Previous conferences - 2020

HOW CAN WE ENSURE THE ONGOING BONDS OF SCOTTISH NORTH AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP?

2020 was a challenging year for us all but also provided great opportunity for us to reach new audiences all over the world with SNACC being delivered completely online for the first time in our 20 year history.

The theme of SNACC for 2020 "How Can We Ensure The Bonds of Scottish North American Friendship - The Relevance of Scottish Identity in a Globalized World."

Keynote speeches for the 2020 Conference:

Keynote - Clans • Families • Our Names • Our Heritage
Andrew Morrison, Viscount Dunrossil

The Enduring Resonance of the Declaration of Arbroath
Charles Edward Bruce, Lord Bruce DL MA MSc FSA Scot

Scotland’s Influence on North America
Rt. Hon. Henry McLeish, Former First Minister of Scotland

News From the Lyon Court
Rev. Dr. Joseph Morrow, Lord Lyon King of Arms

The SNACC Committee would like to thank all who presented, participated and attended Conference in a year that was quite like no other.

Scottish north american community conference 2020

Viscount Dunrossil

Andrew Morrison, Viscount Dunrossil gives his keynote speech and presentation, 'Co Leis Thu', which explores the very nature of identity, who we are as Scots and as descendants of Scots all over the world.

The Road To Scotland Is Paved With DNA: Panel Discussion and Presentation

Keith MacGregor, Dr. Maurice Gleeson, Dr. Robin Spencer and Sue Miller take us on an exciting journey in tracing DNA and ancestry at the Scottish North American Community Conference.

Dr. Bruce Durie

Entitled 'Revealing The Make Up Of Scotland's People' this presentation gives a valuable insight into the journey of tracing genetics and ancestry. Dr. Durie gives his expert insights and personal advice on how best to proceed with tracing your ancestry and heritage.

Gus Noble, President, Chicago Scots

Gus Noble welcomes attendees to the Scottish North American Community Conference 2020 and provides reflection on the importance of community and the bonds of friendship between Scotland and North America.

Enduring Resonance of The Declaration of Arbroath

In this panel discussion the speakers focus on the enduring resonance of the Declaration of Arbroath and what it means not only to Scots but as an ever relevant symbol of independence, resistance and the right to freedom.

Panel Discussion featuring:

Charles, Lord Bruce,

John King Bellassai, President of COSCA

Professor Donna Heddle (UHI)

Graeme Mackenzie (Association of Highland Clans & Societies)

Rt. Hon. Henry McLeish

Keynote speech from Rt. Hon. Henry McLeish:

'Scotland's Influence on North America'

In his speech, Rt. Hon. Henry McLeish reflects on the history of Scotland's contributions to the foundation of North America as well as providing some political insights in the modern day.

A former First Minister of Scotland, Rt. Hon. Henry McLeish holds a visiting professorship shared between the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and the University of Arkansas School of Law.

Panel: Scotland's Influence on North America

A fascinating look at the contributions of Scotland to North America historically and on key figures who influenced the foundations and development of both the USA and Canada.

Presentations from:

Ken McGoogan - Canadian History Writer and Author

Sergio Villavicencio - Alexander Hamilton Awareness Society

John King Bellassai - Council of Scottish Clans and Associations

Sir Malcolm MacGregor: Scotland a vision for photography

Sir Malcom MacGregor shares with us his expert insight into the craft of photography and talks us through his process and approach to photography with examples of his photography.

Sir Malcolm MacGregor is a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and an Associate of the British Institute of Professional Photography.

Camilla Hellman, MBE, President, American Scottish Foundation

Camilla Hellman MBE presents the results of the Conference survey questionnaire in which we invited our attendees to share their experiences and perspectives on a wide range of areas including their own personal study of their family heritage, whether they had traced their family tree or taken a DNA test.

The results were hugely interesting and we thank all those who took part in the survey questionnaire!

Our Virtual Presence - The New Normal for the Scottish North American Community.

This panel brings organizers of leading Scottish societies and festivals together to share how they have used innovative means to keep their organizations visible and to engage with others during a year which brought very specific challenges as a result of COVID 19.

The panelists share how they have been using online technology to engage with current audiences as well as attracting new audiences and building awareness online this year.

The panelists for Our Virtual Presence - The New Normal:

Camilla Hellman, MBE, President, American Scottish Foundation Bob Creighton, Chair of NHSCOT's Council of Advisors

Kyle Dawson, President, National Tartan Day NY

Kimberlee Bradford, President, St. Andrew's Society of Los Angeles

Jane Torrance, The Scottish Society of Ottawa,

Cheryl Gowing, President, Association of Scottish Games and Festivals

Deb Dalziel, Board, Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games Heather MacLeod Theoret, The Scottish Society of Ottawa

Tartan Day Award

Presentation of The Tartan Day Award to Bob Creighton.

Presented by and representing The Scottish Coalition USA:

Camilla Hellman, MBE, The American Scottish Foundation

John King Bellassai, Council of Scottish Clans and Associations

Cheryl Gowing, Association of Scottish Games and Festivals

Peter Wilson, Scottish Heritage USA

Music and the arts in the new normal

A panel discussion exploring how musicians and creatives are continuing to develop their craft, teach and learn in 2020.

The panelists in this discussion are:

Maggie McEwan,

Jamie McGeechan,

Susie Petrov,

Mara Shea,

Rory 'Gus' Sinclair

Terry Miller.

Scottish Studies and Online Engagement

The panelists discuss their experiences and insights into online learning, the value of building and developing networks and the importance of education and best practice for education.

The panelists in this discussion are:

William Petrie, Chair, Clans And Scottish Societies of Canada Professor Kevin James, Chair Scottish Studies, University of Guelph

Professor Frank Rennie, University of the Highlands and Islands Julie Bond, Gaelic Society of Toronto

Bob Creighton, Founder & CEO of Mentorshop

Toast and thanks from Kenneth C. Donnelly, Chairman, American Scottish Foundation

Kenneth C. Donnelly, Chairman of the American Scottish Foundation gives a toast and thanks to the Scottish North American Community Conference 2020.

Joni Smith Q&A

Joni Smith, Scottish Affairs Counsellor to USA, Scottish Government provides response to questions from the Scottish North American Community Conference Executive Team.

Joni Smith shares insights from the Scottish Government to Scottish North American organizations as well as key messaging from the Scottish Government.

Professor Caroline McCracken-Flesher Presentation on Sir Walter Scott

In the presentation entitled 'Sir Walter Scott, the strangeness of Scotland and the idea of America', Professor McCracken-Flesher gives a stimulating account of the life and legacy of Sir Walter Scott and his works.

Donald MacLaren of MacLaren: Greeting on behalf of The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs

The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs is the definitive and authoritative body for information on the Scottish Clan System.

Film Montage

In this film montage we share highlights from some of Scotland's premiere cultural events, projects, locations and festivals including:

The Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo

Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Celtic Connections

Abbotsford House

Spirit of the Highlands Project

Culloden Visitor Centre - National Trust for Scotland

Jennifer Coutts Clay: Jetliner Travel Presentation

Jennifer Coutts Clay is the author of Jetliner Cabins: Evolution & Innovation, still the only comprehensive guide to aircraft-cabin design, covering trends from the 1970s to the present day.

With an immense wealth of experience, knowledge and passion for aviation, Jennifer Coutts Clay provides an in-depth presentation looking at all aspects of aviation and travel.

Panel Discussion: Scotland 2021

The panelists discuss 'timelines for tourism' in Scotland, looking at events that are coming up in Scotland as well as celebrating some success stories in Scotland in 2020.

Panelists share their insights into future tourism in Scotland as well as highlighting their experiences of being involved in tourism, culture and learning in Scotland.

The panel are:

William Petrie, Chair, Clans And Scottish Societies of Canada

Kristen Bridier, Exec Director, National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA

Prof. Donna Heddle, University of the Highlands and Islands

Prof. David Worthington, University of the Highlands and Islands

Lord Jamie Sempill

Gordon Boag, Glasgow Life

Jamie McGeechan, American Scottish Foundation

Lt. Gov. John Cherry gives thanks and final remarks

Lt. Gov. John Cherry gives thanks and final remarks at the Scottish North American Community Conference 2020.

With closing remarks and thanks from Conference Executive:

Camilla Hellman, MBE, President, American Scottish Foundation

John King Bellassai, President, Council of Scottish Clans and Associations

Kevin James, Chair, Scottish Studies Foundation, University of Guelph

Maggie McEwan, Vice-Chair, Scottish Studies Foundation

Gus Noble, President, Chicago Scots

THE SCOTTISH COALITION USA (TSC)

NATIONAL TARTAN DAY AWARD

This Year's Awardee is Gus Noble

PRESENTED ANNUALLY TO RECOGNIZE AN EXCEPTIONAL SCOTTISH AMERICAN COMMUNITY LEADER - EXCEPTIONAL VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR.

GUIDELINES FOR AWARD BACKGROUND, PROCESS, AND CRITERIA. BACKGROUND:

The Scottish Coalition USA has been instrumental in establishing and maintaining a national platform for the Observance of Tartan Day in the USA - now observed in various ways from San Diego to Charlotte, to Washington DC and New York City.

Recognizing the efforts of those that help to sustain and grow the Scottish American Diaspora, TSC USA is increasing the nomination outreach this year. We are inviting leading Scottish American organizations, organizers of Games and Festivals, leading Clans, and individual National Tartan Day Coordinators (employing the TSC USA Members outreach) to provide a clear path in submitting their nominations.

Organizations that comprise The Scottish Coalition USA are:

American-Scottish Foundation (ASF) Association of Scottish Games & Festivals (ASGF) Council of Scottish Clans and Associations (COSCA) The Living Legacy of Scotland Scottish-American Military Society (SAMS) Scottish Heritage USA (SHUSA)

2023 Scottish North American Community Conference

A Scottish North American Conversation: How Our History and Community Empo

Previous conferences - 2020

HOW CAN WE ENSURE THE ONGOING BONDS OF SCOTTISH NORTH AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP?

watch snacc 2020 videos here

Scottish north american community conference 2020

Viscount Dunrossil

The Road To Scotland Is Paved With DNA: Panel Discussion and Presentation

Dr. Bruce Durie

Gus Noble, President, Chicago Scots

Joni Smith

Charles, Lord Bruce

Enduring Resonance of The Declaration of Arbroath

Rt. Hon. Henry McLeish

Panel: Scotland's Influence on North America

Sir Malcolm MacGregor: Scotland a vision for photography

Camilla Hellman, MBE, President, American Scottish Foundation

Our Virtual Presence - The New Normal for the Scottish North American Community.

Tartan Day Award

Music and the arts in the new normal

Scottish Studies and Online Engagement

Toast and thanks from Kenneth C. Donnelly, Chairman, American Scottish Foundation

Camilla Hellman, MBE, President, American Scottish Foundation

Lord Lyon: Update from the Lyon Court

Joni Smith Q&A

Professor Caroline McCracken-Flesher Presentation on Sir Walter Scott

Donald MacLaren of MacLaren: Greeting on behalf of The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs

Film Montage

Jennifer Coutts Clay: Jetliner Travel Presentation

Panel Discussion: Scotland 2021

Lt. Gov. John Cherry gives thanks and final remarks

Friday DECEMBER 4TH MORNING SESSION

SATURDAY DECEMBER 5TH MORNING SESSION

SATURDAY DECEMBER 5TH AFTERNOON SESSION