Parks Canada yesterday had no comment over a mistaken historical commemoration. The agency honoured a Saskatchewan athlete as the first Canadian woman Olympic gold medalist in track and field. She wasn’t.

Parks Canada in its December 17 announcement called Ethel Catherwood of Saskatoon the “first Canadian woman to win an Olympic gold medal in track and field.” The agency would not identify its source for the claim. “By succeeding in the high jump she helped challenge public opinion of women’s athletic skills, opening the door to future opportunities for female athletes in track and field,” wrote Parks Canada.

“National historic designations illustrate the defining moments in the story of Canada,” it said. “Together they tell the stories of who we are and connect us to our past.”