Site Logo

Student shines a light on Cowichan women through ‘Valley Women’ exhibit

Published 4:10 pm Thursday, March 5, 2026

By Chadd Cawson

Frankie Swannell, in Grade 12 at Frances Kelsey Secondary School, presents her capstone project: an International Women’s Day exhibit at the Cowichan Valley Museum which open on March 7, and runs until May 2. Swannell poses in front of her section which will focus on the fashion of the 1900s. (Chadd Cawson/Citizen)
1/3

Frankie Swannell, in Grade 12 at Frances Kelsey Secondary School, presents her capstone project: an International Women’s Day exhibit at the Cowichan Valley Museum which open on March 7, and runs until May 2. Swannell poses in front of her section which will focus on the fashion of the 1900s. (Chadd Cawson/Citizen)

Frankie Swannell, in Grade 12 at Frances Kelsey Secondary School, presents her capstone project: an International Women’s Day exhibit at the Cowichan Valley Museum which open on March 7, and runs until May 2. Swannell poses in front of her section which will focus on the fashion of the 1900s. (Chadd Cawson/Citizen)
Frankie Swannell, in Grade 12 at Frances Kelsey Secondary School, presents her capstone project: an International Women’s Day exhibit at the Cowichan Valley Museum which open on March 7, and runs until May 2. (Chadd Cawson/Citizen)
Frankie Swannell, in Grade 12 at Frances Kelsey Secondary School, presents her capstone project: an International Women’s Day exhibit at the Cowichan Valley Museum. (Submitted)

It was GD Anderson that said; “Feminism isn’t about making women strong, women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.”

March 8 marks International Women’s Day with this year’s theme ‘Give to Gain.’ Frankie Swannell, in Grade 12 at Frances Kelsey Secondary School, is giving the community something to gain through her capstone project: an International Women’s Day exhibit at the Cowichan Valley Museum titled ‘Valley Women’, which will highlight Cowichan Valley women, their achievements, as well as their contributions to the community.

“My favourite thing about this project is that I am creating something that I can share with the community and teach others about,” said Swannell. “I think that it is really cool that it is as much of a personal project as a community project.”

Swannell, who is passionate about both history and feminism, said she has always dreamed of working at a museum, and since last August has been volunteering her time at the Cowichan Valley Museum.

“I wanted to share some stories of women from the valley and their achievements while bringing light to their lives,” said Swannell. “This will also help me in the future as I plan to study history post-secondary.”

Swannell has put in the research for her exhibit, which breaks down into different sections including on women’s fashion, specifically from the early 1900s. ‘Valley Women’ will features a myriad of women who have made their mark on history and impacted the Cowichan Valley in a specific way including doctors, teachers, artists, and pioneers.

“One of the women I chose was Frances Kelsey, who my school is named after,” said Swannell. “She is an inspiring woman who not only impacted the valley, but helped in the medical field globally. I think that she was an amazing local woman and I am excited to share her story.”

This free empowering exhibit will run from March 7 to May 2.

“I hope that people can learn about these women and reflect on their contributions to our community,” said Swannell. “I also hope that people can recognize how important celebrating women’s achievements is, especially as we live in a world that doesn’t always appreciate women.”

You Might Like