Gaelic Gathering in Grand Narrows

The Office of Gaelic Affairs is hosting an all-Gaelic gathering at the Grand Narrows Hotel in Grand Narrows, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, on Sunday, July 4 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

Caidreabh Bun is Bàrr or Gaelic mentoring program gathering celebrates the completion of the Bun is Bàrr Gaelic Language and Mentorship Program.

"The focus of the Bun is Bàrr program is to enable Gaelic learners to advance their language and cultural skills in the céilidh tradition," said Frances MacEachen, Office of Gaelic Affairs. "This means social learning in homes and community with the support of a fluent Gaelic speaking mentor."

It is appropriate that the Caidreabh or social event to mark the end of the 2010 program be an all-Gaelic event, since the Bun is Bàrr program is conducted entirely in Gaelic.

Caidreabh Bun is Bàrr will welcome the twelve participants in the 2009 and 2010 programs and other Gaelic speakers from across the province.

"More people are learning Gaelic in Nova Scotia, some parents speak Gaelic with their children, and there are those for whom Gaelic was a first language," said Ms. MacEachen.

"So reclaiming our Gaelic speech community involves initiatives such as creating social spaces where we can bring people together to speak the language and share songs, stories and music."

Everyone is welcome to attend but the Office of Gaelic Affairs asks all participants to respect the Gaelic-only policy. If you plan to attend contact the Office of Gaelic Affairs at 902-945-2114 or <maceacff@gov.ns.ca.> For directions to the Grand Narrows hotel see www.grandnarrows.com .