Paths and Pathfinders Program
In 1996, as part of International Women’s Day celebrations in the community, Archivist Val Billesberger established the Paths and Pathfinders: Women of Mission Program to preserve, and provide access to materials which document the lives and contributions of women in the City of Mission (formerly the District of Mission 1969-2021), Hatzic Prairie, Hatzic Island, Dewdney, Deroche, Nicomen Island, Lake Errock and McConnell Creek. To date, the lives and contributions of 121 women have been documented. Click here to find out who they are.
A key part of this program is the Annual Women of Mission Gala (formerly known as the Annual Celebration of Women) which is held in October during Women’s History Month in Canada to acknowledge and celebrate the exceptional and every day real life contributions of women.
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL – A Memorable, Inspirational Afternoon
The Second Annual UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL was a resounding success! Held in the Mission Library Meeting Room on June 28th, special guest speakers Judith Ray and Lori Wikdahl shared compelling narratives of milestones in their personal lives facilitated by Linda Clark. Their vivid storytelling evoked strong emotions, sparked laughter, and inspired reflection. It was indeed a memorable and engaging afternoon for all!
Honoured through the Paths & Pathfinders: Women of Mission in 2010, Judith Ray shared her remarkable story that included the indelible mark she left on pediatric nursing at Royal Columbia Hospital during which she cared for Terry Fox. You can find out more about her special connection to Terry and his family by viewing Terry Fox Legacy Circle | A Tale of Two Judiths Webinar – featuring Judith conversing with his sister, Judith Fox.
An honouree in 2006, Lori Wikdahl reflected upon her incredible life experiences that lead her to establish Mission Minor Football and after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, to be the first person to walk across Canada to raise awareness of the chronic disease. Watch for the publication of her forthcoming book about her trek – a journey of incredible endurance, faith and self-discovery.
The photo gallery above features images by Bob Friesen. If you wish to order any, please contact Bob Friesen Photography
2024 Annual Women of Mission Gala
On October 19th, 2024, nearly a hundred guests were welcomed to the 27th Annual Women of Mission Gala, braving the torrential rain of an atmospheric river to attend. Despite the weather, there was a warm, inviting atmosphere filled with lively conversations over refreshments of tea, cookies and fresh strawberries. This year we were proud to have 19 former honourees in attendance along with the three new inductees Camille Atebe, Carol Hamilton, and Bonnie Harber.
Around the room, 40 unique storyboards were on display documenting the lives of the extraordinary women being honoured at the Gala along with 37 others previously honoured.
The uplifting afternoon was spent celebrating women from distinct walks of life, including stories speeches, and music. Miss Shauna, a local musician, was in attendance and performed a song titled “C.O.M.E.T” inspired by records housed in the Archives about a women’s club of the same name which stood for Count On Me Every Time.
Attendees got to hear from the honourees themselves, who had the opportunity to speak after being introduced. Camille shared a stirring and insightful speech about life, Carol recognized her Mothers -biological and adoptive- for their strength and passing it on to her, and Bonnie tearfully expressed thanks to her family. During the presentation, Archivist Val Billesberger, took a moment to read sections of the deeply touching nominee letters, emphasizing the profound impact the inductees had on the lives of the people around them.
There was tremendous support from businesses and private donors this year for the Your Choice Toonie Raffle, door prize, and table sponsorships with over 35 contributing to the program. The generous support of donors allowed us to raise over $1,296 from the raffle alone to support the ongoing effort to acquire, preserve and make accessible women’s history and records. Congratulations to the winners of this year’s raffles!
Please take the time to enjoy the photo gallery from this year’s event and take a moment to read the honouree’s biographies below. We hope to see you at next year’s event!
View our photo gallery of the event featuring photographs by Bob Friesen & attendees. If you wish to order any images please contact the Archives.
Camille Atebe
Carol Hamilton
Bonnie Harber
2024 Annual Women of Mission Gala Photos
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL – Incredible Storytelling!
Last Saturday’s Up Close and Personal event at the Fraser River Interpretive Center on the waterfront was an unbelievable success! With our special guests Deborah Handley and Ann Mohs lending their blinding personalities and memorable stories to an enraptured audience. Archivist, Val Billesberger, received many rave reviews from those in attendance, including feedback that – “This has to be an annual event!”
We at the Archives would like to thank everyone who joined us for an afternoon of laughter, commiseration, storytelling and a joyful performance by Sing Out, a choir directed by Deborah Handley — as well as the delicious Tea Sandwiches and sparkling juice provided by Amazi Coffee and Superstore respectively). We’d also like to thank our sponsors for the event: Mission City Keto Ltd., Swing Optical, What’s on! Mission Magazine, and private donors.
This event was also the first announcement of 2024 Path and Pathfinder’s Program honourees: Bonnie Harber, a truehearted caregiver who’s touched the lives of countless people and a cornerstone member of the Steelhead Community; Camille Atebe, an award winning actor and talented, multi-faceted writer, who is a champion of performing arts and stagecraft; and Carol Hamilton, a visionary long-time community leader who has worked tirelessly to benefit the community while facing life head on. This year’s event will be held on Saturday October 19th at All Saints Anglican Church Hall.
View our photo gallery of the event featuring photographs by Ellen Nguyen, who was the official photographer. If you wish to order any images please contact Ellen Nguyen Photography
2023 Annual Women of Mission Gala
More than 100 people, including local dignitaries, attended the 26th annual Women of Mission Gala at All Saints Anglican Church Hall on Saturday (Oct. 21).
The event is an integral part of the Paths and Pathfinders: Women of Mission Program by the Mission Community Archives. It was established in 1996 to bridge the gaps left in Mission’s history about women.
Held to both honour and increase the visibility of women, the 2023 gala celebrated the lives and achievements of Madeleine Engh, a strong self-made woman and animal lover with diverse capabilities whose passions lay in the creative arts; Pascale-Sara Frenette a visionary community builder whose enthusiasm and adaptability inspires those around her; and Shirley Hilton a lifelong learner whose industrious spirit and caring nature have helped shape our community.
Featured at the event was local emerging writer Charis Young who read a heart-touching poem she wrote specially for the occasion, evoking womanhood and preserving women’s experiences and voices through time.
During the gala archivist Val Billesberger announced a new satellite event for the program in March 2024. Titled Up Close and Personal: Women of Mission, the event will feature live storytelling by local women previously acknowledged through the Paths & Pathfinders Program.
View our photo gallery of the event featuring photographs by Ellen Nguyen. If you wish to order any images please contact Ellen Nguyen Photography
Madeleine Engh
Pascale-Sara Frenette
Shirley Hilton
2023 Annual Women of Mission Gala Photos
2021-2022 Annual Women of Mission Gala
On October 1st, 2022, the Mission Community Archives hosted the 25th Annual Women of Mission Gala at All Saint’s Anglican Church. The event was a smashing success! Tickets were sold out for the first time. More than 80 guests celebrated the lives and contributions of honourees: Ann Mohs, Barbara Strachan, and Margaret Peake. The event opened with a special welcome speech by Chief Alice Thompson of the Leq’á:mel First Nation followed by a celebratory toast to women given by MLA Pam Alexis. View our photo gallery of the event featuring photographs by Ellen Nguyen and Bob Friesen. If you wish to order any images please contact the Archives
Ann Mohs
Barbara Strachan
