Cassie R.

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

NWT Territorial Showcase

Nova Scotia's Scottish Roots

My project is about when the Scots immigrated to Canada, how they adapted, and what Scottish traditions they brought with them. I chose it because my family is from Nova Scotia, and my great-great-great grandfather immigrated from Scotland to Nova Scotia among many other Scots.

 

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

All of it was interesting, but one in particular is the Highland Games. Last year I went to the Antigonish Highland Games, but I didn't really know what it was about. Now I now that it is a lot of different Scottish competitions all in one event. I also learned that the Antigonish Highland Games are the oldest Highland Games outside of Scotland!

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

I think we should really be grateful for medicine and hospitals. Before about the 1950s, people in Nova Scotia did not have easy access to healthcare. I found out that many of my Scottish ancestors died from sicknesses like pneumonia, whooping cough and tuberculosis before they could get to a hospital to get treated, because the hospital was far away and they also did not have cars. Through all this they persevered and it paid off, because now the Scottish culture thrives in Canada.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

In Canada today, we have hospitals, schools, cars and advanced technology close by, so most of our needs are satisfied. But when the Scots immigrated to Nova Scotia, they left pretty much all of what they had behind to go create a better life for them and their family in Nova Scotia. They had very little and it was very hard for them. I am grateful to my ancestors, because what they did created a better life for me, and people across Canada.