Women’s History Month 2026: Creating Possibilities for the Next Generation
October is Women’s History Month in Canada, a time to recognize the women and girls whose leadership, innovation, and determination have shaped our country, while also looking toward the future they are helping create. It is an opportunity to celebrate achievements across fields including science, education, business, the arts, and leadership, while recognizing the barriers that women and girls continue to navigate.
At Big Sisters, Women’s History Month is also an opportunity to think about what it takes for young people to see themselves in those futures. Representation matters, but so do encouragement, opportunity, and having someone who believes in what you can become.
This Women’s History Month, we’re looking at the connection between opportunity, representation, and impact through the story of Dr. Terri Aldred, a Dakelh (Carrier) woman from the Tl’Azt’En territory in northern British Columbia. A physician, educator, and advocate for Indigenous health, her journey through education and medicine is one example of how knowledge, community, and a commitment to giving back can shape a life of impact.
Dr. Terri Aldred: From Education to Impact
Dr. Terri Aldred’s story connects education, STEM, leadership, and community. Dr. Aldred grew up between the inner city of Prince George and the Tachet reserve in Lake Babine Territory. Her experiences growing up helped motivate her to pursue medicine so she could give back to her community. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Health Science and Doctor of Medicine from the University of Alberta before completing the Indigenous Family Medicine residency program through the University of British Columbia.
Her work has since extended far beyond clinical medicine. Dr. Aldred has served as a family physician with Carrier Sekani Family Services, providing care to communities in north-central BC, and has held leadership and teaching roles with the First Nations Health Authority, UBC, UNBC, and the Indigenous Family Medicine Program. In 2025, she was appointed Academic Lead of the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health, where she continues to contribute to Indigenous health and health equity.
Her work demonstrates what can happen when education becomes a pathway to giving back and creating change within a community. As Dr. Aldred shared in her Women of Impact profile:
“Being a Dakleh woman, I am driven to give back to my community and address inequities. As my Elders taught me ‘the pride of one is the pride of all.’ Sna Chaylia.”
Her story is a reminder that a career can be more than an individual achievement. It can also be a way to serve others, challenge inequities, and create opportunities for those who come next.
Progress in Education, STEM and Leadership
Dr. Aldred’s journey is part of a broader shift in the opportunities available to women in Canada. Her story reflects the importance of education and representation, particularly in fields where women have historically been underrepresented.
The landscape for women in Canada has changed significantly over time, including in education and STEM.
From 2010/2011 to 2023/2024, the number of women enrolled in STEM programs at Canadian post-secondary institutions increased by 70.4%, from 140,583 to 239,541. Women still represented less than two-fifths of all STEM students in 2023/2024, at 38.5%, showing both the progress made and the work that remains.
Women have also made significant gains in post-secondary education more broadly. In 2025, 71% of women aged 25 to 64 held a college or university credential, up from 61% in 2015.
Progress can also be seen in leadership. Between 2005 and 2025, the share of women among people aged 15 and older in senior management occupations increased from 24.1% to 31.6%, a 31.1% increase.
These numbers tell a story of growing participation and opportunity. They also remind us that progress is not only about how many women are represented in a field. It is also about whether young people can see those paths as possibilities for themselves.
The Importance of Seeing What’s Possible
For young people, imagining a future can be difficult when they have not yet seen someone like themselves in that space. A girl interested in science might not yet picture herself as a doctor, researcher, engineer, or scientist. A young person considering post-secondary education might not know what opportunities are available or where to begin. Having access to role models and supportive adults can help make those possibilities feel more tangible.
Dr. Aldred’s journey offers one example of what that possibility can look like. Her education opened a path into medicine, while her connection to community shaped how she chose to use that education. Her story shows young people that a future in STEM or another field can be connected to their own interests, experiences, communities, and goals. That is one reason representation and mentorship go hand in hand.
A mentor does not need to have the same career, background, or experiences as a young person to make a difference. What matters is creating a relationship where youth can ask questions, explore their interests, build confidence, and feel encouraged to pursue their goals.
Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation
At Big Sisters, we believe young people deserve opportunities to discover their strengths and imagine futures that feel possible. Through mentorship, volunteers create consistent relationships where youth can feel supported as they navigate school, friendships, challenges, and decisions about what comes next. These relationships can help young people develop the confidence to try something new, ask for help, and recognize their own potential.
Women’s History Month gives us an opportunity to reflect on the women who have opened doors, challenged expectations, and contributed to their communities. It is also a reminder that the next generation is already growing into its own roles as leaders, creators, researchers, professionals, and changemakers. Creating supportive relationships today can help more young people see themselves in those futures tomorrow.
Be Part of Someone’s Story
There are many ways to support the next generation, but mentorship starts with something simple: showing up. By becoming a volunteer mentor, you can build a meaningful relationship with a young person and be someone they can count on. You can listen, encourage, share experiences, and help a young person recognize their strengths as they grow.
This Women’s History Month, we recognize the women and girls who have helped shape Canada and the communities around us. We also look forward to the young people who will shape what comes next.
If you’re ready to help a young person build confidence, explore their potential, and feel supported along the way, learn more about becoming a volunteer mentor at bigsisters.bc.ca/become-a-volunteer-mentor or contact us at info@bigsisters.bc.ca.
Sources
• Women and Gender Equality Canada, Women’s History Month
• Statistics Canada, Women’s History Month… By the numbers
• Statistics Canada, Educational attainment in Canada has continued to rise over the past decade, 2025
• Women and Gender Equality Canada, Dr. Terri Aldred
• National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health, Indigenous physician and educator Dr. Terri Aldred appointed Academic Lead