Book Promotes Gaelic in Nova Scotia Schools
The province is taking another important step to promote Gaelic language and culture to Nova Scotia students.
The Office of Gaelic Affairs will provide copies of John Shaw's most recent book The Blue Mountains and Other Gaelic Stories from Cape Breton: Na Beanntaichean Gorma agus Sgeulachdan Eile à Ceap Breatainn to high schools throughout Nova Scotia. The publication includes Gaelic texts of the stories and their English translations.
Minister responsible for the Office of Gaelic Affairs Angus MacIsaac said the book will make an important contribution to preserving and promoting Gaelic in Nova Scotia.
"The Blue Mountains and Other Gaelic Stories from Cape Breton showcases a unique and neglected storytelling tradition," said Mr. MacIsaac. "This publication of local Gaelic tales, anecdotes and history is an excellent way of ensuring that this tradition is passed onto future generations."
Education Minister Karen Casey said the book builds on the province's efforts to introduce more young Nova Scotian students to Gaelic.
"This collection of Gaelic stories provides students and teachers with a valuable resource through which further appreciation of the contribution of Gaelic folklore to Nova Scotia can be realized," said Ms. Casey.
Mr. Shaw has been documenting Cape Breton's Gaelic traditions since the 1960s. In The Blue Mountains and Other Gaelic Stories from Cape Breton he presents 30 stories recorded between 1964 and 1984.
The collection includes popular tales such as The Dragon Slayer, heroic yarns of Finn Mac Cumhail and his warrior band, accounts of the famed carpenter Boban Saor, stories of robbers and thieves, comic tall tales, historical legends and accounts of clan traditions from the western Highlands of Scotland.
Established in December 2006, the mission of the Office of Gaelic Affairs is to work with Nova Scotians in the renewal of Gaelic language and culture. Gaelic language and Cultural Studies courses are offered in nine schools respectively across the province.