Women Are Persons!

Photo of bronze sculptures of the Famous Five in a circle – some sitting on chairs and some standing.
Women Are Persons!

This sculpture has been relocated due to ongoing construction on Parliament Hill. It can now be seen on the Plaza Bridge near the Senate of Canada.

Created in 2000, this monument is a tribute the Famous Five: Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney, Nellie McClung, Emily Murphy and Henrietta Muir Edwards, all from Alberta.

The Famous Five brought a case before the highest court in the British Empire to appeal a 1928 decision by the Supreme Court of Canada. That court had ruled that women could not be appointed to the Senate, because they were not "qualified persons." On October 18, 1929, the Privy Council reversed this decision. This sculpture was also featured on the back of the $50 bill.

Artist Barbara Paterson of Edmonton, also created a similar work for the Olympic Plaza in Calgary.

Women are Persons!

Discover the story behind Women are Persons! in this Decoding ART video.

Transcript | Watch on YouTube

Women are Persons! (youth version)

Discover the story behind the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument in this Decoding ART video.

Transcript | Watch on YouTube

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