Email from St. Andrew's Society of Winnipeg

March 2025 SASOW MEMBERSHIP E-NEWS

President's Message

As I kick off my one-year term as president, I want to thank the Society and all of you for letting me take on this role. Our outstanding members are essential in preserving Scottish culture and heritage in Manitoba. Together, we create a lively community full of our rich traditions, and your ongoing support really means the world to us.

In November, I had the privilege of attending the Indigenous Veteran's Day event and joining the Mayor and Premier at our Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph. One of the ceremony's highlights was meeting our Pop-Up Piper, Alex Pedun, a talented Grade 3 member of the St. Andrew's Pipe Band who is now our Honorary Piper.

I attended the Scottish Festival in early January. I was super pleased to see the incredible Highland dance talent from our province and beyond!

We just wrapped up a fantastic Great Canadian Kilt Skate, and despite the freezing weather, we had an excellent turnout! It was so heartwarming to see everyone bundled up in their tartans of all colours. A big shoutout to the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada for joining us and Sergeant Cameron Dawson for lending his poly bagpipes to Pop-Up Piper Matthew Hunt, who piped outside while everyone skated.

Save the dates! Our Ceilidh will be held on April 5 at St. Andrew's Woodhaven Church Hall, and our Annual Celebration of St. Andrew's Day will be held on November 22 at the Caboto Centre. Check our online event calendar for more events in our Society and the wider Scottish community. We have many exciting plans, and we hope you'll join us!

I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas, so please feel free to call me at 204-791-6874 or email me at presidentsasow@gmail.com.

I look forward to serving you all and helping our Society grow stronger together!

Dwight MacAulay

President

Braving -30C for the Great Canadian Kilt Skate on

Louis Riel Day

Amidst the chilly air, kilts of every colour, flags waved proudly, and smiles lit up the crowd during the Society's Great Canadian Kilt Skate at Riley Duck Pond in Assiniboine Park. The Society was responsible for celebrating Winnipeg as the Kilt Skate Capital of Canada in 2021 and 2023. The event was a testament to our vibrant Scottish spirit.

We were thrilled to have the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada and their dedicated cadets join us, featuring the talented Sergeant Cameron Dawson, who spontaneously piped at the event. Pop-Up Piper Matthew Hunt also showcased his exceptional skills, adding to the friendly atmosphere.

Thanks to the local media who covered the event: Winnipeg Free Press, CBC, CTV and Global News.

Thank you to Hiren Shah from McDonald’s for generously donating coffee to keep everyone warm.

John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press, for taking the above photo and Scott Billeck for the article “It's cold out, don't’ forget your kilt.” Great Canadian Kilt Skate. Read the WFP article.

Book Review by Alexandra Paul

"Who We Are" by Murray Sinclair, CC Four Questions for a Life and a Nation, Penguin Random House McClelland and Stewart 2024

465 pages

An Insightful Journey Through Indigenous History and Identity

"Who We Are" by Murray Sinclair is a profound exploration of Indigenous identity, history, and resilience. As a prominent Indigenous leader, former senator, and chair of Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Sinclair brings an authoritative voice and deep personal insight to this work.

Overview

"Who We Are" is more than a historical account; it is a narrative that weaves personal experiences with the collective memory of Indigenous peoples in Canada. He poses four simple questions to structure a good life: Where do I come from? Where am I going? Why am I here? And Who Am I? His writing is poignant and educational, making it accessible to readers of all backgrounds. He talks on the page like someone sharing stories at the kitchen table.

Historical Context

The book builds a foundation crucial to understanding the depth of cultural loss experienced through colonization.

The history and the impact of residential schools is explored with unflinching honesty.

The book includes the What We Have Learned Report created by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Personal Reflections

Interwoven with historical facts are Sinclair's personal reflections. His own family's experiences with residential schools and systemic oppression lend a deeply personal touch to the narrative. These reflections are not only heart-felt but also serve as a testament to the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities.

Call to Action

"Who We Are" is not merely a recounting of the past; it is a call to action. Sinclair urges readers to engage with the process of reconciliation, to understand the truth of Indigenous experiences, and to take concrete steps towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. His emphasis on education and dialogue is particularly compelling, as he believes that understanding and empathy are key to meaningful change. He emphasizes our foundations as treaty people, whether Indigenous or non-Indigenous.

Writing Style

Murray Sinclair's writing style is both eloquent and straightforward. He has a remarkable ability to convey complex historical and cultural concepts in a manner that is easy to grasp. His use of personal and collective storytelling creates an engaging and thought-provoking narrative.

Conclusion

"Who We Are" by Murray Sinclair is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada and the shape of the national character. It is a powerful blend of history, personal reflection, and a vision for the future. Sinclair's work is a poignant reminder of the importance of acknowledging the past to build a better future.

Editor's note:

If you want to learn more and help the Truth and Reconciliation process, here's a link to an excellent free course offered by Business Development Canada (BDC), 4 Seasons of Reconciliation.

Tartan Day Ceilidh

Saturday, April 5, 7 pm

St. Andrew's Woodhaven Anglican Church Hall

2700 Portage Ave. Winnipeg

Experience the vibrant sounds of traditional Scottish music at the St. Andrew’s Society of Winnipeg’s Tartan Day Ceilidh. Enjoy a fun-filled event suitable for all ages and create unforgettable Scottish cultural memories with your loved ones. Tickets are available now:

SASOW Members - $20

SASOW Family Members - $35 (includes min of 1 adult and 4 children under 18 years)

Non-Members - $25

Tickets are available at the

SASOW Online Store

LCol (Ret’d)

Robert Darling

SASOW Member, former Honorary Chief and Past President 2004-5

Passed away January 18, 2025

We will miss Bob's kindness and commitment to his Scottish heritage, evident in his exceptional contributions to the St.Andrew's Society of Winnipeg. Our condolences to Alison, Sasha, Doug, Scott and the rest of their families.

You might be interested in watching this excellent video that Doug Darling produced and posted on LinkedIn about his dad and his illness: LinkedIn . More details in the Darling WFP Obituary.

SASOW is hosting its

New Members' Night

Thursday, March 13, 7 PM Winnipeg Winter Club

All members are welcome to attend.

It will be a fun evening of games, trivia, and prizes and an excellent opportunity to meet fellow members. There will be delicious hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar for refreshments. Please RSVP to: membershipsasow@gmail.com

by Friday, March 07, 2025.

Membership & Renewals

Do you know someone who wants to join SASOW?

Please send them to the SASOW member webpage for more information and individual and family membership applications.

Would you like to renew your membership? This can be done at the SASOW Online Store.

Please drop by and see us at Polo Park on March 22. SASOW will be at the community booth all day. Would you be interested in volunteering at the booth? Contact Nicole, Secretary, at standrewssocietywpg@gmail.com

Celebrating Community at the Shabbat Ceilidh!

Rev. Dr. James T. Christie sharing the Address to the Haggis

Table centrepieces of Scottish thistles and white poppy centrepieces convey the theme of "connecting across cultures."

Laura Unruh, Deanna Carlyle, Allison Unruh, and Lauren McCombe from the MacGregor School of Dance

On February 21, members of the Scottish community in Winnipeg had the unique opportunity to attend a Shabbat Ceilidh at the Rady Centre. The event was generously sponsored by The Asper Foundation Community Shabbat Program and co-hosted by the Winnipeg Jewish Theatre (WJT).

Dan Petrenko, Artistic and Managing Director, said in his welcome message, “At this special Shabbat, we embrace the beautiful friendship between our local Jewish and Scottish communities, finding joy in melodies, rhythms, food, and rituals that connect us across cultures.”

From the moment we arrived, our hosts' warm hospitality was evident. Guests were greeted with tartan badges, and the dining area was beautifully decorated with Scottish thistles and white poppy centrepieces, creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. It truly was a thoughtfully planned evening that blended two rich cultural traditions.

The program began with meaningful Shabbat prayers, including blessings over the Manchevitz wine and bread, led by Kevin McIntyre, actor, bagpiper, and a member of Congregation Etz Chayim, who also led a LaChaim toast.

SASOW Honorary Chief Rob Tisdale gave the Selkirk Grace. A highlight of the evening was the Address to the Haggis by Rev. Dr. James Christie, accompanied by the piper Kevin McIntyre. Guests toasted with a selection of fine scotch, fostering an even stronger sense of community among us.

Before dessert, we went to the Berney Theatre for excellent Scottish and Jewish entertainment. Dwight MacAulaylay, CVO, President of SASOW, and Anita Wortzman, CEO of the Asper Foundation, gave remarks and toasts.

Gaelyn McGregor, a member of the WJT board and the McGregor School of Dance, shared the history and culture of the three dances beautifully performed by her top highland students, Laura Unruh, Deanna Carlyle, Allison Unruh, and Lauren McCombe. Rev. Dr. Christie recited Robert Burn’s poem, Man’s a Man for a’ That.

The program also featured a captivating performance of Jewish musical theatre, with standout numbers from Kevin McIntyre and Julia Kroft. Their duet of “Shalom” (from the Broadway musical "Milk and Honey") and Julia’s rendition of “When You Believe” from Disney’s "Prince of Egypt" truly captured the spirit of the evening.

As the night drew to a close, we sang “Salaam” and the timeless “Auld Lang Syne.” We all left with goody bags of Jewish and Scottish pastries and a sample of haggis.

The entire evening was flawlessly planned and executed, setting a high standard for inclusivity and connection. It was a beautiful reminder that, despite our differences, more commonalities unite our cultures.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this memorable evening. We look forward to sharing more experiences in the future!

Calling All Poets!

The Robert Burns Burns Association of North America RBANA 10th Annual Poetry Competition 2025

Entries should be submitted by email to secretary@rbana.com. The deadline for entries is Monday, March 31, 2025

The Jack Hume Heather & Thistle Trophy is awarded annually for writing poetry in the style of Robert Burns. Jack Hume, who passed away a few years ago, was the founder of the Heather & Thistle Burns Club and a staunch supporter of RBANA. This is the tenth year that the trophy will be presented for the competition, and entries are invited under the following rules and conditions:

• Poems submitted must be original and not previously published.

• Only RBANA members in good standing are eligible to win the trophy.

• Entries from non-RBANA members will be judged by the panel and are not eligible to win the trophy.

• The winner will be chosen by a three-member panel.

• The winner will be announced at the 2025 AGM and Conference in Atlanta, GA, in May 2025.

• This trophy is awarded annually, and the winner is responsible for returning the trophy to the RBANA Secretary or President prior to the following year AGM & Conference.

For more information about the Manitoba Scottish Festival, go to the Prairie Pipe Band Association Facebook page

Scottish Cultural Centre

Feasibility Study Progress

Report

In 2023, the Board of Directors of The Scottish Heritage Council of Manitoba Inc. met with the then-provincial Minister of Sport, Culture, and Heritage, Hon. Obby Khan. We raised the possibility of a Scottish Cultural Centre as one of the agenda items at the meeting.

As a result, we were encouraged to apply for a grant to cover the cost of a cultural centre feasibility study.

The grant application was approved and announced in 2023 before the provincial election. Following the election, there was a delay as the new government reviewed various spending plans and confirmed that our grant and others would proceed as planned. In 2024, the funds were received following a further delay in finalizing the Contribution Agreement with Manitoba. The Scottish Heritage Council also applied to The St. Andrew’s Society Trust Fund and thankfully received a grant to assist with the additional expense of arranging insurance coverages required under the Contribution Agreement.

The consulting practice of MNP has been retained to carry out the feasibility study. An initial project meeting was held in December 2024, and a request for input into the study planning was sent to member organizations, including The St. Andrew’s Society.

A Feasibility Study Steering Committee has been formed. Members are Catherine Aastrom, Tamara Coutu, Peter Heavysege, Bart Omand and Diana Simpson, and ex-officio directors of the Heritage Council.

From John Perrin, President, The Scottish Heritage Council of Manitoba Inc., Chair, Scottish Cultural Centre Feasibility Study Steering Committee