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When the first women punked whistles and hauled heavy sheets of wood off the green chain,
they proved the forest industry wasn't just for men anymore.
 
Introduction
Starting in the 1930s, women went to work in forests, plywood mills, and saw mills across British Columbia. They worked hard, overcame challenges, and opened up opportunities for future generations of women.
 
 
Thelma Godkin
The first woman to work in the woods on Vancouver Island. As a whistle punk, she was responsible for signalling every move of huge, steam-powered skidders that carried old-growth logs through the forest.
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The Plywood Girls
Hundreds of women went to work at Alberni Plywood. They lifted heavy sheets of veneer and operated industrial equipment, but still managed to have fun working
together.

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  We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of
British Columbia through the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport,
and the assistance of the British Columbia Museums Association