Phillips, Margaret

Margaret Phillips (12 April 1931-4 November 2015) was a builder and promoter of the Northwestern Ontario women's writing community for close to thirty years in the Thunder Bay region. In 1984, Margaret Phillips and Anna McColl co-founded the Northern Woman's Bookstore. From discussions held by the Collective of the Northern Woman Journal - one of Canada's longest running feminist newspapers - it became evident there was a demand for women's literature, and no available bookstore within 1,000 miles. The Bookstore began on Bay Street with only 300 titles, and changed locations over the years, expanding its book selection. In 1992 it moved to Court Street, a site large enough to host book readings and act as a community space.

Margaret was a tireless advocate and educator for women's issues, particularly those specific to Indigenous women and women of Northern Ontario. In 2008, Margaret was awarded the KOUHI award by the Northwestern Ontario Writers Workshop for her outstanding contribution to the promotion and encouragement of writing in Northwestern Ontario. It was noted that the Northern Woman's Bookstore has provided a safe and supporting place for women and the writing community to gather and strengthen their voices. Similarly, in 2008, Margaret was recognized with the Bay Credit Union Social Responsibility Award, and in 2012 the Northern Women's bookstore was recognized by the Crime Prevention Council. The community safety award for Business recognized the Northern Woman's Bookstore and its team of volunteer staff for playing a fundamental role in crime prevention by empowering women for nearly 30 years.