ESSAY 0N ISLAND HERITAGE

Prince Edward Island - to be sure one could find no better or more unique concise definition of the adjectives beautiful, picturesque and mag- nificent.

In fact, the words themselves are but pale descriptions of the total positive qualities of this fair isle. It is no wonder that visitors who are and have been world travellers compare this magic isle to the pastural areas of the old countries of Britain and Northern France. When one considers this comparison he finds the chief reason why our ancestors, those hard crofters and peasants of Britain and Northern France, made this island, on its beautiful red sandstone base, their home. Hence we have the reason why this island province is about 98 percent Celtic in its popu- lation composition. In fact it has been said that this province is not a heterogeneous popu- lation like the rest of North America but a hemogenous population; in other words, Prince Edward Island is a nation. It could also be stated that this Island Nation may be one of the only areas of the world which has a 98% Celtic population.

Independence, hard work, reliability, persev- erance, toughness and a stubborness to the point of never yielding are characteristics traditionally associated with the Celtic people of France and Britain; and these characteristics are clearly pronounced in the Island's population.

« Perhaps the two most unique characteristics Ofi the Celtic people and Islanders has been their lqve 0f freedom and the consistent will not to bg dominated by outside forces. One has just to rgmember the love of freedom and resistance to dOmlnation given in the Scottish Highlands, the r9Ughlands of Normandy and Brittany, in Ireland §9d the Cornish and Devon areas of England. This rude I@dependent Spirit can be seen in Islanders today 39d in the past. Prince Edward Island did not easily 95 quickly give up their independence to join Con- fgderation with the rest of Canada. In fact, it took l§laNders six years longer to join Confederation and only then because of severe financial difficulties.