Motion regarding Proclamation of Tartan Day in the City of Vancouver

Moved by Councillor Deal
Seconded by Councillor Louie  


WHEREAS:  The City of Vancouver is known world-wide for its dedication to and support for multiculturism;

AND WHEREAS: The City of Vancouver takes various measures, including issuing proclamations, to stimulate pride in the diversity, harmony and enjoyment of the many cultures which collectively comprise the population of the City;

AND WHEREAS: Scots and the descendants of Scots have in the past and continue in the present to contribute to the building of a vibrant City of Vancouver;

AND WHEREAS: the historical enactment of the Declaration of Arbroath on April 6th  1320 A.D., the Scottish Declaration of Independence, is recognized as one of the first significant steps on the long journey to Scottish democracy;

AND WHEREAS: the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Ontario, Nova Scotia and countless municipal jurisdictions across both Canada and the United States have officially proclaimed April 6th as Tartan Day in recognition of the legacy that flows from the Declaration of Arbroath and in recognition of the contribution of Scots and their descendants to nation building;

AND WHEREAS: there are examples of other communities in Vancouver wearing tartans including the Singh tartan, the Irish Pipe and Drums tartan and the Gung Haggis Fat Choy tartan;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The City of Vancouver proclaim the date of April 6th to be TARTAN DAY “until tomorrow and so on forever”.


The above proclamation was drafted by Ron Sutherland of the SFU Scottish Studies program.  Heather Deal and I added the last "whereas" to include Vancouver's more multicultural tartan wearing communities. 

Thanks to everybody involved for their energies and support.  And to Vancouver Sun writer Chantal Eustace for reminding us that Tartan Day was coming up with her article The next celebration: Wearing the tartan, which spurred us into action out of embarrassment, or because we felt challenged, or because we thought we could actually do something and have a reason to celebrate with a drink.
Todd Wong (centre right in red vest) wears the tartan on St. Patrick's Day, along with Nathalie Coulombe (right) and others at Doolan's Pub.View Larger Image View Larger Image

Kilted events around town during Tartan Day week

April 3 - Thursday - 8pm onwards
Kilts Night "Tartan Day"
Doolin's Irish Pub
654 Nelson St. (at Granville St.)
- Kilt fashion parade - after the hockey game... or between periods?!?!
Live music 9:30pm with Halifax Wharf Rats
FREE pint of Guinness if you wear a kilt
Free admission

Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5
Halifax Wharf Rats Tartan Day Weekend
Dublin Crossing Pub, Cloverdale
188th and Fraser Hwy
More of the same good food and fun music, but in a different neighbourhood than downtown.

April 5 - Saturday - 8pm
Gaelic Society monthly Ceili
Scottish Cultural Centre.
8886 Hudson St (at 73rd Ave.)
Tickets at the door $12
Featuring: accordionist Sandy Black, musician Seumas Gagne; singer Doug Barr + Highland Dancers from Angus MacKenzie's School of Highland Dancing.

Sunday - official Tartan Day.

April 6 - 1:30pm
Gung Haggis Fat Choy dragon boat team
"Tartan Day Paddle"
meet at Science World dragon boat docks.
paddle from Science World to David Lam Park, Granville Island - and back.
Some of our team members will be paddling in our tartans!
FREE admission - come for fun!