Gordon Lightfoot Forums - View Single Post

02-01-2008, 07:32 PM

Unfortunately last (and first too for that matter) names can only give a broad interpretation of what one's "nationality" and/or heritage may be. This can be difficult to research and assess/interpret from available records and so goes unrecognized. Modern technology (DNA studies), though not precise, may fill in some gaps.

It is possible that Gordon Lightfoot has some native american heritage -despite no obvious common 'names' that are evident on a chart like this.

More indepth research and available records would be needed to determine one's heritage and names, birthplace of ancestors, etc., are only some indicator as to one's heritage.

Though Lightfoot is also a common Scottish name...who's to say that the name didn't have it's origins from right here in America? Or that Mr. Lightfoot may have native american heritage through another family member? And this can apply to either the maternal or paternal lineage...or both!

Could be that the name "Lightfoot" was 'adopted' by native people from Scots of that name -and that it's origins aren't native american at all.

Thousands of Native north American peoples traveled to Europe and throughout the world...very early and at least by the mid-1500's.

There are many native peoples and others in Canada whom may even have Basque heritage that they may or may not be aware of it. The Basques interacted with the Micmac and Europeans in Canada -at least by 1532.

Now commonly referred to as the "Basques of Red Bay" for their whaling/fishing village...other cultural material and evidence has supported their presence and interaction with native peoples.

There are several Basque places names that still remain in Canada as well as Basque words that were incorporated into French (Canadian) and Mic'Mac vocabulary. Actually, a common surname among Mic'Mac is "Basque" and the Basques/MicMac spoke a pidgin language.

The debate is still open as to whether the Basque's jai alai was borrowed from native lacrosse or vice-versa. What this boils down to is being able to date available evidence. For instance, the Basque's used a basket for 'picking' fruit from fruit trees and this is the same form as the 'modern' cesta.

Anyway, I thought I should point out the fact that names and birthplace aren't always (or exclusively) indicators of one's heritage. Many people have these names and don't have one drop of blood in relation to the national heritage attributed to this name.

02-01-2008, 07:32 PM	#3
podunklander Guest Posts: n/a	Re: to mr lightfoot Unfortunately last (and first too for that matter) names can only give a broad interpretation of what one's "nationality" and/or heritage may be. This can be difficult to research and assess/interpret from available records and so goes unrecognized. Modern technology (DNA studies), though not precise, may fill in some gaps. It is possible that Gordon Lightfoot has some native american heritage -despite no obvious common 'names' that are evident on a chart like this. More indepth research and available records would be needed to determine one's heritage and names, birthplace of ancestors, etc., are only some indicator as to one's heritage. Though Lightfoot is also a common Scottish name...who's to say that the name didn't have it's origins from right here in America? Or that Mr. Lightfoot may have native american heritage through another family member? And this can apply to either the maternal or paternal lineage...or both! Could be that the name "Lightfoot" was 'adopted' by native people from Scots of that name -and that it's origins aren't native american at all. Thousands of Native north American peoples traveled to Europe and throughout the world...very early and at least by the mid-1500's. There are many native peoples and others in Canada whom may even have Basque heritage that they may or may not be aware of it. The Basques interacted with the Micmac and Europeans in Canada -at least by 1532. Now commonly referred to as the "Basques of Red Bay" for their whaling/fishing village...other cultural material and evidence has supported their presence and interaction with native peoples. There are several Basque places names that still remain in Canada as well as Basque words that were incorporated into French (Canadian) and Mic'Mac vocabulary. Actually, a common surname among Mic'Mac is "Basque" and the Basques/MicMac spoke a pidgin language. The debate is still open as to whether the Basque's jai alai was borrowed from native lacrosse or vice-versa. What this boils down to is being able to date available evidence. For instance, the Basque's used a basket for 'picking' fruit from fruit trees and this is the same form as the 'modern' cesta. Anyway, I thought I should point out the fact that names and birthplace aren't always (or exclusively) indicators of one's heritage. Many people have these names and don't have one drop of blood in relation to the national heritage attributed to this name.