Military Life - Pacific Women's Day 2018

Pacific Women’s Day is not just any day. It is a Military Family Resource Center (MFRC) tradition. It celebrates the sacrifice and dedication of women connected to the military and gives them a day to celebrate themselves. The venue perfectly complemented this goal - it was held at the awe-inspiring Royal Roads University and has been held there for many years. We began the event with a land acknowledgement thanking the Xwesepsum (Esquimalt) and Lkwungen (Songhees) peoples for sharing with us the opportunity to gather and learn at this place.

The 2018 Pacific Women’s Day featured two very distinguished guests; Kerry Vance, an accomplished lawyer and spouse of the Chief of Defense Staff, and Kim Mills, the creator and inspiring voice of She is Fierce and spouse of a Canadian soldier. Their words touched the ears of over one hundred women, including myself, and inspired us to self-awareness, self-care, and self-celebration. They spoke of the struggles we face but also the triumphs we make and how important it was that we take care of ourselves through those phases.

The day was filled with a variety of workshops led by passionate facilitators. For those looking for ultimate relaxation, the event also provided massage and yoga sessions. Many of the workshops were held in the historic Hatley Castle, which was an inspiration for celebration. The MFRC made sure that every woman in attendance felt special and valued. We were nourished through the delicious university catering for breakfast and lunch, entertained by an icebreaker bingo game before the opening ceremony, and gifted tasty and entertaining treasures at our departure.

Local businesswomen, who themselves were connected to the military, were invited to set up shop in the main hall. Participants had the opportunity to browse the “marketplace” where we could purchase wares and discover new services during the lunch break up until the end of the event.

Pacific Women’s Day 2018 closed with a round of applause and appreciations to the generous hosts and guest speakers. We all waited in anticipation as prize draws were made; awarding lucky guests with goodies such as an airline voucher, spa gift certificates, hotel accommodations, and treasures from the marketplace. The smiles, laughs, and cheers lit up the main hall that day. It is no wonder this event is a 20 year plus tradition!