Comments on: The Mystery that Shows a Mutual Respect Between Native Americans and The Scots

By: Graham Howard

Graham Howard — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 03:05:39 +0000

You would think, after all the years, I would be able to spell the Chief’s name correctly. Iain,is correct.

By: Graham Howard

Graham Howard — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 03:00:07 +0000

I am a member of Clan Gunn, through my mother, Helen Elizabeth Wilson; and belong to the Scottish Society of Greater Bloomington, The Westford Knight is part of our heritage, and we are proud of our new Chief Iaian Gunn (and his wife Bunty) – the first in 230 years. Although Caucasian, I have been active in the Native American pow wow circuit from the 1960′s to today.
I was lucky enough to be mentored by Elders in the Kiowa, the Ponca, and the Delaware, and have always been interested in the similarity between the two cultures. Many tribes are alike to the Scots in custom, organization, and use of spiritual beliefs.

The Scots have always been known for their belief and action in: 1) Freedom. 2) Assimilation in other cultures rather than
conquering their land. 3) Education 4) And the use of manners – such as always following the Lords words in Revelation, “Here I am. I knock on the door………… ” This particular custom is paramount among most native families. In many states, and when I am introduced they invite me in and share a meal with me. This is also Christian custom in many Scottish families. And, if I may be bold, when a Scot gives his word he will do anything not to break it, because this is is true self.

I dance Scottish Country Dances with two Ferguson’s. They are both active in the Vocational Technical Educational system.

Heritage leaves us all wondering. Besides my DNA being Scandinavian, and English,as I expected, another gene showed up – Circassian. This line goes all the way back to the Black Sea in the Ukraine. When I said to myself….impossible ! I remembered that in
Scottish Ceilidh dancing we dance one called “Circassian Waltz “. Now how did they migrate, as Muslims, to Scotland and how
did they fit in ? Like you, I wonder, but accept what is.

By: Mary Jane Vandale Wood

Mary Jane Vandale Wood — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 00:11:54 +0000

McKee, Shawnee in PA and Augusta VA, Gillespie/Gillispie/ Galaspy in VA, McElwee in VA, Blake, and more.

By: Carlin Knight

Carlin Knight — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 18:08:13 +0000

In 1997 I attended the Triennial Gathering of the Clan Gunn along with my husband, my mother Edith Gunn Moore, my step-father, and my granddaughter, Jessica, We attended a lovely reception at the home of then Commander Iain and Bunty Gunn. What wonderful host and hostess they were! We also took a pre- and post-gathering tour with the North American Clan Gunn Society and viewed the story of the Westford (or Wexford) Knight at the Clan Gunn Museum. This article was an eye-opener! The power of DNA to be able to link the Scottish and Native American ancestries is fascinating and the legends having been passed down in both families in American and Scotland! It was wonderful to learn that Commander Iain has at long last been named Clan Chief! Thank you so much for publishing this blog on Facebook. It brought back so many wonderful memories of our marvelous time in Scotland. Carlin Knight