Saskatchewan symphony festival celebrates women's suffrage
The sounds of the Regina Symphony Orchestra drifting across an historic Saskatchewan homestead helped bring the public closer to the story of women's suffrage on Saturday.
The Symphony Under the Sky Festival took place at the Motherwell Homestead National Historic Site, about 110 kilometres northeast of Regina.
The farmhouse, also known as Lanark Place, is well-known for being developed by Saskatchewan homesteader and politician William Richard (W.R.) Motherwell.
This year's festival recognized the work of his wife, Catherine, as part of a wider commemoration of women getting the right to vote in 1916.
Swaying opinions
Adriana Bacheschi, who manages the Motherwell site, said Catherine was originally against the idea of women being able to vote.
When Catherine did change her mind, she gave a unique speech that helped sway opinions in favour of women's suffrage in a time when many felt a woman's role was confined to the home.
"Her message, and it was a message that really changed many people's idea on this, is the fact that even through that, you didn't have to change the culture of the time," said Bacheschi.
"And you did not have to change the idea that women could be the central figures in family, but by having the right to vote they would influence that as well."
Looking back
Bacheschi said the introduction of women's right to vote was one of a series of landmark moments the site was celebrating in the lead up to 2017 and the 150th anniversary of Confederation.
She told CBC Radio's Saskatchewan Weekend it was important to look back on key moments in Canada's history to understand how those events shaped the country today.
With the sounds of the symphony setting the scene, Bacheschi said Motherwell was an ideal place to do that.
"The feeling in the air, it's nice," she said.
"Not only the symphony but everything else going on brings this interesting combination to a historic site like Motherwell."
Threshing demonstrations, a Field to Fork Festival and kids activities were also held during the event.
