Island of Youth

Ten Cape Breton youth will spend a couple of weeks living as rural Gaels and be paid for it this summer at Highland Village Museum, Iona. The students will receive instruction in Gaelic singing, dance, music and storytelling.

Island of Youth is an innovative apprenticeship for Cape Breton youth age 14 to 18. Managed by the Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia, the program is a paid learning experience in Cape Breton's Gaelic culture, history, and language.

The program takes place from Aug. 4 to Aug. 15. The program leader is Mary Jane Lamond, who with guest tradition bearers will introduce participants to Cape Breton's living Gaelic culture. Apprentices will experience the Cape Breton Gaels' rural lifestyles by joining museum staff in activities such as weaving, gardening, soap making and milling cloth.

Island of Youth encourages teamwork, cultural appreciation and community volunteerism. Gaelic apprentices will also be required to organize an event for youth in co-operation with Christmas Island's Comataidh Féis an Eilean.

Highland Village features 11 period buildings, chronicling the history of Scottish settlers, arranged over a 43-acre site on a hillside above the Bras d'Or Lakes. It provides an exceptional venue for Eilean nan ñg / Island of Youth. Highland Village Museum /An Clachan Gàidhealach is located at the heart of central Cape Breton, settled by Gaels from the Isle of Barra in 1802.

Youth wishing to apply for the Island of Youth program are required to write Comhairle na Gàidhlig/The Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia at P.O. Box 123, Iona, N.S., B2C 1N8. The letter should be about a page and describe why he/she believes Gaelic language and culture is a valuable community asset. The deadline for submissions is Monday, July 28.

Inquires and applications can be directed to Jim Watson at Highland Village Museum by phone at 902-725-2272, e-mail watsonjb@gov.ns.ca, or fax 902-725-2227.