The University of Northern British Columbia will be hosting a
distinguished Canadian during events to mark International Women’s Day.
Nova Scotia Lieutenant Governor Mayann E. Francis will visit Prince
George on March 6th and 7th and speak on the theme of “Strong Women.
Strong World?”
Ms. Francis is the first African Nova Scotian and only the second woman
to be named Lieutenant Governor in Nova Scotia, a position that
pre-dates Confederation by more than 100 years. Since her installation
in 2006, Her Honour has brought a unique and wide-ranging perspective
to her role as the Queen’s representative in Nova Scotia. She grew up
in the Cape Breton Island community of Whitney Pier, at one time one of
the most ethnically diverse communities in Atlantic Canada. She started
her career as an x-ray technologist then went on to earn certificates
and degrees from Saint Mary’s University, New York University, Cornell
University, and the Atlantic School of Theology. In 1999, Ms. Francis
was named CEO of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.
Her Honour’s presentations in Prince George are scheduled as follows:
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Friday, March 7, 3:00pm, Atrium of the Administration building
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Saturday, March 8, 9:00am, Ramada Inn International Women’s Day
Breakfast. Tickets are required for this event: contact
sussanneskidmore@telus.net or call 564-4752 for more information.
“This year’s theme draws in part from one of the firmly held beliefs
underlying the modern women’s movement: that empowered women bring
about positive and fundamental social change as well as secure a
brighter future for everyone,” says event organizer and UNBC graduate,
Helen Domshy. “Mayann Francis is proof and she will no doubt challenge
each of us to consider how we are helping to make our community a
better place for all.”
Her Honour’s visit is being sponsored by the Hamber Foundation and the Women’s and Gender Studies department at UNBC.
Contact:
Helen Domshy, Event Organizer – 250.564.4288
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC – 250.960.5622
