February General Members Meeting

Woodland Sisters – Women Who Break Trail

The Sudbury Historical Society is pleased to welcome Woodland Sisters, sisters and co-creators Caitlin and Cassidy, as our February guest speakers.

Their presentation, Women Who Break Trail, challenges traditional narratives of the Canadian outdoors that have long centered on “woodsmen,” “craftsmen,” and “outdoorsmen.” Through a powerful lino-print series, Woodland Sisters highlight the stories of women who defied expectations, ventured into rugged landscapes, and became pioneers in traditionally male-dominated industries.

The presentation explores the lives of lumberjills, Indigenous women, frontier women, wilderness riders, gold-rush prospectors, and generations of mothers and daughters who lived resilient, demanding lives in Northern Ontario. These women not only endured the wilderness but shaped it, breaking trail for those who followed.

Women Who Break Trail offers both historical insight and artistic interpretation, bringing attention to overlooked stories and celebrating the strength, skill, and determination of women in Canada’s outdoor history.