Introduction: From the foundational roles of Indigenous women in pre-colonial economies to the pioneering efforts of European settlers and immigrant women throughout Canada's history, their labour and resilience have indelibly shaped the nation's economic trajectory. From Indigenous women who were the cornerstone of pre-colonial economies to European settler women who navigated the challenges of frontier life and immigrant women who fueled industrialization, their labour and resilience have left an indelible mark on Canada's economic landscape. Despite facing significant obstacles, including discriminatory legislation and social norms, women across various communities have demonstrated remarkable resilience and agency in advocating for their rights. Through the stories of figures like Kateri…show more content… Challenges and Resistance: Throughout the history of Canada, women have faced many obstacles to pursuing economic autonomy and equality. From discriminatory legislation to entrenched social norms, institutionalized sexism, and the systematic erasure of Indigenous cultures, women across diverse communities and backgrounds have confronted formidable barriers to achieving parity in the economy. Indigenous women, in particular, bore the brunt of colonial policies designed to eradicate their cultural practices and dispossess them of their ancestral lands. The Indian Act of 1876, for instance, imposed paternalistic controls over Indigenous peoples' lives, including restrictions on their economic activities and land ownership rights. This legislation not only undermined Indigenous women's traditional roles as stewards of the land but also perpetuated cycles of poverty and dependence within Indigenous communities. Despite these challenges, Indigenous women exhibited remarkable resilience and agency in
