On Their Own Terms: True Stories of Trailblazing Women of Vancouver Island

by Haley Healey

A fascinating collection of concise stories about seventeen courageous, independent, and diverse women who shaped the history of Vancouver Island.

From the lush rainforest of Clayoquot Sound to the bustling city streets of Victoria, Vancouver Island has been home to an astounding number of inspiring women. On Their Own Terms: True Stories of Trailblazing Women of Vancouver Island celebrates the achievements of seventeen amazing heroines working in multiple fields, from world-famous artists to social activists to groundbreaking scientists and quietly defiant labourers. The diverse women in this engaging new collection include:

pioneer and midwife Tuwa 'hwiye Tusium Gollelim, Mary Ann Gyves; world-renowned algae botanist Josephine Tilden; undiscovered aviatrix Lilian Bland; Vancouver Island's first African-Canadian teacher, Emma Stark; and entrepreneur and bounty hunter Ada Annie Rae-Arthur, better known as Cougar Annie. On Their Own Terms will delight and empower anyone looking for true stories of nineteenth- and twentieth-century women who confronted uncertainty, challenged gender norms, and excelled in their respective vocations. Whether you are an entrepreneur, an educator, a rebellious spirit, or an armchair adventurer, these incredible women who thrived on Vancouver Island will captivate you.

144 pages, Paperback

Published May 19, 2019

Reviews

[Renee Turik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such fascinating stories! Healy told stories of women of diverse backgrounds. It was so interesting to read about the women who had a role in making Vancouver Island what it is today. This was a quick read but well worth it.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read with fascinating facts about trailblazing women connected to various areas around Vancouver Island. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys learning about the history of Vancouver Island.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently had the pleasure to attend a lecture by the author, Haley Healey. Immediately afterwards, I reserved her books from our local library. On Their Own Terms profiles seventeen fiercely independent, courageous women who challenged conventions and left an incredible legacy to Vancouver Island. Their refusal to let hardship deter their dreams is a much-needed reminder, especially during these difficult times. This quick read left me hungry for more which I am now off to explore.

[Shandra Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brave, ingenious woman who followed their dreams. So many bits and pieces I didn't know!

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wide range of interesting and inspiring stories about some of the wild women of Vancouver Island.

[Judy Roos · Rating 5 out of 5]

These seventeen stories of the women were both fascinating & inspiring. Now it makes one want to read more about some of these ladies. Cougar Annie, Emily Carr & Ann Haig-Brown are names that I will check out further. I loved the book & could recommend this title to anyone.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was left wishing I could read more about these ladies!

[Emily Potts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful collection of short stories by Haley Healey. I recommend these books to anyone who has connected to Vancouver Island in some way shape or form and who knows that women have shaped the history of this island just as much (if not more) than men!

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many courageous women. There stories were interesting and inspiring! Women who made a difference even though they were not often recognized during the time.

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brief and entertaining capsule biographies of an assortment of women who lived on Vancouver Island.

[Beth Oehler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such various and interesting women from one region. Only why such an blah cover?

[Kimberley Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absorbing and thorough. Excellent work.