From Away
Artwork by Sharon Rubuliak
Making a Home at Buffalo Jump
$400
After the Boer War, the 'redundant' British gentlewomen of the 1890's were recruited to the Canadian West to earn a living. They were not prepared for the hard work of homesteading, but the hardier ones stayed and set to the task of civilizing the New World "for the race and for the Empire." The early years were particularly difficult but life had its rewards. Many of these educated women were drawn to beauty of the landscape and freedom from the rigid social structure that led to their social uselessness in Britain. Through their daring, diligence and triumphs, these women 'from away' helped to establish an open society in a new land. In doing so, they ensured strong vibrant communities, laying the foundation for the suffrage movement in Canada. This work inspired by the book "A Flannel Shirt and Liberty" edited by Susan Jackel.