Public invited to share their heritage
Celebrating Gaelic Nova Scotia Month in May
Gaelic Runs Deep Here or Na Gàidheil-Friamhaichte a’ seo is the theme of this year’s Gaelic Nova Scotia Month.
Gaelic Nova Scotia Month, formerly Gaelic Awareness Month, is celebrating its 21st anniversary in May.
The province also announced plans this week to move forward with a Gaelic licence plate to recognize and acknowledge Nova Scotia Gaels.
The licence plate, which will put money towards Gaelic initiatives, is expected to be ready later this year.
As part of the celebrations next month, people are encouraged 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 the 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 Minister of Gaelic Affairs Randy Delorey.
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 LundriganFry, 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 hash tags #GaelicNS and #GaelicMonth or over Facebook at http://facebook.com/ gaelicaffairs/.
The month will include numerous events, presentations, gatherings and activities, raising awareness and celebrating Gaelic language, culture, identity and history.
To learn more about Gaelic in Nova Scotia and Gaelic Nova Scotia Month events, go to http://gaelic.novascotia.ca, call 1-888-842-3542, or email gaelicinfo@novascotia.ca.