New Gaelic Symbol for Nova Scotia To Be Launched

Soon there will be a symbol for Gaelic Nova Scotia.

The new symbol that reflects Gaelic's connection to its native Nova Scotia environment is being launched Monday, May 26, and comes after extensive community consultation.

Commissioned by Comhairle na Gàidhlig (The Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia), with assistance from the Office of Gaelic Affairs, the image reflects Nova Scotia's unique Gaelic identity and serves as a rallying point for the community. It is also an expression of how Gaelic culture, rooted in its language, continues to have real presence and meaning for Nova Scotians.

"The Office of Gaelic Affairs congratulates the Gaelic community in all its efforts to develop this image," said Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Gaelic Affairs. "We are pleased to endorse it and it is our hope that by having an image for Gaelic, more Nova Scotians will come to greater awareness, appreciation and find ways to participate in the revitalization of this rich part of the province's diversity."

Gaelic has a long history in Nova Scotia. Beginning in the late 18th century, waves of emigrants from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland settled, and tens of thousands of Nova Scotians once claimed Gaelic as their mother tongue.

Despite a drastic decline in the size of the Gaelic speaking community, the number of Nova Scotians learning the language is expanding quickly, and public demand recently prompted a number of progressive initiatives aimed at language renewal.

Gaelic language in the province underpins a rich culture of storytelling, song, music, dance, foods and customs. Recent census figures indicate that one third of the province's population claims descent from early Gaelic speaking settlers and a 2002 impact study estimates that Gaelic contributes $23.4 million to the provincial economy.

The image will be unveiled at a reception at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, 1723 Hollis St., Halifax on Monday, May 26 at 4 p.m.

All members of the public are welcome to attend. After the public launch, the image will be available on the Office of Gaelic Affairs website at www.gov.ns.ca/oga/ .