Yellowknife Online

International Female Ride Day is a campaign for women motorcyclists who own, ride or have access to a motorcycle; inviting women to “JUST RIDE”. By being on a motorcycle on International Female Ride Day, by participating and by riding, women enthusiastically contribute to building awareness of female motorcyclists. They also demonstrate to others the fun and enjoyment women of all diversities share in this wonderful motor-sport. The event occurs on the first Friday of May each year, where women participate by simply being on their motorcycle to –JUST RIDE! Hope you’ll join us once again!

This is a guest post from Mira Hall, I realize International Women’s Day has past but, better late then never.

As a young girl my mother frequently brought my brother and I to work with her and involved us in the things that she was involved in. It was through this that I first became familiar with feminism, the Yellowknife Women’s Society and International Women’s Day. My memories center on a few women who defined my understanding of feminism and they include Moira Cameron, Dawn Lacey, Lynn Gangon, Joanne Lowell, Wendy Irving, Bev Grey and of course my mother, Arlene Hache.

I remember Bev always wearing flowery and flowing dresses, and her passion for nature and her earth feminism. I remember Lynn always being so Montreal-Glam and full of empowerment as if discriminating against her or infringing on her rights just simply wasn’t an option. I remember the fiery passion of Joanne who always encouraged me to create my own spaces. I remember the way that Moira and Dawn would sing ballads that wove intricate stories over the delicate sound of Moira’s Dulcimer. I remember being fascinated by Wendy’s drafting table and her kind encouragement of my own artistic development, and I remember the way that my mum would have coffee and talk with anyone from politicians to homeless women while demonstrating respect.

These are the women that I remember organizing and spearheading International Women’s Day Celebrations in Yellowknife. Especially Moira Cameron and Dawn Lacey who have also been the primary organizers for the Take Back the Night marches that have happened in Yellowknife. I remember celebrations held at the museum, and at NACC. I remember short film festivals, musical performances, storytelling and theatrical presentations depicting the lived experiences of women from all over the world living in Yellowknife.

As a young girl born and raised in Yellowknife, I can say that the International Women’s Day celebrations provided me with my biggest overview of what it is to be a woman. It was my first dedicated time and space to the exploration of femininity, lived experiences, and statements about being “Woman.” I heard from women in my life, and I saw presentations from women in other places.

Now many years later I’ve seen a temporary dip in activity around organizing for the celebration. I think in a way that people had come to expect those that had organized in previous years to just take care of things and maybe there is just a blip in patching together the work of the established feminists in our community with the work of rising feminist community activists. I see a very active and passionate new wave of feminists in our community like Rebecca Hall, Nancy and Rachel McNeil, and a few others that have started organizing V-day celebrations and being active in our community on issues effecting women. I am kind of sad that I’ve reached an age where I have started to notice generational changes, but in a way happy that my daughter can look forward to the tremendous example set by these women.

Happy International Women’s Day YZF!