In February 1897 one hundred rural women met in Stoney Creek, Ontario, as the first Women's Institute. Originally allied with the Farmer's Institute, the Women's Institute became an independent entity which nonetheless maintained strong ties to a variety of agricultural organizations.

Nakusp Women's Institute Group
C-04671
By 1909, the organization had spread to British Columbia and numbered fifteen different Institutes in various rural communities. By 1911, the British Columbia Agricultural Assistance Act was passed which gave legal recognition to the Institutes.

During the First World War the organization spread to Great Britain and became allied with similar groups in other countries under the auspices of the Associated Country Women of the World. In Canada the independent provincial groups eventually became united under a national structure.

Barriere Women's Institute
first flower show
B-08273
The initial aim of the Institutes was to provide for women's education in the areas of domestic and agricultural science.

The limited education opportunities for many women, the difficulties of a rural life, and the lack of any organized support structure, made the Institutes extremely popular. Apart from the educational aspects, the Institutes provided an excellent focus for social activity in many small rural towns.

Kalamalka Women's Institute
home decorating course
B-01989
During the two World wars, the Womens' Institutes became extremely involved in the War Effort, fundraising, nursing, collecting and manufacturing domestic supplies. Individual Institutes would hold various events such as dances, plays, and recitals as social events in their communities and the proceeds would go to support the war. Many Institutes spent time canning fruit, knitting socks, and making bandages for the troops overseas.

AAAA0292, MS-0174, BC Archives, Burton Women's Institute Poem, 1949

Regular Institute activities might include fall fairs, flower shows, garden contests, campaigns for better parks and public buildings, musical and theatrical performances, establishing libraries, and sponsoring a variety of lectures. The Institutes also became involved in many charities and advocating for the welfare of women and children.

Kalamalka Women's Institute
garden party
B-01988
While not as popular and common as they once were, Women's Institutes still operate in rural areas in the province primarily as service organizations.






We respect your privacy and the privacy of your children, and urge you to review the Privacy Policy for this Web Site.
 
Unless indicated otherwise, this page and all contents are Copyright © ,
British Columbia Archives, Royal BC Museum.