A party I can get behind.

Earlier this week, a unique commemorative celebration took place at Rideau Hall: six women were honoured with Governor-General's awards in an annual remembrance of the Persons Case.

The Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case honour women who, in the words of Heritage Minister Liza Frulla, "have made great contributions in moving us forward on our journey [toward women's equality]."

This year's recipients are:

Ruth Marion C.R. Bell, C.M., B.A., M.A., LL.D. (Hon. Causa), of Ottawa, has dedicated 50 years to improving the quality of life for women and children, in a variety of leadership roles, such as president of the Ottawa, Nepean and Canadian Federation of University Women.

Bonnie Diamond, of Gatineau, Quebec, among many other contributions, championed women's human rights by helping to secure Sections 15 and 28 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and advanced legal reform for women.

Aoua Bocar LY-Tall of Montréal has dedicated her life to women's rights, including staging a passionate fight against the practice of female genital mutilation in Africa.

Josephine Enero Pallard, of Edmonton, has for 30 years worked tirelessly on behalf of immigrant and refugee women, and in support of Changing Together… A Centre for Immigrant Women. She is also a leader in anti-racism work.

Youth Award recipient Erica Jamie (Samms) Hurley, of Mount Moriah, Newfoundland, is a youth director with the Native Women's Association of Canada, and winner of the Native Friendship Award and Corbière-Lavell/Mary Two Axe Early Student Scholarship. She is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Aboriginal women.

Muriel Stanley Venne, of Edmonton, has dedicated herself for over 30 years to advancing the status of Aboriginal women, particularly Métis women. She has served on the boards of many organizations, and is a leader, counselor and founder of the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women.

This list is from Status of Women Canada's official news release.