The Iona Connection is an umbrella co-operative comprised of historical societies and heritage groups from all over Cape Breton Island.  They share the common goal of preserving the heritage of the Island.

The Mission: ...."to create an environment where the culture and natural heritage of Cape Breton Island thrives" is as relevant today as it was 1984 when the organization was established.

The primary aim is mutual support through shared knowledge and experience. The membership discusses and acts on important policy issues of concern to the whole. Individual concerns can be raised and the membership can rely on the advice and leadership of the group. Bye annual meetings always include member reports and continue to be a highlight.

The Iona Connection strives to help the people of Cape Breton recognize and preserve what they value about their heritage. The Connection's membership represents a wide variety of interests including:

• identification and preservation of physical artifacts of historical significance
• identification and preservation of the intrinsic culture of the Island
• identification and preservation of heritage buildings and sites  
• promotion of genealogy and the writing of family histories
• active preservation of pioneer arts and crafts
• conservation of heritage photographs
• publication of historical materials

Historical societies, that are members of the Iona Connection hold their own meetings, arrange special events such as historical tours, etc., provide children's programming for schools, hold lectures and conduct commemorative functions. Some operate museums in their local communities providing a permanent home for their heritage and unique local treasures. Some of the year-round sites have paid staff, but for the most part, community museums are managed and staffed by volunteers, supplemented by university students in the summer. Visitors will enjoy both interesting exhibits and a friendly welcome at all of these sites.

The Board of Directors of the Iona Connection interacts with the office of the Department of Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture and Heritage on behalf of the membership. It represents the membership on the Board of Directors and the Education Advisory Committee of the Federation of Nova Scotian Heritage and the Council of Nova Scotia Archives. We partner with organizations such as VELO Cape Breton and  Destination Cape Breton to bring about a maximum of experience for locals and visitors.

The Name:
Cape Breton's Iona was named for an island in the Western Hebrides of Scotland, where, Saint Columba established a centre of learning and provided a home for the Celtic Christian church. From this base, missionaries were sent throughout the British Isles to spread learning where ever they went.  Scotland's Iona eventually became a place where people gathered to find themselves and experience renewal.

This organization's name "Iona Connection" and currently "Iona Connection Heritage Co-op" was derived from the fact that the first informal meetings of the organization were held at the centrally located village of Iona, deep in the heart of Cape Breton Island,

and, because the founding group saw the work of the individual members in promoting the value of heritage preservation being joined into one force through their collaboration as a "connection,"

the concept "Iona," with it's ancient meaning aligned with the intent of the founding members, provided a name which had significant meaning to the founding group.

To day, more than twenty years later, "The Connection" is are still meeting semi-annually all over Cape Breton Island for renewal and inspiration.  It continues to strive to help those who promote and protect the rich heritage of island of Cape Breton.

The website: CapeBretonIsland.org is owned and operated by The Iona Connection.