Celtic Women International
Encyclopedia
Celtic Women International (CWI) is an American nonprofit organization
, dedicated to "honor, celebrate and promote Celtic women and their heritage."
The CWI has the only tartan
registered by the Scottish Tartans Authority
to a women's group. The tartan was designed and woven by Marjorie Warren, and includes a color from the flag of each one of the seven Celtic Nations
.
, on June 30, 1997 by Jean Bills. Ms Bills received financial assistance from the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin
, of which Jean was treasurer at the time. In October 1998, was held the first international conference, attended by representatives of all seven Celtic nations
(including the Isle of Man
). By 2001, the meeting was held in Milwaukee. In 2002 took place in New Orleans, Louisiana
and in 2003 in Toronto
, Canada
.
Since 2004, the board of CWI has ceased to hold international meetings on account of high costs. Instead of them, preferred directing its focus to the creation of regional sections of the organization.
for "lifelong service to Scottish and Celtic Culture" at the annual conference in Toronto
, Canada
.
Nonprofit organization
Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...
, dedicated to "honor, celebrate and promote Celtic women and their heritage."
The CWI has the only tartan
Tartan
Tartan is a pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours. Tartans originated in woven wool, but now they are made in many other materials. Tartan is particularly associated with Scotland. Scottish kilts almost always have tartan patterns...
registered by the Scottish Tartans Authority
Scottish Tartans Authority
The Scottish Tartans Authority is a Scottish based organisation dedicated to promoting the knowledge of Scottish tartans. It was first formed in 1995 by former members of the Scottish Tartans Society. The Scottish Tartans Authority maintains a database, called the International Tartan Index, with...
to a women's group. The tartan was designed and woven by Marjorie Warren, and includes a color from the flag of each one of the seven Celtic Nations
Celtic nations
The Celtic nations are territories in North-West Europe in which that area's own Celtic languages and some cultural traits have survived.The term "nation" is used in its original sense to mean a people who share a common traditional identity and culture and are identified with a traditional...
.
History
The CWI was founded in Milwaukee, WisconsinMilwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee is the largest city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin, the 28th most populous city in the United States and 39th most populous region in the United States. It is the county seat of Milwaukee County and is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. According to 2010 census data, the...
, on June 30, 1997 by Jean Bills. Ms Bills received financial assistance from the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin
Shamrock Club of Wisconsin
The Shamrock Club of Wisconsin is the oldest and largest Irish American membership organization in the State of Wisconsin. It was founded on March 17, 1960, in Milwaukee...
, of which Jean was treasurer at the time. In October 1998, was held the first international conference, attended by representatives of all seven Celtic nations
Celtic nations
The Celtic nations are territories in North-West Europe in which that area's own Celtic languages and some cultural traits have survived.The term "nation" is used in its original sense to mean a people who share a common traditional identity and culture and are identified with a traditional...
(including the Isle of Man
Isle of Man
The Isle of Man , otherwise known simply as Mann , is a self-governing British Crown Dependency, located in the Irish Sea between the islands of Great Britain and Ireland, within the British Isles. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II, who holds the title of Lord of Mann. The Lord of Mann is...
). By 2001, the meeting was held in Milwaukee. In 2002 took place in New Orleans, Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
and in 2003 in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
.
Since 2004, the board of CWI has ceased to hold international meetings on account of high costs. Instead of them, preferred directing its focus to the creation of regional sections of the organization.
Celtic Women International Award
In 2003, a Celtic Women International Award was granted to the writer Margaret BennettMargaret Bennett (writer)
Dr. Margaret Bennett is a renowned Scottish writer, folklorist, ethnologist, broadcaster and singer. Her main interests lies in the field of traditional Scottish folk culture and cultural identity of the Scots, home and abroad...
for "lifelong service to Scottish and Celtic Culture" at the annual conference in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
.