Welcome to the first ‘She Said/She Said’ for 2012, where GGC Members from across Canada review the book of the month and share their opinions with us. This month, we take a look at 100 Photos That Changed Canada, edited by Mark Reid, published by Harper Collins Canada.

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She Said: Sarah Van Dusen
LINK Member

100 Photos that Changed Canada, created by Canada’s History magazine tells the story of our country through iconic photographs, from a photograph of Aboriginal chief Maun-gua-daus in 1847 to Sidney Crosby scoring the game winning goal in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

The book contains many pictures of familiar events, such as John Lennon’s “Bed-in” for peace in Montreal in 1969 and Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope in 1980, as well as lesser known stories that are a crucial part of Canada’s history.

Several of the photographs and people portrayed are particularly relevant and interesting for members and supporters of Girl Guides of Canada, including astronaut Roberta Bondar, an Honourary Lifetime Member, and stories important to the history of women in Canada, such as “The Persons Case” and the success of women during the 1928 Olympic Games.

Several of the photos are displayed artfully with items relevant to the picture. For example, the iconic photograph of the final spike being placed in the Canadian Pacific Railway is arranged with a map, a post card, and a photo of a train from that time.

Each photo is accompanied with insightful and fascinating commentary, written by some of Canada’s best known historians, including Charlotte Gray and Tim Cook, and cultural and political figures including Peter Mansbridge and Thomas S. Axworthy.

The book is absolutely beautiful, with clear pictures and strong colours. It is perfect for anyone who adores Canadian history, or is eager to know more about our heritage, and is definitely a valuable book to be enjoyed long into the future.

By guest blogger Sarah. Sarah is a Link member and is currently a first year arts and social science student at Brescia University College in London, Ontario.

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She Said: Audrey Forrest
Regina Trefoil Adventure Guild

A copy of 100 Photos That Changed Canada would be an excellent coffee table book in any home. Starting with a painted composite created in 1870, through to a defining moment in the House of Commons in 2008, there are 100 photographs (one extra!) depicting special events in our history. Thirty-seven authors contributed one-page articles in support of the photos of individuals and events covering war, politics, disasters, the arts, sports and entertainment.

I was particularly fascinated with the stories of women, including the stunning revelation that it was a woman who, in 1901, successfully went over Niagara Falls in a barrel. Certainly not a wise choice in terms of health and safety, but a remarkable achievement in itself.  Although wet and bruised when assisted to shore, her hair bun remained in place! Another photo from 1907 depicts a young woman in a maple leaf costume who was the “Girl from Canada”, hired to tour Great Britain on a bicycle to promote immigration to Canada.

Other photos depicting women who have a place in Canadian history include “The Matchless Six”, the most successful women’s team at the 1928 Summer Olympics, earning two gold, one silver and one bronze medal for Canada; “Ronnie the Bren Gun Girl” who, in 1941, was Canada’s own poster girl for her work as a riveter in support of the war effort; and, of course, Dr. Roberta Bondar. There are many other stories to empower Girl Guides and women to follow their dreams.

Enjoy!

By guest blogger Audrey. Audrey has been involved in Girl Guides for 53 years, plus five years as a youth member.  She served at the unit, local, provincial and national level during her tenure.  She is currently active in the Regina Trefoil Adventure Guild, a District member and also Provincial Archives Adviser for the Saskatchewan Council Girl Guides.
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Interested in becoming a guest blogger? Or do you have an idea for an interesting blog post? Email us at marketing1 (@) girlguides.ca!