From Manitoba to Mabou: Finding Belonging at Beinn Mhàbu

Sarah Turnbull

What first drew you to Beinn Mhàbu in 2023, especially coming from Manitoba, and what made you decide to take that leap?

I’ve wanted to live in Cape Breton for as long as I can remember. My grandfather lived in Baddeck in his younger years before moving to Snow Lake, a small mining town in Northern Manitoba (my hometown). He would tell me stories about growing up on the Island, and his connection to his hometown was very clear in everything he did. My grandfather was always my primary role model, and the person I admire most in the world, so of course I wanted to live in this place he held so dear. Growing up, I was always told about my heritage, who my people are and where we came from. I have always felt this deep connection to my family's roots and identity, and a longing to connect with people who understood that draw. In an attempt to connect with the culture, I began Highland Dancing with Crystal Scott when I was 11 years old, after my family had moved to Minnedosa, in the Westman region of Manitoba. After graduating from Minnedosa Collegiate in 2022, and spending a year working and saving, I was finally able to move to Baddeck in June of 2023, to stay with my Great Aunt. I was never really planning on attending post secondary, but one day in late July my Aunt told me about this program in Mabou that she thought I might be interested in. I was immediately hooked, and despite it being late in the summer I sent in an application. I was delighted when I received a response saying I had been accepted, and from there it was a rush to get things organized to begin school in the fall. As soon as I heard about the program, something was telling me that I needed to be a part of this, that Mabou was where I was meant to be. Admittedly, I had always felt lost and unsure of where to turn, or who I was meant to be, so when I got that feeling that this was something that was meant for me, I grabbed on.

I have always been one to follow those feelings when they arise, and it was the best decision I could have made. This is where I have finally found myself, where I found my people and where I have found a future where I can be happy.

The constant urge to find somewhere we belong, somewhere we fit, seems to be an instinct that is so beautifully human. I have spent a lot of my life being told that my dreams were never going to get me anywhere, that it would be better if I sat down and did what I was told, get a trade and find a job in the same town I was raised in, but at Beinn Mhabu, nobody tries to tell me that. They never make me feel silly or unrealistic for having big dreams, for working hard towards a future that does not fit into the cookie cutter lifestyle that I was expected to settle on. 

Student trip to Scotland, June 2025

What aspects of your studies at Beinn Mhàbu have you most enjoyed, and how do you feel you have grown over your three years here, academically or personally?

I’ve always had a soft spot for learning history, and to be in a place where I can learn the history of my ancestors has been such a pleasure. Here, the history doesn’t feel so far in the past. People talk about it less like a distant memory and more like a story told by a grandparent around the fire. You can feel the history in every step you take until eventually you can't help but internalize it. Many people in Mabou feel a deep sense of connection to their roots and heritage, so I never feel out of place in that regard. I finally have the chance to learn about history, spirituality, and culture from reliable sources who are actively living it, which is a dream come true and delights my inner child to no end. I was never the greatest student, but now that I am fully immersed in learning about topics I am actually interested in, I have become an honour roll student, something I never would've thought I could do.

My studies have made me feel more connected to my roots and to myself, and have helped me find a sense of purpose and understanding. 

I am a very different person now than I was when I arrived in Mabou, and that is thanks to my time spent at Beinn Mhabu. I have gone through so many significant changes over the last three years. They were not always easy, going through some of the worst times of my young life, but I always managed to make it through thanks to the family I have found here. I lost loved ones and lost sight of myself for a while there, sinking down further than I ever have before. Just when I thought I would never be able to pull myself back up again, there they were, my friends and loved ones, who stood by my side and dried my tears until I was able to wake up and take back control of my life. If I had gone through those times anywhere but Beinn Mhabu, I likely would not have made it through. After spending so much time lost and afraid, I finally see a path ahead of me, one that I can walk alongside those who have become family during my time here. I truly believe that these changes have been positive purely because of the place I am in and the people I have the pleasure of spending every day with. I have become confident and self assured, and I have also learned to be kind, how to stand up for what I believe in without hurting others. I made it through some truly dark days during my time here, and because of that I know that I can make it through anything this world may throw at me, especially if I have those I love beside me.

What has life in Mabou been like for you, and how has being part of the community shaped your time here?

During my time here, I have had the pleasure of interacting with this lively community in so many contexts. The feeling of the sun shining through the window of the pub while the fiddle plays in the background, the warmth inside An Drochaid as people sing despite the snow raging outside the windows, the calm of the shore in the early morning light, all of it has become embedded in my veins. That is one of the things that makes this place so special to me, the way the energy that the community creates internalizes itself within you. I have had the opportunity to meet so many incredible people, all of who have made their homes here in this place because they too feel that pull. Mabou may be a small town, but I have never been bored here. There is so much to do outside, hiking, fishing, simply enjoying an adventure through the woods.

The community is so excited to have us here, and to welcome young people in. I know that if I ever need help there are plenty of people who would step up, because there is a sense of community that runs deep here, something which is hard to find in most other places these days. It’s not just a town, it is a community of people who work together to make life better.

I never feel anxious about going out into the community like I always did growing up, because I know that I am welcome here. As someone who enjoys a slower pace and likes to focus on the little things, this town is perfect. I am never overwhelmed but never bored. 

As you move into the cultural fellowship next year, what does it mean to you to be able to stay in the community and continue this work after graduating?

Being here has felt right since the moment I stepped foot on Mabou soil. My friends and peers have become my family, community members have become friends, and as I take the time to heal from the things in my past and to grow into the person I’m meant to be, I know in my gut this is the place where I can take on that task in a place where I feel truly safe for the first time in my life. Don’t get me wrong, there are things about my time in Mabou that have made it difficult for me to step out into community, that have even made me doubt myself and my resolve to stay, but I always come back to the conclusion that despite it all, this is the place for me, that I belong here, and even when I feel uncertain, it will still be here, patiently waiting for me to snap out of my fear and take my place again. I have never felt that sense of belonging back in Manitoba, and for a very long time thought there was no where I would ever belong. But, after finding my footing here in Mabou, I feel as though I am finally where I am meant to be, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue to thrive here, and to the people who have helped me make that possible.

I never knew a community could remind me of a warm hug from a loved one, always there for me even when I'm not sure of where I am. Mabou is my home now, and I am so thankful I get to stay in the place I feel safe.