About Us
"Canada is destined to be one of the great nations of the world and Canadian women must be ready for citizenship." - Nellie McClung
Though more than 60 years have passed since noted suffragist and member of the Famous 5,Nellie McClung, penned these words in her autobiography, they remain as relevant today as ever.
When The Famous 5 - five courageous, idealistic women - stepped forward onto the world stage in 1929, challenging laws and convention to insist that women were indeed "persons", they altered the world. Not only did they change all Commonwealth nations law to enable women to become Senators, they set a stirring example of the power of women who work together as leaders and nation builders.
Inspired by their example, The Famous 5 Foundation seeks to help the current and the next generation of Canadian women to become "ready for citizenship" - to realize their vast potential for leadership and public service.
We do this through the recognition and support of today and tomorrow's women leaders. Our activities include sponsoring a Enbridge Famous 5 Speakers Series Luncheon, as well as other networking and mentorship opportunities for women. We also have created a web-based Famous 5 Curriculum for educators in partnership with Alberta Heritage and youth award programs to recognize and engage the leaders of tomorrow.
The Foundation also works to commemorate and spread awareness of the accomplishments of the Famous 5. This has included the creation of larger-than-life bronze monuments at Olympic Plaza in Calgary and on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, a Famous 5 Millennium postage stamp and a 'Nation Builders' $50 bill.
In 2009, on the 80th Anniversary of the 'Persons' Case, the Government of Canada named the Famous 5 Honorary Senators posthumously.
