We welcome the publication of the first ever National Traveller Heritage Strategy, a historic step towards validating and preserving Traveller customs, music, stories, crafts, language and the nomadic tradition.
The Strategy acknowledges the significance of Traveller culture and the central place Travellers hold in Irish heritage. Traveller storytellers and musicians have long been recognised as custodians of Irish folklore and musical traditions while Traveller tinsmiths and craftspeople developed and sustained skills in making, mending and ‘upcycling’ that were vital to past generations. But this is only part of the story. The new Strategy aims for a much broader awareness of the richness of Traveller heritage and customs, securing Traveller visibility and inclusion in Ireland’s cultural memory.
The launch comes as we step into National Heritage Week with a schedule that includes a range of Traveller-led events focussing on storytelling, music, and memories of travelling life and barrel top wagons.
We look forward to working with the Heritage Council on the implementation of the new Strategy and building on the important work Traveller organisations are already doing to develop pride, respect and ownership in Traveller identity, ethnicity and culture.
Picture above: ‘BELONGINGS’ an exhibit depicting a traditional Traveller camp ©Photo by Derek Speirs