Women are going to form a chain, a greater sisterhood than the
world has ever known.
Members of the Herstory Collective, past and present, all have favourite women or topics. but one woman we all find interesting is Nellie McClung (Herstory 1974)--she could even be called our "matron saint."
When we need a good quotation, Nellie always comes through.
Born in Ontario, she came west as a child when her family decided to homestead southwest of Brandon, Manitoba. She trained as a teacher and taught in rural schools before marrying Wes McClung, her life partner and supporter. Nellie had an abiding Christian faith, which gave her a deep belief in social justice, and was a life-long member of WCTU. She was prominent in the suffrage movement in the west and campaigned her whole life for women's rights.
Nellie was a well-known novelist, essayist and speaker. Frequently asked to give lecture tours in Canada and the United States, her astute commentary combined with sharp wit and a highly developed sense of timing served her well on the lecture circuit.
Nellie served one term in the Alberta legislature, but found the constraints of party politics difficult. She was one of the "famous five" and was the first woman on the CBC board of governors.
Never retreat, never explain, never apologize--get the thing done and let them howl.
