Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

In Manitoba, First Nations people living on reserves and receiving an annuity from the Crown were barred from voting until the mid-20^th Century. Indeed, from Confederation on, both provincial and federal voting rights for First Nations were curtailed and cut off until, by 1919, no First Nations people living on reserves were allowed to vote in federal elections. In Manitoba, the Treaty population, both men and women, were only enfranchised in 1952, a full 36 years after the vote was extended to women from newcomer populations. In 1960 the House of Commons gave First Nations the right to vote for the first time federally, with no restrictions. For many years before this, First Nations people could only attain the right to vote if they gave up their rights ensured under Treaty.

The women who fought for the vote in 1916 seem to have completely ignored the issue of voting restrictions on First Nations men and women. Through our research we have come across no references to the issue, and the silence is telling. Canada was dominated by a British population who considered themselves an extension of the British Empire. The leaders of the women’s suffrage movement were largely of this background, as were most of the followers of the movement. Voting rights for First Nations were just not on the radar.

Likewise, some of the women involved in the Suffragist movement debated granting the vote to immigrant women (those not born in the United Kingdom). It must be noted that this was occurring during the height of the First World War, when anti-foreign sentiment was running hot, and any ideology that was perceived as a threat to the Empire (like giving immigrants the vote) had little chance of passing through the corridors of power. Mennonites and Doukhobors, for example, had their right to vote rescinded in 1917-18 because of their refusal of military service.

We are looking for artifacts! Social and political movements don’t leave many objects behind. Things like banners, flags, and pamphlets are often lost or thrown away after a movement succeeds (or fades). But we’re not just looking for political statements. Everyday objects that are in some way connected to the Suffragist movement, like a dress or pen or shoes, would be just as welcome. For example, we will be featuring French Limoges porcelain painted by Mae Irene Whyte, who marched with Nellie McClung to the Manitoba Legislature to obtain voting rights for women.

We are interested in loans, but may consider donations as well.

Likewise, if you have an interesting story about a Suffragist in your family history, let us know!

You can contact the Curator of History at RSawatzky@ManitobaMuseum.ca.

Image: French Limoges jar, 1912-1919, painted by Mae Irene Whyte, Winnipeg. Whyte participated in the Suffragist movement. Donated by Marion E. Kaffka. H9-9-534. Copyright the Manitoba Museum.