Myfanwy Sian Davies
Community Pillars
Myfanwy Sian Davies has dedicated her life to community service, cultural preservation, and volunteer leadership across Ottawa and North America.
Born in Pontypool, Wales in 1957 and raised in Ottawa from the age of three, Myfanwy has become one of the most steadfast champions of Welsh culture in Canada, while also contributing widely to the broader civic life of her city.
A long-standing member and past president of the Ottawa Welsh Society, Myfanwy has played a vital role in building cultural bridges between Canada and Wales. She has organized dozens of concerts, community events, and visits by Welsh choirs, and helped arrange two major tours of Wales for the Ottawa Welsh Choral Society. Her involvement spans nearly five decades and includes significant contributions as a singer, executive member, editor, fundraiser, and community liaison. As president of the Ottawa Welsh Choral Society, and later its treasurer, she ensured the group’s continuity and integrity until its closure in 2023, completing its charitable obligations and winding down its affairs with professionalism and care.
Myfanwy’s leadership extends to the Ontario Welsh Festival and the North American Festival of Wales, where she has held numerous executive roles, including president, secretary, scholarship chair, treasurer and auditor. In 2014, she received the Ontario Welsh Festival Gold Award for her decades of service. She currently serves on the board of the Welsh North American Association and is the local chair for the 2025 Festival of Wales in Ottawa.
Her musical contributions include performances with the Ottawa Police Chorus (since 2016), where she served as treasurer, quartermaster, and committee member, helping guide the group through the challenges of the pandemic. Her integrity, diligence, and attention to detail have made her a trusted leader and advisor. She has also performed internationally with the North American Welsh Choir, including tours of Patagonia and New Zealand.
Beyond her Welsh heritage, Myfanwy has volunteered for the Canadian Cancer Society, The Spelling Bee of Canada, and her local condominium board. She was instrumental in planning the Bell High School 50th Anniversary Reunion, a three-year project that brought together hundreds of alumni. She continues to contribute to civic life through event planning, governance, and community engagement.
Myfanwy is a prolific contributor to Welsh-language publications Y Drych and Ninnau, where she promotes Welsh-Canadian culture and events. She is also known for her hospitality, often welcoming guests from Wales and offering support to newcomers.
Throughout her life Myfanwy Davies has exemplified leadership, compassion, and a deep commitment to volunteerism. Whether organizing large-scale cultural festivals, singing in community choirs, or helping behind the scenes, she has made an indelible mark on Ottawa’s civic and cultural fabric.
