National historic designations illustrate the defining moments in the story of Canada. Together, they tell the stories of who we are and connect us to our past, enriching our understanding of ourselves, each other, and our country.
Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada today commemorated the national historic significance of Ethel Catherwood. A special ceremony was held in Saskatoon with Dr. Valerie Korinek, Saskatchewan representative of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, students of the Bedford Road Collegiate high school, and the local community.
Ethel Catherwood was a world-class athlete who improved women's opportunities to compete in track and field sports during a time when women had to fight their way into international competitions. Between 1926 and 1930, she set multiple national and world records in the high jump and the javelin throw while facing endemic sexism as a young woman. She won a gold medal in the high jump at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympic Games, the first to include women's track and field. By succeeding in high jump, she helped challenge public opinion of women's athletic skills, opening the door to future opportunities for female athletes in track and field and other sports.
The Government of Canada, through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, recognizes significant persons, places, and events that shaped our country as one way of helping Canadians and youth connect with their past. The designation process under Parks Canada's National Program of Historical Commemoration is largely driven by public nominations. To date, more than 2,260 designations have been made nationwide.
