"Conserving" our Heritage in North America

[Thomas Cameron]

One of the founding principals of the Clan Cameron Association was the "conservation" of our collective heritage.

While clan tents are amazing things, enabling fellow Camerons to unite and socialize, the fact is that they do little to conserve our heritage. Likewise with Burns Dinners, pub nights, t-shirts and tartan.

This leads to my question: what can we do? How do we ensure that our Cameron heritage is preserved in North America? Please note, I'm not strictly speaking about genealogy but rather our clan's generalized history, both here and back in the days of our forefathers in Scotland. If you or your branch of the Association is facing this issue, please share your tale.

To be blunt, we need more Camerons to consider facing this challenge. Unfortunately, it is common for a small handful of clansfolk to meet and work on such issues. By posing this question here, I am offering to let your voice be heard. The results of this topic thread will be conveyed to the Chieftain's meeting, planned for May 2004. I will personally gather your comments and put them forward at the meeting. This is an issue that I feel quite strongly about - please feel free to get involved.

Let's hear from you all, and see that Cameron creativity at work!!

[tygre]

Tom
Education, thanks to you, we have the history and geneolgy boards that get folks started. We have just finished our Games two hours ago and we signed up several enthusiastic folks...we plan to follow up and see how we can assist in their understanding of our common and individual heritage. The Games tents are a good way to get curious folks started. Webistes like this one will keep them interested and ,hopefully,involved.
Thank you for everything !
Diana

[Thomas Cameron]

I'm looking at the three principals:

- Revive
- Promote
- Conserve

(All in regard to our heritage)

I think that the clan tents, website and the friendly social occasions which our Association provides for members covers the "promote" aspect very well. As far as reviving the Cameron heritage, once again the tents and everything else we do help with that. It's the conservation aspect that I'm curious about.

The website has attempted to work on this, with the Archives section. Yet, I am wondering if we can do more. I'm especially interested in ideas to conserve our heritage in North America.

A tricky question, but one which we might ponder back and forth with good results...

[Highlander]

Tom,
At my end I have the living history regiment Queens Own Cameron Highlanders 1st Bat. 1882 to 1900.
Also the gaelic class too.
Alan

[Thomas Cameron]

Hi All,

I guess that what I'm really looking for are a few new, creative ideas. You know the type. Those that take you by surprise at how simple they really are, yet strike you with how wonderful their potential is.

Aye, this topic thread might prove to be a real challenge!

[Cameronian]

Tom, this may be an issue that is very important to you as a member of the Clan in North America, but it applies to all of us no matter where we are located, It is something that I have given thought to and now having been part of and welcomed into Highland gatherings in Scotland, New Zealand, USA and Australia I can confirm that the tent is a great central focus for Clan Activities and it does provide that connecting point for those who have a need to understand the country, culture and ancestry from which they descend.

I have also noticed that Australia, America and New Zealand have well documented histories and possess a local appreciation of just what their Scottish Ancestors achieved in the Pioneering foundations of these respective countries, this is all exciting stuff, and we do well to show our pride in these achievements, but this is hardly the endeavour needed to be undertaken by a Clan Association we have our Historical Societies and Local History Groups who have recorded and plotted these details through the years.

The problem that we all appear to be beset with, is the lack of real connection into Scotland, where unless you are one of those who had ancestors who left at the time covered by local Census c 1841 and later, you are at the mercy of Shipping lists etc to give some indication of their past location in Scotland, for most of us who are five to even 10+ in the USA, generations removed from this ancestry, all we can do is promote and conserve those things which were handed down from them to us even though they are morphing as they travel to each event celebrated.

It is my hope that we can head into a future in which Scotland opens it's doors wider to this need we have to re-connect and thereby revitalise our love of Ancestry and the culture they took with them.Give us Centres in the Highland areas where most of the 40,000,000 (identified by VisitScotland) descendants of Scots migrants originated from, give us access to these old Memorial Inscription and Old parish records that exist located within the area relevant to this ancestry, Give us the Cairn trail (that you suggested) marking all those places where Cameron ancestors stood in support of their Clansmen, and help us locate in real terms just where these ancestors lived.

The examination of how better to understand and preserve the parcels from the past handed down to us, needs worldwide participation with Scotland itself taking top billing on Centre Stage, should this happen, we will all understand more of that which we hope to preserve, and Scotland will gain in real terms not Tourists but lost family who will value the time shared with them.

[tygre]

Excellent !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Thomas Cameron]

Hi Val,

Thanks for the input. It is a very "tricky" question, especially for those of us outside of Scotland.

You mentioned the Cameron Cairn Trail idea, which I still believe would be a wonderful addition to Lochaber. The one thing that disappointed me while visiting "Cameron Country" in '01 was the lack of marked Cameron sites. I'm sure that many of us have gone looking for those elusive historic locations, only to be greeted by an empty field or woodlands. Of course, we all know that someone has to fund those cairns and maintain them as well, in addition to the local coordination it would require. It's what I consider the "nuts and bolts" of the operation, and becomes the key factor in derailing the best plans that we often dream up

As much as we are searching for new ideas for conserving our clan's history, I am beginning to think that our electronic archives might really serve this task well. For those of you who have PDAs, I am pondering an easy way for you all to keep a complete, portable copy of the Clan Cameron Archives with you. Why not have Cameron Clansfolk "armed" with PDAs at the Highland Games, having full access to the poetry, images, tales and lore of our clan? Perhaps we might also include some genealogical resources as well. It makes an interesting image, the kilted 21st century Scot decked out with an amazing portable piece of technology lodged in the sporan. If all goes well, I hope to have a test version worked out in time for next year's "games season" here in North America. Of course, it would be something available to all Association members, regardless of their nationality - it's just much easier to test here on the ol' home turf!

Conservation folks - to preserve and ensure for the future. Keep those ideas coming! ;D

[gaelgal]

Well, this was a thread I had not visited and I am so glad that I did! Wonderful conversation going on here! I love the idea, the image, of the American Scotsman or woman in kilt and tartan... wandering about Lochaber countrysides, inputting all kinds of information into their poratable database... storing and creating memories!!

[FoundlingOfDollar]

How about an arts push? The arts have long been a tool of perservation and promotion. The poetry competition is a good start, but can we work to encourage Cameron artists to explore their heritage? Many of us are posting here because we are curous about our heritage, and because we like to think it plays a role in making us who we are. Mabye those of us that create (in any of many categories) should be exploring our heritage by including it in our work, and creating a new Cameron heritage by making it known that we are Camerons who contribute to society and an new and evolving heritage.

[gaelgal]

Great idea, Foundling! Got any ideas for how you would be able to contribute? Do you write? Draw? Poetry? Create "things"? This is an interesting thread, don't you think? With the Regional presidents meeting next month, I doubt Tom has gotten as much response to this chat as he would have liked. I just think everyone's been too busy and most people are spread so thin that it's difficult for them to commit to anything or any time to promote their heritage! Just a thought.

[FoundlingOfDollar]

I do write (mostly creative non-fiction but some short story and poetry), but I have only just discovered my Cameron heritage in the past year and don't yet fully know what to write about. Then again, perhaps another option is for those artists among us to just do what they do, and at the same time, let it be known that they are Camerons. In this way, mabye we could end up with some modern "Camerons who have made their mark."

[Chambers31]

My daughter who just turned six today, will begin Highland dancing in a few weeks. I plan on her costume being of Cameron Tartan. (I will have to make this one myself, but well worth the pride)
I plan on wearing my sash and clan brooch.
I am just learning more about my family. (My 3xs great grandfather was from Scotland, and so was his wife's father, he was a Ross.) It's a small contrubution, but it's a start.

[SherbrookeJacobite]

I think it is wonderful that you are going to make your daughter's Highland dance outfit in Cameron tartan. I am a fan of Highland dancing, and have not yet seen Cameron tartan at a competition.
There are a number of members here who may be able to help with information about your family. If you give us some information about your ancestors - where they came from (if you have that) where they settled, dates of birth & death etc. - you may find that someone here can help. Who knows - you might discover a long lost cousin!

All the best,

John

[sandycam96]

Why not visit www.highlandfhs.org.uk

[ccameron]

Hi just got back from the 25th Anniversary of The Alaska Highland Scottish Games. This was my first experience. I had a lot of fun, learned some interesting history from the non-victor's point of view, definately not politically correct, I love free speech! I was teary eyed listening to the pipers. It was beautiful, powerful and moving.
I was a little disappointed that I only found one Cameron near the end of the day just by chance . To me that was the most important reason for going, was to meet other Camerons. It seems people don't know their tartans, their heritage or don't care. My daughter was in tears because she couldn't find a tartan that matched hers, she too felt that was the most important reason for going and she is 9 years old.
There were only 8 Clan tents and not one for the Camerons,one person said there used to be a tent another said there has never been a Cameron Clan tent, another disappointment. I thought 25 years of games and gathering would produce more involvement.
Someone suggested I do it. Another said they were volunteered to represent their clan and were provided with tent, banner, maps, books, and reimbursed for tables, etc.
I was told to become a member of my clan? I think that is what they said. How does that work ?
I will become a member of the Alaska Scottish Club in order toget the newsletter and to be notified of any events and to be able to have a tent during the Highland games.
I have no idea what I would be getting myself into .
Can somebody tell me what is the first step?
Connie

[SherbrookeJacobite]

ccameron said:

Hi just got back from the 25th Anniversary of The Alaska Highland Scottish Games. This was my first experience. I had a lot of fun, learned some interesting history from the non-victor's point of view, definately not politically correct, I love free speech! I was teary eyed listening to the pipers. It was beautiful, powerful and moving.

Hi Connie, I'm glad to see you heard some of the "real" history of the Highlands!

I was a little disappointed that I only found one Cameron near the end of the day just by chance . To me that was the most important reason for going, was to meet other Camerons. It seems people don't know their tartans, their heritage or don't care. My daughter was in tears because she couldn't find a tartan that matched hers, she too felt that was the most important reason for going and she is 9 years old.
There were only 8 Clan tents and not one for the Camerons,one person said there used to be a tent another said there has never been a Cameron Clan tent, another disappointment. I thought 25 years of games and gathering would produce more involvement.
Someone suggested I do it. Another said they were volunteered to represent their clan and were provided with tent, banner, maps, books, and reimbursed for tables, etc.
I was told to become a member of my clan? I think that is what they said. How does that work ?
I will become a member of the Alaska Scottish Club in order toget the newsletter and to be notified of any events and to be able to have a tent during the Highland games.
I have no idea what I would be getting myself into .
Can somebody tell me what is the first step?
Connie

We (the newly minted Highland Prairie Branch) are geographically the closest Branch of Clan Cameron North America to you. We take in the Western Provinces of Canada (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia). You are certainly welcome to join our Branch. Just send an e-mail to "[e-mail]" and ask for a mailing address (which I shamefully cannot find just now) - and for the amazing bargain price of just $15.00 per year - your family will be members of Clan Cameron (You will receive our newsletter, and have access to the on-line Clan newsletter, as well as have access to discounts from several retailers). You could also e-mail me at "[e-mail]" and I will see that the information gets to you. After becoming a member, you would apply to become a convenor for the Alaska Highland Scottish games.

As for resources, tent etc., I am afraid that you would have to start from scratch and build from there. We would be pleased to assist with advice - and you can get an idea of what is involved from the other Clan tents at the games you just attended. Some are very elaborate, and some are very simple. If you choose to proceed - you will undoubtedly come across other Camerons, who will be attracted to the Clan tent.

It is a lot of work - but well worth the effort. Our Branch was started in much the same manner - by a Lady with a vision, a lot of enthusiasm, and perserverance (Our President, Apryl Cameron Weaver). Her dream was just recently realized upon receiving our Branch Charter from Lochiel. I am sure she would share some of her experiences with you (she can be reached at the above [e-mail] address).

I wish you all the best in your endeavours!

Slainte,

John

[ccameron]

Thank you John for your support, I appreciate it. Apryl sounds like a Lady I can relate to. I will be attending a family reunion in a week. I will ask my grandmother which branch she belongs to.As for starting from scratch, sounds like fun. I quilt, wood carve, and am a stained glass artist. I would love to create maybe the crest in glass, quilt a banner, wood carve a thistle? or the crest? I will keep you posted. Thanks again, Connie

[gaelgal]

Quite often, I have found, involvement in the games starts with curiosity and gently turns to leadership and promotion! We hear stories which we aren't sure are real, do a little research, retell the story correctly. Or find out that it's true, and repeat it. Repetition, questions, contact... we grow, we share, we learn some more. I am so glad that you are actively seeking and, as John suggests, I do hope you will become a member ~ and consider actively promoting a group in your area. My brother would have been at those Alaska games, he said, but he was traveling... I wish you much luck and happiness in your connections, Connie! You have a lot of enthusiasm which can be catching! Almost all games start small and grow... the clan tents do too. I hope you are blessed with many Camerons at the next game you attend ~ but if not, I hope you tell our story with great gusto to all who will listen!

[ceallaighdhu]

I've been trying for the last year to join the Rocky Mtn Chapter but haven't ever gotten a reply to my emails. We were at Achnacarry last month and actually got to meet with the Lochiel. He urged us to join our local chapter so I tried contacting them AGAIN when we got home but so far no luck. Any suggestions?