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ATU Celebrates Traveller Ethnicity Day
ATU celebrates Traveller Ethnicity Day on March 1st.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) marked Traveller Ethnicity Day, celebrated annually on March 1st, with a series of events celebrating the distinct cultural identity and heritage of the Irish Traveller community which has been officially recognised as an ethnic minority in Ireland since 2017.
The day highlights the community’s rich traditions, language, and history, while promoting awareness and combating discrimination. It underscores the importance of inclusivity and respect for Ireland’s diverse cultural tapestry.
Travellers and settled communities have shared Ireland’s landscape for centuries enriching the island’s cultural and social history. In celebration of this intertwined heritage and the value of mutual understanding and solidarity, ATU has arranged for the purchase of copies of Unsettled by Dr Rosaleen McDonagh, who is originally from Sligo. A bookmark has also been designed and printed in celebration of Traveller Ethnicity Day.
Other events across ATU campuses included an exhibition on Traveller Heritage at ATU Mayo (Castlebar). Final year History and Geography students (Department of Environmental Humanities and Social Sciences) coordinated the exhibition which took place between 25-27 February. The exhibition provided insights into Traveller history and culture and was supported by the National Museum of Ireland.
Oein DeBhairduin, Inclusive Histories Curator – Traveller Culture with the National Musuem said: “It is an honour to witness the continued celebration and exploration of Traveller heritage by the students at ATU. I am hopeful that the community voice and cultural exchange will remain at the heart of this ongoing journey and vital process of reclamation and shared understanding.”
In addition, The Institute of Guidance Counsellors issued a podcast on Traveller Ethnicity Day as part of its podcast series Treoir: Conversations with Guidance Counsellors in Ireland.
The podcast provides insights into a variety of insights for guidance counsellors working with students from the Traveller community including information on two programmes delivered by the Irish Traveller Movement; the Traveller Apprenticeship Incentivisation Programme (TAIP) and the Yellow Flag Programme. ATU provided information on entry routes to higher education and supports available in higher education institutions.
ATU continues its work to provide an inclusive, welcoming campus for all students, including members of the Traveller community.
Photo caption (L-R): Sam Deane (4th year History & Geography student / contributor to exhibition), Niamh Hearne (ATU Lecturer), Caroline O’Connor (4th year History & Geography student / contributor to exhibition), Sean Livesley, 4th year History & Geography student / exhibition contributor)
