The Cochrane Public Library is hosting an evening of tea and stimulating conversation commemorating the 95th anniversary of the "Persons' Case," a landmark in Canadian history that paved the way for women’s rights.
And they’re doing so with Cochrane’s own ‘Famous Five.’ There will even be a rocket scientist – sort of.
This evening gathering will celebrate the legacy of the real Famous Five and honor the achievements of both historical trailblazers and contemporary women entrepreneurs. Organizers are promising an inspiring evening of tea, treats, and thoughtful conversation, reflecting on the progress made and the journey ahead.
The event, entitled "Tea with Trailblazers" is in conjunction with similar celebrations being held across the country, dubbed the Pink Teas.
The Person’ Case was a landmark in Canadian history. In 1928, a Supreme Court of Canada ruling said that women were not “persons.” As such, they were not allowed to serve in the Senate. The Famous Five challenged the law and in 1929 the decision was reversed. As a result, women were legally recognized as “persons.” They could no longer be denied rights based on a narrow reading of the law.
Carmen Erison, the library’s Program and Engagement Manager, said the event will be unlike anything they’ve presented before.
“It's just going to be a really lovely celebration evening. There'll be tea and treats and snacks and and that kind of stuff and really inspirational speakers,” she said.
“What's also really exciting is the Jack Tennant Bridge is going to be lit up that evening, purple and pink in celebration of this,” Erison said.
The five Cochrane-area speakers will engage in a conversation with participants following their introductory comments. They are:
Penelope Archer, Owner, Penelope Tree e-Business Services – a local Cochrane entrepreneur and volunteer, who is deeply committed to her community and driven by a passion for creating impactful change.
Amber Boyd, BSc, EPC, RPR, is a writer, artist, and politician – Boyd is the District Captain of the Rocky View Métis District for the Otipemisiwak Métis Government (previously known as the Métis Nation of Alberta) and is also a board member of the Indigenous Editors Association. Her artwork and photography have appeared in numerous Indigenous art exhibitions in Calgary, Cochrane, and Airdrie. She owns two businesses and lives in Cochrane, Alberta, with her husband, two kids, and infamous black cats.
Julia Lutchman, Owner of Found Bookstore – Lutchman is the proud owner and operator of Found Books & Shop in Cochrane, Alberta, a cozy and community-focused bookstore that has been welcoming visitors since around August 2020.
Gemma Noon, Co-Founder of Folklore Research – Noon is the co-founder of Folklore Research, a historical research and heritage consultancy based in Cochrane, where she specializes in uncovering the lost and hidden histories of ordinary people and communities.
Anna Surtayeva, Space Robotics Engineer – Surtayeva is an experienced space robotics engineer who has contributed to several significant space missions, including work on the International Space Station, the Lunar Rover, and an asteroid sample return mission.
Outside of her professional life, Surtayeva is a mother to two homeschooled children, two cats and three horses. She and her family live on a homestead in the woods, embracing a lifestyle connected to nature.
As an entrepreneur and business owner, Surtayeva expresses her creativity as a photographer and pottery artist. Her interests also extend to psychology, herbs, and natural remedies, reflecting her curiosity about how the world works.
She firmly believes that "impossible is just an opinion," a mindset that fuels her drive to explore new ideas and take on challenges in both her career and personal life.
The Pink Tea is Friday, Oct. 18 from 7 pm. to 9 pm. It’s free but registration is required. Go to cochranepubliclibrary.ca.
For more information about the Famous5 Foundation and Pink Teas, visit www.famous5.ca.
Annual Book Sale Nov. 2 and 3
The Friends of Cochrane Public Library Society will hold their annual book sale Saturday, Nov. 2 and Sunday, Nov. 3 at the Cochrane RancheHouse.
They are accepting donations, which can be dropped off (books and movies) in good condition during the regular opening hours of the library.
They are also still looking for volunteers to help out with the book sale. To volunteer go onto the library’s website and scroll to “Support us.”
