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For many centuries, the
province of Quebec has been home to many communities from around the
world, communities that enrich the cultural landscape of our province each
in their own way. There is one particular group that has for a long time
now been a major contributing cultural force in our society : the Celtic
people. Their presence impacts many facets of social life, from music to a
special day on the calendar, and is not doubt a strong element of our
social identity, even if not always rightfully acknowledged. The Celtic
people, namely the Scots, the Irish and the Bretons, immigrated to our
land in a sporadic fashion over the centuries, but there are some key
events in their history ( and thus in ours as well ) that saw a
considerable growth of their population on Canadian territory.
Already under
the French Regime, there is some records of Scots – who often went by
frenchified names - inhabiting the province of Quebec after having left
their Scottish homeland, hoping for a new start and maybe a more
prosperous life besides their long-time French allies. (The political
relations between the French and the Scots date as far back as the 14th
century when they had sprung from concerted efforts of the two nations to
resist English overlordship.) Of course, it was under the English Regime
that the majority of Scots, fighting in the British army and thus striking
a sour blow to the Auld Alliance with the French, came to Quebec. Many
received lands in some parts of the province. Later, Scotland underwent
many major economical changes. Many Highlands chiefs became owners of
their lands in the English fashion, lands that had in the past belonged to
the entire clan. Those lands became rich sheep pastures and thousands of
Highlanders were forced to leave their homes (the Highland Clearances).
Australia and Canada were choice destinations for the displaced,
especially the Eastern Townships of Quebec (such as Inverness, Scotstown
and Gould), a region that proudly embraces its Scottish heritage to this
day.
Another
historical event marked the coming of more Celtic people to Quebec. During
the first half of the 19th century, a major food shortage and a
typhus outbreak hit Ireland. The number of deceased swelled to over a
million with as many people crossing the Atlantic and seeking refuge in
other parts of the world. Many thousands sailed to Canada, bringing with
them their music, their traditions and their identity.
Besides the
Irish and the Scots, another important member of the great Celtic family
contributed to our community : the Bretons. Present among our population
since the 16th century, if in smaller proportions than the
Scots and the Irish, they came to our shores in two major waves, one at
the turn of the 17th century, the other at the beginning of the
20th century. There are close to three thousand Bretons
currently living in Quebec.
The presence
of these three distinct, though related, Celtic communities in our society
is a major contributing factor to the shaping of our cultural landscape
and it is with great pride and joy that Quebec’s Celtic people heritage
will be celebrated on September 2nd and 3rd 2006.
See
www.morrin.org for
further information |
