Published in the Canstar Metro and Headliner

February 26, 2021

The year 2020 marked the 150th anniversary of Manitoba becoming a province. Although we were unable to gather and celebrate this milestone, this is a time to reflect on our past and how we came to be where we are today. The Nellie McClung Foundation’s latest initiative does just that.

The Nellie McClung Foundation is close to my heart. Through my Private Member’s Bill in 2003, this organization was started to honour Nellie and her peers with a well-deserved monument on the grounds of the Manitoba Legislature. Ms. Helen Granger Young is the artist who created the gorgeous monument that now rests on the west grounds. I encourage you to walk by and take a look!

After the monument came to stand on the grounds of the Legislature, the Nellie McClung foundation evolved to raise awareness and celebrate Nellie McClung’s legacy by inspiring and educating present and future champions to continue the journey to equality. In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Manitoba becoming a province, their latest initiative recognizes the contributions that Manitoba woman have made to social justice, arts, sports, politics, community activities and promoting democracy while developing this great province. The Manitoba 150 Women Trailblazers recognizes the many Manitoba women in our past and present who have made our province the place it is today.

An external, independent panel had the very difficult task of choosing the 150 Trailblazer award recipients out of the over 300 nominees. I am honoured to have been chosen as one of the Trailblazers. Some of the other women include: Agnès Roy, Judy Wasylycia-Leis, Chief Betsy Kennedy, Evelyn Hart, Shirley Render, Wilma Derksen, and Sharon Carstairs, just to name a few. It wasn’t just individuals who were named trailblazers, organizations and groups were also named as Trailblazers. Some of these impressive recipients include: Founding Board of Directors of Women’s Health Clinic, The Shameless Circle, and Winnipeg Raging Grannies. To see a full list of these impressive people and organizations have a look at Ournellie.com.

Due to COVID-19, the Nellie McClung Foundation was unable to honour the award recipients at an in person event, however, looks forward to publishing an online book celebrating all nominees and award recipients.

It’s important that we take the time to honour our past and how we came to be where we are right now. Thank you to the Nellie McClung Foundation for organizing this initiative!