Thursday, June 25th was proclaimed Nellie McClung Day in Manitou this afternoon. The day honours the legacy and accomplishments of Manitoba's famous champion of women's rights.

Cathy Cox, Minister of the Status of Women McClung made the proclamation. "This date is an important opportunity to celebrate the legacy of Nellie McClung and the powerful voices of Manitoba women who continue to follow in her footsteps. I am particularly honoured to sign the proclamation at Nellie McClung's homes in Manitou, a special place of inspiration and empowerment."

McClung delivered her first public speech on June 25, 1901.

Nellie McClung Heritage Site, co-chair Barbara Biggar explains much of what Nellie accomplished began in Manitou where she lived for nearly 20 years. "We thank the Minister for honouring the importance of this heritage site as a gathering point for those interested in women's and human rights."

McClung long remembered June 25, 1901 as it was during a welcoming speech to a provincial women's conference in Manitou that she first felt the power of her own voice.

"I saw eyes glisten and faces brighten ..and for the first time, I knew I had the power of speech," she later wrote.

McClung (née Mooney) first moved to the Hazel District, near Manitou, in 1890, as a 16 year old teacher. Here, she met her future husband, Wes McClung, gave birth to four of their five children, signed her first petition, wrote her Canadian best seller and began her traveling career as a renowned speaker. She moved to Winnipeg, at 38 years old, in 1911.

Following her Manitou years, McClung helped lead the fight that resulted in some Manitoba women being the first in Canada to win the right to vote. She was also part of the "Famous Five" who succeeded in having all Canadian women legally declared as "persons".

"One of our most important goals," Biggar says, "is to plant seeds with our young people that each of us has the power to make a difference in the lives of others."

The Nellie McClung Heritage Site in Manitou features the only two of her private homes, McClung House and Hazel Cottage.

The heritage site recently received a Building Sustainable Communities Program grant for $32,000 to add running water and outdoor bathrooms to the site.