​Elder Shirley John named woman of distinction at International Women’s Day

Elder Shirley John, also known as Strong White Buffalo Woman, of Saugeen First Nation, was awarded the Woman of Distinction award at the International Women’s Day celebration, held March 10, at the Kincardine Pavilion.

Hosted by the Bruce County Business to Bruce program and Women's House Serving Bruce and Grey, the focus was on “An Evening with Women Leading Change.”

Michelle Lamont, community and fund development co-ordinator for Women’s House, announced that John had won the Woman of Distinction award over seven other candidates, but there were no nominations for the Young Woman of Distinction award this year.

John is widely-respected as a spiritual leader and advocate for the preservation of Indigenous life, said Lamont. She shares the traditions of the Ojibway culture and is a humble woman doing all she can to improve and support her community.

“It is a great honour to receive this award,” said John. “I’m so excited. I thank the Creator and Mother Earth, and this great Lake Huron where we preserve the water. I’m grateful for my husband, Ron, for my home and my life. I’m thankful for all the love in my life and to all of you. Love is for all people.

“Thank you for this very special gift.”

More than 100 people attended the event to hear keynote Susan Brissette and Jackie Arnold. Brissette highlighted the vital role of women in the clean energy sector, while Arnold encouraged attendees to overcome internal barriers.

Local entrepreneur Tarah Coates of SurfSup Eco Shop opened the evening by talking about being a female in traditionally male-dominated industries. And Rebekah Wilson closed out the event by speaking about gender diversity in the workplace.

The evening was filled with memorable take-aways to inspire and empower both women and other attendees looking to embrace equity. “When women thrive, we all win,” said Brissette of Wild Matriarch.

“It was wonderful to gather in person and network with inspiring women making progress and real change in our communities,” said Lamont. “As women working as allies, we can stand together and embrace equity through events like this.”

The event helps build capacity within Bruce County's entrepreneurship ecosystem while highlighting success among women entrepreneurs in our communities.

“When we lift women, we lift the community,” said Claire Dodds, director of planning and development at Bruce County. “This event highlighted women’s experiences as leaders in our communities, motivating us all to shine a light on the contributions of women. It is important to empower women to be proud of their accomplishments.”

Proceeds from tickets sales and additional donations, raised a total of $3,905 for the Women’s House.

In addition to the event, an on-line auction, hosted by Nuclear Promise X (NPX), offered locally-purchased items up for bid, graciously donated by Women’s House sponsors. The auction raised a grand total of $2,009 for the Women’s House.