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 116 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.
A key part of the Paths & Pathfinder Program is the Annual Women of Mission Gala (formerly known as the Annual Celebration of Women). Held in October as part of Women’s History Month in Canada, the event acknowledges both the exceptional and every day real life contributions of women. Click here to find out who they are.
This year’s gala is being held on Saturday, October 21st at All Saints Anglican Church Hall starting at 1:00PM. Tickets are $20 plus fees and must be PRE-PURCHASED through Eventbrite.
Our 2023 honourees are: 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.
A very special thanks to our corporate partners for supporting our event!
DOOR PRIZE: Lanka Jewels ($250 Wrist Watch)
TABLE SPONSORS: Christine Allan – RE/MAX MAGNOLIA | Karen Bungar Notary | Michele Cummins – RE/MAX MAGNOLIA | The Engh Team | Goody Two Shoes | Jim Hinds | Lanka Jewels | Sue’s Copy Place| Tom Osterberg – Lighthouse Realty | VIP Soap Productions LTD | What’s On! Mission Magazine | World Odyssey Travel – Leah Stewart
YOUR CHOICE RAFFLE BASKETS:
• Fun in The Sun: Casa Del Sol | Perfect Piece Optical
• Get Cooking: Goldenball Mercantile | Meridian Farm Market | Pressland General | Totally Bookish
• PAW-fect for me! Bosley’s Heritage Park
• Mission Grab Bag: Browns Social House | Karla’s Specialteas | Moonwater Soap & Candles | Silverdale Crossing Starbucks | Trendy or What Knot Yarns & Gifts
• Queen For a Day: Beautiful U Boutique | Mackie Naturals Salon & Spa | Magnolia’s on Main | ZZ Cuts Hair Salon
• Taste of Mission: Blackberry Kitchen Restaurant and Canteen | Browns Social House | Corona’s Mexican Restaurant | Rocko’s 24 hour Diner
YOU CAN PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
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