The Valiant Five

Five Alberta Women
Five Social Reformers
Five Dear Friends

Nellie McClung, a captivating orator, convinced an electorate of the importance of women’s right to vote and to serve as elected officials.

Louise McKinney, the first woman in the British Empire to be sworn in to a legislative assembly, worked as an MLA to improve the lives of women including the recognition of dower rights.

Henrietta Muir Edwards wrote two handbooks summarizing women’s legal status in Canada, becoming more knowledgeable than the chief justice of Canada.

Irene Parlby, the second woman in the British Empire to serve as a cabinet minister, was instrumental in passing 20 laws concerning the welfare of women and children including improvements in rural health.

Emily Ferguson Murphy, the first woman justice in the British Empire, championed The Persons Case, which resulted in Lord Sankey of the Privy Council of England declaring on October 18, 1929 that “the word ‘persons’ in sec. 24 [of the British North America Act] does include women….”

These five women opened the doorway to the empowerment of women. Come celebrate their stories.

Upcoming Performances of The Valiant Five

  • October 18 at 12 PM
    At the Famous Five Statues – Olympic Plaza, Calgary
    Doreen Vanderstoop as Emily Murphy
  • October 20 at 2 PM
    Pink Tea Gala, Crystal Ballroom
    Fairmont Palliser Hotel
    Famous Five Foundation
  • October 26 at 2 PM
    Town of Alix Community Hall – 5008 49th Ave, Alix AB
    403-358-9458
  • October 27 at 2 PM
    Museum and Art Gallery of Red Deer (MAG) – 4525 49a Ave, Red Deer, AB
    403-309-8405
  • October 30 at 7 PM
    Shelf Life Books – 1302 4th Street SW Calgary, AB
    Storytelling Alberta
    403-690-9415

If your organization is interested in booking The Valiant Five for a performance, please email north40stories@hotmail.com or contact one of the following:

Betty Hersberger: 403-690-9415
Mary Hays: 403-556-5831
Donna Barnfield: 587-434-0010
Karen Gummo: 403-869-3921
Doreen Vanderstoop: 403-816-6002