By Bruce Holland, Publisher
Former Halifax City Councillor, Rick Grant, was recently awarded the World Peace Tartan, for his hard work to bring all the province’s existing Celtic groups together by forming the Celtic Cultural Society of Nova Scotia.
Born in Halifax, Rick was educated in the Halifax Public Schools, and graduated from Queen Elizabeth High School. He went on to study at Saint Mary’s University, graduating with a BA and B.Ed. He also holds a Master of Education from Dalhousie University. During his teaching career Rick was considered a leader in Career and Co-operative Work education and Work Experience in Nova Scotia and in Canada.
Rick later served on Halifax City Council, representing Mainland South for three terms and, during that time, served as Deputy Mayor. While on Council Rick was able to bring communities together and fostered relationships with, and between, diverse groups, bringing about many positive changes in the community. Rick also had a leadership role in the development of the Captain William Spry Centre implementing a model for the multi service community concept.
The World Peace Tartan Initiative was created in 2011 by Scottish interreligious consultant Victor Spence. The first ever World Peace Tartan Scarf was presented to his Holiness the Dalai Lama during a visit to Edinburgh in June 0f 2012. Other recipients include Bishop Desmond Tutu, Col. Chris Hadfield, as well as a number of Nobel Peace Laureates.
Currently, Rick is the President of the Celtic Cultural Society of Nova Scotia a position he has held since its inception in 2013.
This idea of a Celtic Cultural Society, initiated to bring all the province’s existing Celtic groups together, was born several years after Rick organized an informal event bringing the Charitable Irish and the Scots together. Anyone that can bring the Scots and Irish to the same table deserves a Nobel Peace Prize. Rick and a small group founded the Celtic Cultural Society whose mission is to promote and preserve the cultural, linguistic, literary, athletic, heritage, history, and traditions of Nova Scotia’s Celtic Community.
To date, there are 227 World Peace Tartan Ambassadors around the world.
Rick has received numerous community, volunteer and professional awards over the years including the “Scot “of the Year Award from the NS Federation of Scottish Culture in 2016 for promoting all things Celtic and for his part in bringing Celtic groups together.
About the Scarf itself – the light blue represents the presence, hope and potential of the United Nations. Scotland is symbolized by the purple and green of the Scottish thistle. The red and black are reminders of the realities of war and violence and the great need for a new living culture of nonviolence. The white running through the pattern provides a counterbalance by representing peace and light.
Photo credits to:
https://theculturetrip.com
