History Supplement of the Alberta Women's Institutes

              HISTORY SUPPLEMENT OF THE ALBERTA WOMEN'S INSTITUTE
A. W. I. CONVENTION — UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA, EDMONTON
MAY 31-^ JUNE 2, 1967
THEME: " THE SECOND CENTURY CHALLENGE"
PRESIDENT: MRS. JOSEPH BIELISH
The Centennial mood was at a high pitch at this Convention. At
the banquet there was a " Parade of Century Fashions" — a colorful
exciting pageant. The oldest costume was 106 years.
There was also a parade of Histories and Scrapbooks with fifty
eight Branches taking part.
Another pageant of ethnic costumes portrayed the rich multira­cial
and multi- cultural backgrounds of the people in Alberta.
Mrs. James Melnyk of Warspite was the capable song leader,
accompanied by Mrs. A. Huse of Alliance at the piano.
At the " Get Acquainted Party" there was a wig demonstration
with willing models from the audience.
For the first time Native Indian women attended our Conven­tion
and were warmly welcomed.
Mrs. Norman Hewitt gave the keynote address " Women's Chal­lenge
in the Space Age". Mrs. Hewitt successfully combined a career
in law with homemaking and is the mother of three children. If
" housewife" means to manage with economy and skill, she said,
women if they are informed could control the vote and would be able
to reform the laws that affect the family unit.
A panel of Native Indian women, moderated by Mrs. Eugene
Steinhauer, of Edmonton, included Mrs. Emma Minde of Hob-bema
Reserve; Mrs. Leona Willier of the Sucker Creek Reserve, Mrs.
Madeline Goodrider of the Piegan Band on the Brockett Reserve,
Mrs. Margaret Makokis of the Saddle Lake Reserve; Mrs. Ber-
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Not all was business. A. W. I, celebrated its 60th birthday, and to
help celebrate the F. W. I. C. President, Mrs. George Clarke was pre­sent.
In her talk she gave us an insight into the branches of other
Provinces and the Territories. She likened the movement to a cor­ridor
with many doors — doors of opportunity that members may
take advantage of. Mrs. G. R. Ridley, a W. I. member for sixty years
cut the birthday cake. The Native Women presented a panel —
Success with Unity, We Are Responsible. In each member's presen­tation
there was a message to be taken home and reflected upon in
the quiet hours long after the rush of Convention was over.
And just as quickly as it came, it was all over! A Life Member­ship
— a signal honor! A beautiful silver tray all suitably engraved!
Little gifts and mementos quietly given. Some notes of appreciation!
And still a few questions as yet unanswered. I heard the voice of Mrs.
A. H. Rogers, " There is nothing so past as a Past President". The
four years as A. W. I. President have opened many doors for me, and I
can choose one at will — they all contain very precious memories.