From a ‘CGS North America’ member; concerning the Clan Gunn future
I have been given permission to use the below material, which was recently emailed to me. It was written by a ‘Clan Gunn Society North America’ member and it makes many thoughtful points about the Clan Gunn, and suggests ways the various Clan Gunn societies might work in the future. We need to consider the various ideas. Many of them challenge those who run the Clan Gunn societies.
I will explore the ideas over time but first note what is said about Lord Lyon. It offers another reason as to what was wrong with the petition for a Family Convention about the Gunn Chief. (That petition proposed a totally radical view about changing Gunn history and should have been discussed in all Clan Gunn societies. It wasn’t. It is such a radical change, the political equivalent in all our countries would have required a referendum before it started. But no, a small group decided to change Gunn history forever.)
Now, I don’t agree with all the ideas but we need to think through the role and purpose of the Clan Gunn societies in the 21st century and not just blithely roll on with outdated structures, habits and concerns.
I will explore the ideas over time but first note what is said about Lord Lyon. It offers another reason as to what was wrong with the petition for a Family Convention about the Gunn Chief. (That petition proposed a totally radical view about changing Gunn history and should have been discussed in all Clan Gunn societies. It wasn’t. It is such a radical change, the political equivalent in all our countries would have required a referendum before it started. But no, a small group decided to change Gunn history forever.)
Now, I don’t agree with all the ideas but we need to think through the role and purpose of the Clan Gunn societies in the 21st century and not just blithely roll on with outdated structures, habits and concerns.
1st email
I am interested in Clan Gunn's history, both in Scotland and in the other countries where clan members established themselves. Our ancestors and other Scots changed the fabric of a number of countries and we should take some pride in this. I would like to see this history recorded. I am also interested in helping to develop a few programs and activities that would be of some real benefit to clan descendants, programs and activities that would encourage some of the millions of descendants worldwide to re-kindle a relationship with other descendants, programs we could all take some satisfaction from. An example would be to assist our younger people with educational, vocational and employment goals. I would like to see an effort made to establish a mentoring program. Because of our clan history and the actions taken by the Crown toward our ancestors and other Scottish people I find continued dealings with appointees of the Crown in the traditional manner offensive. To go before the Lyon Court and ask for validation, approval, permission or a ruling that affects present clan members and their descendants world wide is embarrassing and humiliating to many. It is disrespectful and demeaning to our ancestors' memory. It is another indignity. But, we have a choice. We no longer have to tolerate outside control or seek outside approval on family matters. Clan members could decide organizational issues internally. This would show self-determination, empowerment, independence, autonomy, strength and pride. Some may say, the Lyon Court has no power or influence over people living outside of England and Scotland. Asking for their permission to call a convention gives them a great deal of control, power and authority over all family members and their descendants. This should be considered. Gunn Society leaders did not seek approval from the Lyon Court prior to the signing of the Letter of Cooperation with the Ngati Awa Maori of New Zealand. This was an autonomous decision. The agreement extends to Clan Gunn worldwide. If the leaders took this progressive move and engaged in international diplomatic efforts without any approval from the Lyon Court, why would we go before them for other matters? Clan leaders may however want to consider engaging in a diplomatic effort with the Lyon Court, meeting as equals. Perhaps clan leaders could consider drafting a letter of inquiry to the Court, to ask if they would be willing to send a representative or group to meet with Clan Gunn delegates. The purpose of the meeting would be to discuss past history, misunderstandings, and to determine if there is any benefit to further discussion. This would show our willingness to engage in dialog, reflect our stature as a world wide organization. The Court has a tradition of charging various fees to most parties that appear before it. We should not offer any payment or compensation to the Court or its representatives as an inducement to engage in any discussions. Payment of fees or court costs puts Clan Gunn in the position of supplicant, subservient to the Court or its representative. If the Court agrees to meet, discussions may prove fruitful. If they refuse, we have demonstrated our independence, autonomy, and a willingness to engage in diplomacy. Clan delegates must have clear instructions as to what they can agree to prior to any meeting or contact. An effort of this nature would likely be acceptable to most of our members. This effort may help bring our clan and the court into the present era, and both organizations may be able to develop a practical method of functioning with each other in the 21st century. At this point, it may also be appropriate to define the Clan organizations purpose and direction. ... Are (we) interested in following the Scottish romantic revival clan model of the 1850s, in which the Lyon Court, the English royals, the United Kingdom’s political and social structure have major influence? Or, are (we)... interested in having a benevolent international group that is concerned about the welfare, education and betterment of all clan descendants? I understand that there are those that would disagree with me on a number of points. I think it is important to present opinions openly and honestly. Over the centuries many Scots and their descendants have had little or no opportunity to freely voice their views. To not do so now would be a loss of a valuable franchise that took us too long to win back. This should not be forgotten and should not be allowed to happen again. |
2nd email
Over the last twenty years Clan Gunn USA membership has grown for a number of reasons. First, the tent convenors are very friendly and welcoming-- "If you or any of your ancestors have one of these names, you belong with us." This attitude is very appealing. It's an instant extended family. Twenty dollars and you're part of a nice friendly group. Clan members are welcoming. They don't talk about royalty, blood lines, etc. They tend to talk about the here and now. It's an activity that a whole family can do together. Two or three generations, you don't have to be in physical condition, you don?t need expensive equipment. You meet on common ground, i.e. a fairground. The cost for most of the social events is affordable and children and grandchildren are welcome to attend most events. Many people like this extended family feeling. The St. Andrews Societies and Caledonian Clubs that sponsor many of the Scottish Games in the US are also somewhat inclusive. Many of these groups do a great deal of charitable work that is of benefit to the general community. This attitude of being inclusive, family friendly, fairly democratic, and doing good works is very appealing. Compare this to a group that appears to want to have an exclusive, rather elitist club that is interested in Scottish nobility, creating new hereditary positions, supports culture that has a strict sense of class structure and world order. It's an interesting and dramatic comparison.... A concern I have is that the different viewpoints of the two organizational models may simply not be compatible. There are some people in the US and other countries that would find talk of royalty, nobility, the Scottish romantic revival movement, hereditary titles, and class status appealing. Many, however would find it distasteful and even offensive. Sensitivity to different cultural viewpoints is rather important. Unfortunately several of our leaders may be unaware or unconcerned about the viewpoint of the majority of the people that make up our membership. The values, customs, traditions of most members may not be in line with those of some of our leaders. But let's move on to positive things that people may want to talk about ... We should be proactive in developing programs and providing benefits that would encourage descendants to rekindle a relationship with their clan. A gathering or international meeting that is more inclusive is essential. Holding gatherings every few years and rotating the countries they are held in would be a step in a new direction. The international gathering could be held in conjunction with a Scottish event such as a Scottish Games. This would allow people that are competing to compete in an international competition. This would be an incentive for younger clan members to attend future gatherings. With the cost of going to Scotland and time involved, most people from outside the United Kingdom are not inclined to attend more than one gathering in Scotland. Rotating the location of the gatherings would make it more likely that more members would attend international gatherings, perhaps in their own country. Holding gatherings in different host countries would also allow us all to see the influence and accomplishments clan Gunn and other Scots have had in that country. (e.g. New Zealand 2011) Another area that leaders may want to explore is developing a clan wide international educational, cultural and mentoring program. This should not be a very difficult or costly endeavor. We should establish a relationship with at least one college or university in each country we have a group in. The university would act as a library and depository for any papers, books, files, diaries, oral histories, films, recordings, etc., that we have or can produce. Copies could be made and sent to other colleges that we have a relationship with. Many clan members are college graduates, alumni of a number of schools. Others have been or are presently on the faculty and administrations of a number of institutions. Establishing a working relationship should not be very difficult. Clan Gunn members could sponsor more scholarships, prizes, programs, contribute to the endowment fund and provide a number of highly educated people that may be willing to lecture, conduct workshops and act as adjunct faculty. Many of us have done pretty well since our families left Scotland. Both the clan and the selected colleges would benefit from this relationship. Establishing a relationship with other Scottish and various civic and fraternal organizations should be undertaken to see how we can benefit from mutual cooperation. Again, this is not very difficult for many of our members are involved in a number of these wonderful groups. The mentoring aspect is not too difficult to get started. This would benefit both our younger and older members alike, as it would strengthen clan bonds, loyalty and deepen friendships. As a group, we should be able to provide advice and counsel in employment, vocational and educational matters. Clan leaders should talk about expanding the use of modern communications and human resource management. Our clan is blessed with many talented people that have a wide range of skills, talents, professions and trades. An effort should be made to investigate the possibilities of having some of these people available to assist, advise, counsel and encourage others. A survey or questionnaire asking about members' areas of expertise and background would be helpful in understanding our strengths and capabilities. Developing a social network is now possible on a global scale with the use of the internet. The gathering and sharing of genealogical records should be encouraged and expanded. Developing some understanding of the illnesses and diseases for which clan members have a predisposition (e.g. diabetes, skin cancer, eye problems) should be explored. Some of these diseases appear to be extremely common among our members. As a group, we may be able to assist medical researchers in discovering some of the causes of these medical problems. We can alert, educate and inform our members of possible preventive measures, screenings and treatments that are available. We may, as a group, be able to provide tissue, organ, bone marrow, etc., matches and provide a large donor pool for each other. Reviving some of the traditional clan activities and making it an organization that is active and involved in worthwhile projects would encourage more descendants to become involved and rekindle clan ties. We should encourage and provide activities and programs for more than one generation in a family. To be viable in the future we must attract younger members... |