News release

Projects to Strengthen Gaelic Language, Culture

Tourism, Culture and Heritage (Dec. 2003 - Jan. 2011)

The Gaelic language and culture in Nova Scotia will continue to be strengthened thanks to new investments by the province.

Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Rodney MacDonald announced today, Aug. 26, that the province will provide more than $16,000 to six communities and organizations that promote and develop the Gaelic language and culture.

"These small, rural communities and organizations are among those who have helped to keep the Gaelic language and culture in Nova Scotia alive for generations," said Mr. MacDonald. "By supporting these community-based projects, the province is playing an important role in preserving this distinct culture."

Comunn Gàidhlig is Eachdraidh a' Bhràigh in Glendale is one of the organizations receiving funding under the program. The province will contribute $5,000 to the group to provide classes to 15 Gaelic speakers.

"This project will help us to preserve the Gaelic language and ensure it is passed from one generation to the next," said Clarence MacLennan, chair, Comataidh na Sgoile Gaidhlige, which organizes the classes.

The Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia, based in Iona, will receive $4,775 to assist with the costs of an apprenticeship program that develops Gaelic language and cultural skills.

"This new apprenticeship program will provide youth with the skills they need to make a connection and develop a deeper appreciation of the Gaelic culture," said Rodney Chiasson, treasurer, Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia.

Established in 2004, the Gaelic Activities Program funds projects that increase Gaelic language opportunities in Nova Scotia and encourage and promote all forms of Gaelic cultural expression. It provides $100,000 a year to support projects that develop the skills -- such as leadership, fundraising, communication and planning -- of the people involved in Gaelic activities. To date, the province has invested more than $67,000 in 13 communities and organizations.

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:

  • Comunn Feis an Eilein will receive $1,500 to assist with organizing a Gaelic youth gathering on Christmas Island.

  • The Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia will receive $4,775 to assist with the costs of an apprenticeship program to develop Gaelic language and cultural skills.

Cape Breton Island:

  • Celtic Colours International Festival will receive $1,875 to help hire a Gaelic consultant for an artist in residence project.

Victoria County:

  • Bay St. Lawrence Community Centre will receive $2,576 to assist with Feis A Bhaile, an event to raise awareness about, and celebrate, the Gaelic culture.

Antigonish:

  • Antigonish Highland Society will receive $825 to provide workshops during the Highland Games weekend.

Inverness County:

  • Comunn Gàidhlig is Eachdraidh a' Bhràigh will receive $5,000 to assist with providing classes in Gaelic to a group of 15 Gaelic speakers.