Showing 1765 results

Authority record
Beaton, Murdoch
Person · 1879-1976

Mudoch Beaton lived on the Shore Road in Harbourview near Port Hood. He married Mary Christina MacDonell. He is remembered for his wit and talent as a storyteller.

MacLean, Joseph Allan
Person · 1888-1982

Joe Allan was born to parents Rory MacLean and Flora Bryden, both of Rear Christmas Island. He and his brother remained on the family property until the early 1980s. Joe Allan worked as a blacksmith and amateur carpenter in Benacadie and Rear Christmas Island. Many Canadian and international folklorists have listed Joe Allan as one of the finest known Gaelic storytellers of his generation.

MacDonald, Joseph Lawrence
Person · 1910-1997

Joe Lawrence was the youngest child of John J. MacDonald and Margaret Gillis of Rear Beaver Cove. His father was a blacksmith who moved the family into Ironville and open a new forge. Joseph's father as well as his mother's uncle, Archie Larry Gillis both composed songs. It is said that Joe Lawrence's uncle Donald John Lachlan was one of the last people to leave Rear Beaver Cove when he went to live with the family in Ironville. Joe Lawrence credits this uncle rather than his own parents with passing on a love and knowledge of Gaelic. His parents did not speak the language to their children, whereas his uncle (although able to speak English) chose to speak only Gaelic. Joe Lawrence taught himself to read and write Gaelic.
Apart from farming and a stint working at local quarries, Joe Lawrence learned the trade of blacksmithing and continued to operate the forge following his father's death. He married Mary Bell (Isabel) MacKenzie of Christmas Island and the couple went on to have 5 children.
Joe Lawrence collected extensively for Sr. Margaret Beaton and much of his material is held at the Beaton Institute. He worked tirelessly to preserve and celebrate Gaelic language and culture in Cape Breton. A founder of the Senior Citizen's Organization of Boisdale (a club that served as a gathering point for native Gaelic speakers), he also co-founded the Gaelic Society of Cape Breton.

MacKenzie, Dan
Person · 1910-198?

Dan MacKenzie was born in Christmas island to parish native John J. MacKenzie and Katie Cameron of Inverness.

Catriona Iain Ruaidh
Person · c1840-c1910

Catherine MacNeil, also known as Catrìona Iain Ruaidh or Catrìona Bean Ruairidh, was a well-known bard who lived in the far eastern part of the Highlands, Rear Christmas Island. Catherine's father was born in South Uist and came to Cape Breton in 1822. She married Iain Ruairidh "Gilleonan" MacNeil and settled near the foot of Eskasoni Mountain in Rear Christmas Island. The couple remained childless and their life was supposedly difficult, being so far from neighbours. Catherine would later spend considerable lengths of time living with the MacLean family in Rear Christmas Island. Catherine MacNeil was illiterate but Mrs. MacLean states that she insisted in integrity of her songs being preserved by anyone who wished to sing them.

MacNeil, John V.
Person · c1860 - ?

John V. MacNeil was born in Benacadie Glen to parents Donald and Catherine (Eòin) MacNeil. His paternal grandfather, Edward had immigrated to Cape Breton from the island of Sandray, south of Barra. After teaching school in the area for a few years, he took up the trade of carpentry, moving to Boston and later, Los Angeles. While in California, John V. got involved in real estate. He is said to have been so successful that he became a millionaire. Some of John V's songs were published in The History of Christmas Island.

MacKenzie, Joseph F.
Person · c1910 - ?

Joseph MacKenzie was born in Rear Christmas Island to parents Alex Joseph and Maggie Catherine MacNeil. He moved to Boston as a young man where he met and married Mary MacKenzie MacLean, originally of Washabuck. Joseph served many years as president of the Cape Breton Gaelic club. He and his wife later retired to Waltham, Massachusetts.

MacKenzie, Archibald J.
Person · 1861-1939

Archibald J. MacKenzie was born in Rear Christmas Island to parents James and Catherine MacDougall. His father left the Isle of Barra at the age of twelve. He taught school in the area for over 30 years. In that time he composed many songs and wrote short stories in Gaelic. He wrote the first edition of The History of Christmas Island Parish, published in 1925. Archibald J.'s son Archie Alex was also a well-respected and prolific bard.

MacLean, Peter
Person · 1921 - 2013

Born in Rear Christmas Island he was the son of the late John P. and Annie (Anna Mhìcheal Nìll Mhìcheil) MacInnis MacLean. Their home was one of the most notable cèilidh houses in that area of the country. Peter grew up in a household where Gaelic was the language of everyday life and in which Gaelic cultural expression in its many forms wove the fabric of social community interaction.
Peter worked as a carpenter starting in his teen years, learning the trade from craftsmen in the local community and going on to spend some 20 years working in the Boston area. During his stay in Boston, he was invited to join members of the North Shore Gaelic Singers to perform at the Newport Rhode Island Folk Festival, and at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

In addition to being a performer of rare ability, Peter was a mentor, a cultural icon, a friend and an inspiration to the many, many people who came to learn from him, novices and seasoned performers alike.

MacLean, Annie
Person

Anna or Annie MacLean, née MacInnis, was born in Castle Bay, N.S. She married John P. Maclean of Rear Christmas Island, where they established a homestead. Their household became one of the best-known ceilidh houses of the area, hosting many visits with Gaelic song , stories and lore being shared and enjoyed. She conducted her life and raised her children in a thoroughly Gaelic environment, passing on songs and traditions to future generations. MacLean was conscious in her effort to maintain Gaelic song tradition. She collected song clippings from newspapers and pamphlets which she kept in a large cardboard box and eventually passed on to her son, Peter Jack MacLean.

Union of Nova Scotia Indians

The Union of Nova Scotia Indians (UNSI) was organized in 1969 by the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia as the representative body for all of the Mi'kmaq in the province.

John Julien

John (Julian) Julien was chief (fl.1779-1805) of the Mi'kmaw people living in the Miramichi region, New Brunswick.

Rev. Pierre Maillard

Rev. Pierre Maillard (1710-1762) was a missionary among the Mi'kmaw people of Isle Royale. Around 1738 he composed Hieroglyphics which were then used by the Mi'kmaq for over a century.

Wood, Thomas
Jul 2. 1965

Rev. Thomas Wood became proficient in Mi'kmaq while serving as a missionary in Nova Scotia for the society for the propagation of the gospel in foreign parts. In preparing this work, he was able to use papers left by abbé Pierre Maillard, who had been a missionary to the Acadians and Mi'kmaq, 1735-1762. wood was also assisted by Jean-Baptist Roma, who had been Abbé Pierre Maillard's servant and was familiar with the abbe's handwriting.

Leach, MacEdward
Person · 1897 - 1967

MacEdward Leach (1897-1967) was one of North America's most widely respected folklorists. Among his many merits, he was scholar of literature, folklore and language. His work greatly influenced the development of folklore as an academic discipline, and introduced subsequent scholars and folk enthusiasts to the vast diversity of North American culture

Between 1949 and 1951 he took a series of trips to Cape Breton and mainland N.S to collect songs and stories from Gaelic tradition bearers.

Morrison, James R.
Person · 1883-1975

James R. Morrison (Seumas Ruairidh Òig Choinnich Bhàin) was born in Framboise Intervale in 1883. His father Roderick Morrison had immigrated from Berneray, Harris in the 1840s. His mother, Jane Strachan was born in Framboise to immigrants who also hailed from Berneray. By his own admission, James was fond of travelling and he left Framboise for Boston at the age of seventeen. From there went to work in the copper mines of British Columbia. At the request of his parents, he returned to Framboise where he met and married Loch Lomond native Effie Morrison. James operated a store in Framboise for many years and continued to do odd jobs in the community following his retirement at the age of 80. He passed away in 1975 at the age of 92. On his tombstone the words “Gaelic Singer” can be read beneath his name.
James R. Morrison was the nephew of renowned bard Murdoch Morrison, author of Òrain Fuinn is Cladaich”. James R.’s compositions do not appear to have been published.

MacDonald, Dan Alex
Person · 1885 - 1972

Dan Alex MacDonald was born in North Framboise. His father also hailed from North Framboise, whereas his mother, Annie Munroe, came from Canoe Lake, near Gabarus. Both of his parents were descendants of immigrants from North Uist. He ran a farm, operated a saw mill and raised a family of three boys, three girls and a foster son.
Dan Alex was a well respected bard and is best known for his song in prasie of Cape Breton, " 'Se Ceap Breatainn Tìr Mo Ghràidh".

Nicolson, Sam
Person · 1864-1950

Sam Nicolson was born on Skye Mountain and later moved to a farm in Skye Glen. He was the son of Angus Nicolson who immigrated to Cape Breton from the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Sam married Jessie MacLellan of Dunakyn.

MacDougall, Kate
Person

Kate MacDougall from Ben Eoin was the daughter of Alexander MacDougall and granddaughter of Allan Og and Marie (MacAdam) MacDougall, all of Ben Eoin. Kate had one daughter, Mary Ann MacDougall who was married to Donald MacMillan, and they lived in Kate's house in Ben Eoin. Her first language was Gaelic and she was well known in the Big Pond/Ben Eoin area for her songs and stories. Joe Neil MacNeil described her as an "able girl, a strong girl, who would think nothing of going to the woods to cut her own firewood." Kate MacDougall had no formal education, and very little in the way of possessions. She maintained a treasury of local stories, songs and lore and was well respected by all in her community. More information, and a photo of Kate, can be found in Jack MacNeil's 'From the Cove to the Glen'.

MacKinnon, Annabelle
Person · 1878 - 1980

Annabelle MacKinnon (née Gillis) was born and raised in Gillis Lake, Cape Breton County, N.S. She married Archibald MacKinnon of Boulardrie and they settled in Frenchvale. She eventually moved into the Prime Brook (Alexandra St.) area of Sydney, N.S. Annabelle was extremely knowledgeable of the genealogy and history of the Gillis Lake, and surrounding areas. She was a native speaker and maintained that she was much more proficient in her native tongue than her learned English. She had a formidable memory stretching back to the Old Country through stories told be her Grandmother, an emigrant from Uist, Scotland.

A. D. MacNeill
Cape Breton · Person · 1880 – 1891

Alexander Donald MacNeil, (1867-1892) was born in Orangedale, Cape Breton. He was the son of the late James & Julia (MaxQuarrie) MacNeill. He received his early education in a one-room Orangedale school, attended Sydney Academy where he received a medal for excellence in literature and began writing poetry. He attended Queens University in Kingston, Ont. His education was interrupted when his mother died (1884) and while returning home he and his brother were caught in a snowstorm. He subsequently got a cold and later contracted Tuberculosis and died at age 25.

Rev. Ronald MacGillivray
Antigonish · Person · 1947

Father MacGillivray (1835-1892) had been a parish priest at St. Joseph’s and Principal of the Grammar School at St. Andrew’s (both in Antigonish County) before he was appointed Parish Priest at Arisaig in 1885. In 1890, Rev. Dr. Neil MacNeil, Editor of the Casket, asked Father MacGillivray to write a history of Antigonish County. Printed as a series of articles under the pen name “S.A.” [Sargart Arisaig], it ran from 1890 until Father MacGillivray drowned in 1892.

Edward Buckner Sutherland
Person · 1851-1852

Captain Edward Sutherland (1794-1885) came to Sydney about 1829 as a lieutenant with the 96th Regiment of Foot (Manchester Regiment). He was Town Adjutant of Sydney 12 July 1833. He stayed until 1855 when the garrison was removed and he went to Canada. While in Cape Breton he lived in Westmount, and later moved to California where he died in 1885.

Jack Silburt
Cape Breton Post · Person · 1940 - 1950

Jack Silburt was a Cartoonist who worked for the Sydney Post Record (now Cape Breton Post) during the late 1940s and early 1950s. His son Alan Silburt submitted these photocopies of his sketches in 1995.

Joseph Sherman
Person · 1969-1994

Joseph Sherman was born in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia in 1945 and raised in Sydney, Cape Breton. He received his B.A. and M.A. from the University of New Brunswick. He taught college English in Edmundston, New Brunswick from 1970 to 1979. Since 1979, Sherman, has been editor of Arts Atlantic at the Confederation Centre Art Gallery & Museum in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. He is married with two children.

Silver Donald Cameron
Person · 1968 - 1995

Silver Donald Cameron was born on June 21, 1937 in Toronto. Cameron was raised in Vancouver. He is one of Canada's most versatile authors, who in (1995) was Dean of the School of Community Studies at the University College of Cape Breton in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Dr. Cameron's work has appeared in countless magazine articles. A former contributing editor of Weekend, he has received four National Magazine Awards. He has also written more than 50 radio dramas, many scripts for film and television, and a stage play, many of which have won awards. Silver Donald Cameron holds a B.A. from the University of British Columbia, an M.A. from the University of California, and a Ph.D. from the University of London, England. He taught at Dalhousie University, University British Columbia, and the University of New Brunswick, and was Writer-in-Residence at the University College of Cape Breton (1978-80), the University of Prince Edward Island (1985-86) and the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (1987-88). He was Vice-Chairman of the Writers Union of Canada and founding Executive Director of Centre Bras d'Or in Baddeck, Nova Scotia. He is also President of Novara Software and of his own company, Paper Tiger Enterprise.

Cape Breton · Corporate body · 1993

At a conference held in Prince Edward Island entitled "An Island Living" where the exchange of many "Island" experiences took place, it was discussed that Cape Breton had no political autonomy and the only Island not to have its own flag. Finding this a challenge, the editors of the Cape Bretoner magazine joined forces with ATV Cape Breton, CJCB/K94, City Printers and the Lyceum Heritage Society to launch a "Great Cape Breton Flag" contest on Heritage Day, February 15. The contest turned out to be an overwhelming success with over 2,000 entries submitted. These have been compiled in binders along with the winning entry by Kelly Gooding of Sydney Mines.

Centre Bras d'Or
Cape Breton · Corporate body · 1985-1993

Centre Bras d'Or Association was formed to develop in Cape Breton an environment in which artists, craftspeople, performers, critics, scholars and others could exchange all aspects of their work with one another, with the community at large and with visitors so as to reveal and enhance the natural strengths and the diversity of environment landscape, cultural heritage and creativity for the Island to the cultural and economic benefit of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Centre Bras d'Or was inspired by the example of the Banff Centre which brings artists of various disciplines together in a physically beautiful setting. Initially, they set out to seize public attention by mounting an ambitious summer festival of the Arts: 14 days of music, literary readings, weaving, exhibits, dance & theater. The first Festival attracted 4200 people. The vigor and vision of the founding group has brought the Centre a remarkable range of support ranging from Gov't of Canada (Canada Council), Dept. of Employment & Communications, DEVCO, Gov't of Nova Scotia (Dept. of Culture & Development) as well as major national firms and local organizations.

Harry A. Archibald
Nova Scotia · Person · 1940-1950

Harry A. Archibald was a local businessperson who operated a Taxi stand in North Sydney during the 1950's. Archibald also wrote and collected poetry. Local Poems & Old Come-All-Ye Songs - the Shores of Pottles Lake and others was a published book which sold for 50 cents. Mr. Archibald also advertised his business in prose form in various media articles.

Parker, Lewis
Canada · Person · 1984-1986

Lewis Parker of Toronto taught at Humber College. He is past President of the Canadian Society of Book Illustrators. Lastly, he was commissioned by Parks Canada to do murals for the Fortress of Louisbourg, Nova Scotia and Fort Beausejour, New Brunswick.

MacLellan, Angus
Person · 1882-1968

Angus MacLellan, Grand Mira, N.S, was the grandson of famed bard Dòmhnall Gobha and nephew to Vincent Maclellan, publisher of Failte Ceap Breatainn. Angus was a well respected tradition bearer and singer in the Grand Mira area and greater Cape Breton Gaelic communities.

Nicholson, Patrick M.
Person

Patrick M. Nicholson was a noted story teller in the Beaver Cove area of Central Cape Breton. His cousin Roddie F. Nicholson is also a well-known tradition bearer. Patrick married and settled in Worcester, Massachusetts where he raised at least three children: John, Donald and James. Patrick was son of Iain Og and Margaret (Maceachern) Nicholson.

MacQueen, Neil
Person · 1876-1977

Neil MacQueen was born in April of 1876 to Angus and Mary MacQueen (Stewart). He was married to one Christy MacIntyre (Framboise, N.S). Neil worked as a farmer and woodsmen in Framboise and neighbouring communities in Richmond County N.S. He kept active throughout his life and was a well-respected Gaelic tradition bearer.

Castle Players of Society
Corporate body · 1985-2007

The Castle Players Society was formed in January 1986 to promote and organize a theatrical retelling of some of the legends relating to Moxham’s Castle and the Moxham Family. The University College of Cape Breton, Cape Breton Development Corporation, and the Federal Youth Employment provided the seed funding with the hope that this would be an annual seasonal production for local and vacationing public.