Investment to Strengthen Gaelic Communities

NOTE: A list of the projects receiving Gaelic Activities Program funding follows this release.

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

Gaelic Affairs Minister Angus MacIsaac announced today, April 24, that the province will provide more than $13,000 to eight communities and organizations that promote and develop Gaelic language and culture.

"We continue to invest in communities and organizations that work hard to provide opportunities for Nova Scotians to learn the Gaelic language and experience its culture and heritage," said MacIsaac. "These activities contribute to the social fabric and well-being of our Nova Scotia Gaelic communities."

The North Shore Gaelic Heritage Centre Society is one of the organizations receiving funding under the Gaelic Activities Program. The province will contribute $2,710 to this group to help create three short Gaelic instructional videos. The videos will provide multi-media support to students in 14 communities across the province for adult immersion classes.

"Our goal with this project is to bring together a team of people who are passionate about creating entertaining Gaelic-language materials that can bridge the gaps between immersion sessions," said Nona MacDermid, society director. "We feel extremely fortunate that the Gaelic Activities Program understands the value and opportunities in our work to develop Gaelic media products locally."

The Gaelic Activities Program funds projects that increase the number and quality of Gaelic-language opportunities in Nova Scotia and raise awareness, interest and participation in Gaelic language and cultural activities. Since the Office of Gaelic Affairs opened in December 2006, the Gaelic Activities Program has invested more than $100,000 in 22 communities and organizations.

More information about the program is available on the Office of Gaelic Affairs' website at www.gov.ns.ca/oga .

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

Following are the projects being funded by the Gaelic Activities Program.

Halifax Regional Municipality

• Sgoil Ghàidhlig an Àrd-Bhaile (The Gaelic Language Society of Halifax) will receive $3,030 for a six-week Gaelic language immersion.

Victoria County

• The North Shore Gaelic Heritage Society will receive $2,710 for three short Gaelic instructional videos. The society will also receive $400 toward a Gaelic instructional workshop on making maragan (a traditional Gaelic food).
• The Ross Ferry Stewardship Society will receive $1,850 toward two, 10-week evening Gaelic immersion classes.

Cape Breton Regional Municipality

• Cape Breton Regional Library will receive $1,100 toward six workshops on Gaelic language and culture.
• Comunn Gàidhlig Cheap Breatuinn (The Gaelic Society of Cape Breton) will receive $3,015 to assist with 18 T.I.P. classes and a two-week immersion.

Guysborough County

• Historic Sherbrooke Village Development Society will receive $700 toward workshops on spinning, weaving, Gaelic singing and a milling frolic.

Inverness County

• Sgoil Ghàidhlig Chreignis (Creignish School of Gaelic Society) will receive $411 toward weekly Gaelic immersion classes.