Davidson, Agnes (1900-96)

Agnes Davidson (née McKechnie) played a prominent role in Regina for several decades. Born in Wolseley on July 6, 1900, she taught science at Battleford High School until her 1926 marriage to Robert J. Davidson; they had four daughters. Her interests included women’s rights, mental health, and immigrant and Aboriginal concerns. Davidson was a central figure in numerous organizations. Her first involvement began in 1927 with the Local Council of Women in Regina: she headed numerous committees, served as president, and was named a life member of it and of the Provincial Council of Women. She was active in the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) locally, provincially, and nationally. In 1972 she was instrumental in establishing what became the Saskatchewan Action Committee on the Status of Women, and was made its first life member (1977). Davidson also served on the Saskatchewan Advisory Council on the Status of Women. Davidson’s awards included a YWCA Woman of the Year Award (1981) and the Governor General’s Person’s Award for advancing the equality of women (1981). She was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1982. She died on October 30, 1996, in Regina.

Lisa Dale-Burnett