Gaelic Runs Deep Here or Na Gàidheil – Friamhaichte a’ seo is the theme of this year’s Gaelic Nova Scotia Month.
As part of the celebrations in May, government is encouraging people to explore their connections to their Gaelic heritage and share stories – in print and online – about how their ancestors arrived in Nova Scotia and Canada and how they shaped our country up to the present.
“As we celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday, it is a good time to reflect on the contributions of Gaels to our province and our country,” said Randy Delorey, Minister of Gaelic Affairs.
Mr. Delorey said the stories may focus on how people emigrated, their struggles and successes, their economic and social and cultural contributions and how they maintained their language, culture and identity.
“The work of reclaiming and regenerating Gaelic language, culture and identity contributes to Nova Scotia communities by helping individuals and communities feel good about who they are as Nova Scotian Gaels,” said Tonya Lundrigan-Fry, outgoing president of The Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia / Comhairle na Gàidhlig. “This work supports renewal in our communities, engaging all ages and a diversity of members and voices in discussions on how they can live, learn, work, play and stay in our communities.”
Online, people can share stories over Twitter using the hashtags #GaelicNS and #GaelicMonth, or over Facebook at facebook.com/gaelicaffairs.
Gaelic Nova Scotia Month, formerly Gaelic Awareness Month, is celebrating its 21st anniversary. Mr. Delorey officially kicked off the month today, April 26, with a flag raising at Province House in Halifax followed by remarks at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.
Other launch events will take place at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish and Inverness County Centre for the Arts in Inverness on May 1.
The month will include numerous events, presentations, gatherings and activities, raising awareness and celebrating Gaelic language, culture, identity and history.
The province also announced plans to move forward with a Gaelic licence plate. “The Gaelic licence plate initiative recognizes and acknowledges Nova Scotia Gaels and puts money towards important Gaelic initiatives,” said Mr. Delorey. The licence plate is expected to be ready later this year.
To learn more about Gaelic in Nova Scotia and Gaelic Nova Scotia Month events, go to gaelic.novascotia.ca, call 1-888-842-3542, or email gaelicinfo@novascotia.ca.
The province’s culture strategy – Nova Scotia’s Culture Action Plan: Creativity and Community – is committed to the support, encouragement and promotion of Gaelic language culture and identity.
Source: Release