OTTAWA, April 6, 2014 – Today is National Tartan Day, which is celebrated on April 6 to coincide with the anniversary of the signing in 1320 of the Declaration of Arbroath, the Scottish declaration of independence.
Officially declared in Canada in October 2010, National Tartan Day is an opportunity for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the contributions of the Scottish people and their descendants to the fabric of our society. Celebrations typically include parades of pipe bands, highland dancing and sports, and other community gatherings with Scottish-themed events.
In Canada, the Canadian Maple Leaf Tartan was made an official national symbol by ministerial declaration on March 9, 2011. It was created in 1964 by David Weiser in anticipation of the 100th anniversary of Canada's Confederation in 1967 and designed to be worn by Canadians of all backgrounds, as a symbol of national pride.
This year, as we mark the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown and Québec Conferences and draw closer to the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, Canadians are encouraged to commemorate the events, celebrate the accomplishments and honour the people that helped shape who we are today.
On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada, I invite all Canadians to take time on National Tartan Day to learn more about the Maple Leaf Tartan and to celebrate the contributions that Canadians of Scottish heritage have made to our country.
Marisa Monnin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
