Investments Continue to Strengthen Gaelic Language and Culture

NOTE: Details of the projects receiving support under the Gaelic Activities Program follow this release.

The Gaelic language and culture in Nova Scotia continues to be strengthened thanks to ongoing investments by the province.

Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Rodney MacDonald announced today, Nov. 4, that the province is providing almost $33,000 for six projects that will promote and develop the Gaelic language and culture.

"The Gaelic culture is an integral part of our history and has influenced many aspects of our lives today," said Mr. MacDonald. "By investing in community-based projects that keep the Gaelic language and culture alive, the province can play an important role in preserving our heritage."

The projects are all different in scope -- one is provincewide and the others are based in Cape Breton, Antigonish and Pictou counties, and Halifax Regional Municipality.

The Antigonish Highland Society is one of the organizations receiving funding under the program. The province will contribute more than $3,000 to the society to offer after-school Gaelic classes for students at St. Andrews Consolidated School.

"This program will provide an opportunity for young people to gain at least some familiarity with what is really their own language -- a language that was widely spoken until recently and to some extent is still spoken by the people in this area," said Donnie Beaton, board member, Antigonish Highland Society.

Comunn Feis an Eilein in Cape Breton, will receive almost $12,000 to provide Gaelic immersion instruction in Sydney, Christmas Island, Baddeck, Iona and Little Narrows.

"This intensive Gaelic language program has generated a great deal of interest and enthusiasm among Gaelic learners in these communities," said Allison MacKenzie, co-ordinator, Comunn Feis an Eilein. "It's a major step forward in the revitalization of the Gaelic language in Nova Scotia."

Established in 2004, the Gaelic Activities Program funds projects that increase Gaelic language opportunities in Nova Scotia and that encourage and promote all forms of Gaelic cultural expression. It also supports projects that develop skills -- such as leadership, fundraising, communication and planning -- of the people involved in Gaelic activities. To date, the province has invested more than $156,000 in 35 projects.

More information about the program is available on the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage website at www.gov.ns.ca/dtc/culture/culture_gaelic_wtd.asp .

The Gaelic language and culture contributes more than $23 million a year to the province's economy through cultural products, events and activities.

Note: Following are the projects receiving support under the Gaelic Activities Program:

Provincewide:

• Comhairle na Gàidhlig will receive $3,500 to support a strategic planning session for Gaelic Immersion programming in Nova Scotia.

Cape Breton Island:

• Comunn Feis an Eilein will receive $11,920 to provide Gaelic Immersion instruction in Sydney, Christmas Island, Baddeck, Iona and Little Narrows.

• Comunn Feis an Eilein will also receive $2,400 to create a strategic development plan for Christmas Island Feis.

Antigonish:

• Antigonish Highland Society will receive $3,067 for an after-school Gaelic language and cultural program for students at St. Andrews Consolidated School.

Pictou:

• Comunn Feis am Baile Beag will receive $7,150 to purchase materials to improve the quality and promotion of Gaelic language workshops in Pictou. A total of six workshops will be held.

Halifax Regional Municipality:

• Sgoil Ghàidhlig an Ard Bhaile will receive $4,940 to support a two-week training session for Gaelic tutors in Gaelic Immersion methodology.