit.

This project is funded by the Region of Waterloo, in part by the Government of Canada through the Museums Assistance Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

About Science World
Science World is a BC-based charitable organization that engages the people of British Columbia in STEAM literacy. Their mission is to ignite wonder and empower dreams through science and nature. Their vision is that within a generation, Canada will be a country of thriving, sustainable communities rooted in science, innovation and a deep connection to nature.

About Acuitas Therapeutics
Vancouver-based Acuitas Therapeutics (www.acuitastx.com) is a private biotechnology company that specializes in the development of delivery systems for nucleic acid therapeutics based on lipid nanoparticles since 2009. The team works with partners to develop new therapies to address unmet clinical needs based on its internationally recognized capabilities in delivery technology and strives to improve human health.

Media release and image provided by Kat Aquino, The Tea Co.