This Mother’s Day, we honour remarkable Canadian women who nurtured not only children—but generations of parents, educators, and families. These mothers and maternal figures helped shape how parenting is understood and practiced across Canada.
👩⚖️ Dr. Cindy Blackstock (b. 1964)
Indigenous child welfare advocate and executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada
Story: Born in Burns Lake, British Columbia, and a member of the Gitxsan First Nation, Dr. Cindy Blackstock has devoted her life to advocating for equitable treatment of First Nations children. Often referred to as a "single mom to 163,000 kids," she has been instrumental in challenging systemic inequalities in Canada's child welfare system. Her efforts led to a landmark 2016 Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruling that found the federal government discriminated against First Nations children by underfunding child welfare services on reserves. Dr. Blackstock's unwavering commitment has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2023 World's Children's Prize, often dubbed the "Children's Nobel Prize" .
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| Ethel Quiring |
👩🏫 Ethel Quiring (Savage) (b. 1929 – d. 2021)
Pioneer of Adlerian parenting education in Saskatoon
Story: Ethel Quiring (Savage) played a vital role in bringing Adlerian parenting education to Saskatoon. Rooted in the psychological principles of Alfred Adler and Rudolf Dreikurs, this approach emphasized respect, democratic family relationships, encouragement over punishment, and understanding children's needs for belonging and significance. Under her leadership, the Adlerian Society of Saskatoon partnered with the City of Saskatoon and the Department of Social Services’ Family Support Centre to offer a range of parenting classes across the city. These accessible, community-based programs taught practical strategies to parents of toddlers, teens, and children with special needs—empowering families with tools for mutual respect and cooperation. A dedicated counselor, educator, and mentor, Ethel’s legacy continues to shape parenting in Saskatchewan and beyond.
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| Kathy Lynn |
📝 Kathy Lynn (b. 1947)
Canadian parenting educator, author, and radio personality
Story: Based in British Columbia, Kathy Lynn became one of Canada’s best-known parenting experts, writing books and offering seminars that helped parents with real-world challenges. Her friendly, research-informed approach helped families with everything from tantrums to teen issues, always advocating for respectful, communicative parenting.
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| Margaret Norrie McCain |
👩⚖️ Margaret Norrie McCain (b. 1934)
First female Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick & early childhood advocate
Story: Co-author of the Early Years Study with Dr. Fraser Mustard, McCain championed the critical importance of the first six years of life. A mother and philanthropist, she helped shape policies that expanded access to high-quality early childhood education across Canada.
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| Marian Woodman |
📖 Marion Woodman (1928–2018)
Jungian analyst and feminist author
Story: Marion Woodman’s work helped many women explore healing within mother-daughter relationships and reclaim their emotional lives. Though not a mother herself, her influence on feminine psychology and spiritual growth made her a maternal guide to thousands.
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| Catherine Parr Traill |
👩🌾 Catherine Parr Traill (1802–1899)
Pioneer mother, author, and naturalist
Story: A British settler in Upper Canada, Traill raised nine children and chronicled pioneer life with compassion and insight. Her writings offered rare glimpses into early Canadian motherhood and domestic life—making her one of our earliest maternal voices in literature.
🌷 This Mother’s Day, we honour Canadian women (and others) who mothered, mentored, and mobilized others through the power of education, empathy, and enduring care.
If you have nurturers you would personally like to share a story about, please comment below! Happy Mother's Day!
Help your Mom tell her precious story! So many of us wish we had done something like this-- but now it is too late! What a gift for your whole family! Maybe you want to tell YOUR story too?
Also See: MOTHERS' DAY MAGIC: BLOOMING GIFTS, A DECADENT VEGAN DESSERT AND A DIY ROSE PROJECT
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