Mòd Vancouver: The End
of a Long and Glorious Tradition
By CATHOLINE BUTLER
VANCOUVER - The Scottish Cultural Centre on Hudson Street in Vancouver hosted the Mòd from May 8-12.
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MAUREEN LYON |
Every two years, the Mòd is held in different parts of the world and was formed expressly for the promotion and preservation of the Scottish culture in Gaelic language and song.
When I read the opening welcoming address in the Mòd Vancouver booklet by President Maureen Lyon, I was shocked to read that the Vancouver Mòd would be coming to an end. Maureen also teaches Scots Gaelic at the Scottish Cultural Centre from September to April.
The Mòd Vancouver was established in 1990, and I spoke with Maureen afterwards to ask about this unfortunate turn of events.
"There was a time when Gaelic was spoken on the streets of Vancouver, in the churches and in the shops," said Lyon. "Gaels would often meet for ceilidhs in the Scottish Hall and the building would be packed. Unfortunately these days are gone and it's amazing how things change.
"We simply can't keep it going. We haven't enough people. It's a huge event and there is so much work. It's the same old story with the same people doing all the work.
"There are no young people coming out to take our places. It's very hard. There is hardly anybody left at the ceilidhs, and there are too many options for people, so many other things for them to go to here.
"Last year we ran an ad in The Celtic Connection for new members to join our Vancouver Gaelic Choir, and from that ad we got three new members and they sang in this year's Mòd."
The Mòd Vancouver had four choirs this year - one from Aberdeen, Victoria, Seattle and their own Vancouver Gaelic Choir. They were very pleased with the turnout but it was also bittersweet.
"Yes the turnout was really great," said Maureen, "the competitions were really good and the Saturday closing night was just excellent. But in the midst of everyone having a good time, there was also sadness that this will be our last Mòd in Vancouver."
For more information or to contact the Vancouver Gaelic Society, call (604) 263-9911.
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