A Voice of Her Own

A Voice of Her Own profiles fifty-two ranch women from Western Canada. With this book, the editors have brought to light a little-discussed aspect of ranching: the valuable contributions of women in an industry traditionally thought of as the domain of men.

These women range in age from their teens to their nineties, and across three provinces, but they have in common a deep commitment to the land, to their families and communities, and to the ranching way of life. To them, the ranch means many things; it is a business, a home, and a place to raise their children.

In their own words, they share their experiences, their successes, and their hardships and clearly demonstrate the important role women have played, and continue to play, in the history and economy of the ranching industry in Canada.

Thelma Poirier grew up on a ranch twelve miles south of Far Mountain, Saskatchewan. She is the editor of four ranch books, including Beyond the Range, and Wood Mountain Uplands.

Doris Bircham was born in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, and grew up in the Cypress Hills. Along with a career in nursing, Doris organized the Maple Creek Cowboy Poetry Gathering, taught First Aid, CPR, and worked with Saskatchewan Home Care.

JoAnn Jones-Hole hails from Calgary. Her writing has appeared in Tapetstry and Cowgirls: 100 Years of Writing the Range.

Anne Slade is the author of Denim, Felt & Leather, and the co-author of Pastures, Ponies & Pals.

Susan A. Vogelaar is an instructor at Lethbridge Community College and a cattle producer east of Pincher Creek, Alberta.

With Contributions By: Vernice Wearmouth, Edith Wearmouth, Heather McCuaig, Irene Edge, Beryl Sibbald, Cheryl Nixdorff, Ruth Hunt, Cheryl Morison, Catherine Chalack, Leta Wise, Eileen McElroy Clayton, Kimberly Taylor, Pat Kerr, Helen Cyr, Alice Streeter, Doris Burton, Virginia Delinte, Anne Stevick, Joan Lawrence, Heather Beierbach, Heidi Bierbach, Christa Lawrence, Pansy White-Brekhus, Mary Guenther, Ann Saville, Mary Jane Saville, Erin Bircham, Dena Weiss, Lou Forsaith, Robin Wolfater, Lyn Sauder, Rajanne Wills, Carley Cooper, Delores Noreen, Hilda Krohn, Gayle Kozroski, Clare Kozrokski, Marjorie Linthicum, Lousie Popescul, Linda Froshaug, Tammy Burgess, Ruth Pritchard, Sherri Grant, Sandy Hordenchuk, Jill Mastad, Diane Catley, Marilyn Jahnke, Marilyn Ramsay, Robin Ramsay, Doris Fenton, Judy Fenton, Rose Bibby, Thema Poirier, Doris Bircham, JoAnn Jones-Hole, Anne Slade, and Susan Ames Vogelaar