Inscription Featured on the Nellie McClung Monument

Nellie McClung (1873 - 1951)

Nellie McClung believed that a few, very committed women could bring about real change and proved it, on January 27, 1916, when she helped Manitoba women become the first in Canada to win the right to vote. In 1912, as part of this effort, she helped found the Political Equality League and played a leading role in the witty, satirical Mock Parliament of Women. Her passionate, peaceful efforts influenced commonly held beliefs among both women and men and, as part of the Famous Five (depicted here), she helped inspire change including the landmark decision, in 1929, where women in Canada were recognized as persons under The British North America Act.

Born in Ontario, Nellie Mooney moved west to Manitoba with her family in 1880.  She began her writing and speaking career in Manitou where she was greatly influenced by her future mother-in-law and suffragist, Annie McClung.  Here, she met and married Wesley McClung; together, they raised five children eventually moving to Winnipeg, Alberta and British Columbia. As one of Canada's earliest, best- selling female authors, McClung published sixteen books including the internationally renowned 'Sowing Seeds in Danny'.

Nellie McClung is a celebrated Manitoban who is remembered as a teacher, mother, author, orator and life-long champion for human rights.

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