Adams, Nancy (1908-98)

An advocate for issues affecting rural women, Nancy Adams was born in Yorkshire, England on May 3, 1908. She immigrated to Canada with her parents at an early age, settling first in Calgary and then Saskatchewan in 1920. She received her teacher’s training at Regina Normal School and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1931. Adams’ dedication to several women’s organizations included serving as president of the Federated Women’s Institute of Canada and the Associated Country Women of the World. She was also the first woman appointed to the University of Saskatchewan Board of Governors, and was awarded an honourary Doctor of Laws from the University in 1958. A recipient of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee and Canada 125 medals, Nancy Adams was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1975. She passed away on March 17, 1998.

Canadian Plains Research Center