International Women's Day #PressforProgress

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Thursday, March 8th, 2018
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Josie Osborne, Mayor, District of Tofino, will address a crucial part of closing the gender gap: Why we need more women in government and How do we get them there? Mayor Osborne is leader in a community that is home of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is also a world-class eco-tourism destination. In her own words, Women have faced many challenges in taking their seat at the council or board table over the years, but as we enter 2018 there are signs of success amid the ongoing struggle for gender equity. Mayor Osborne will explore the history and current state of women's involvement in government and how we are moving forward together. She will share her personal journey and challenges, as well as advice for girls, women and all who have a role in supporting women in taking on leadership positions. Her own journey includes a BSc Marine Biology, an MA Resource Management, work as a fisheries biologist with the Nuu-Chah-nulth Tribal Council and service as a Board member for the Raincoast Education Society and the Tofino Botanical Gardens. As a woman scientist, she sees it as one of her central responsibilities to encourage young women to enter careers in science.

The evening will open with the telling of a First Nations story "The Little Mice and The Douglas Fir" by Indigenous students in School District 69. This moving story was told with clarity at the 2017 Indigenous Winter Celebration in Parksville. It will be a fitting introduction to Mayor Osborne, a member of the newly appointed Climate Solutions and Clean Growth Advisory Council of the Government of BC.

Displays at the event will include photographs of Oceanside women in government, celebrating their achievements, and paintings by Qualicum artist and Creator Peggy Burkosky, who is included in the 2017 publication Beckoned By The Sea: Women At Work on the Cascadia Coast by author Sylvia Taylor. This book is an anthology of achievement and includes stories ranging from those of History Keepers Vi Mundy, distinguished Ucluelet First Nations Councillor and Japanese-Canadian elder Mary Kimoto also Ucluelet to Harvester Roberta Stevenson, Comox, Executive Director of the BC Shellfish Gowers' Association and Protector Josie Osborne.