Input Sought for Gaelic Culture Study

People active in the Gaelic community are being encouraged to contact a group of researchers studying the health of Gaelic culture in Nova Scotia.

Consultant Mike Kennedy has assembled a research team to prepare an inventory of events, resources, and organizations active in Gaelic language and cultural expression.

The Department of Tourism and Culture commissioned the study to assess the economic, cultural and social significance of the Gaelic language and Gaelic cultural expression in Nova Scotia. Data collection is expected to be completed by the end of February, with a report due in late March.

"The findings will serve as a benchmark for the current status of Gaelic culture in Nova Scotia," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism and Culture. "Results will help Nova Scotia develop strategies to strengthen the presence of Gaelic language and cultural expression in Nova Scotia."

People interested in contributing to the study's data collection can contact one of the following people involved with the study:

• Mike Kennedy 902-258-2024, E-mail: <[email protected].>

• Derrick and Melody Cameron (western Cape Breton) 902-945-2393.

• Jenna MacNeil (eastern Cape Breton) 902-794-2747.

• Catherine MacInnes (Antigonish and Pictou counties) 902- 863-6909.

• Caroline Cameron(Halifax)902-455-4922.

An advisory committee composed of representatives from the Gaelic community and from the department chose Dr. Kennedy to conduct the study through a public call for tenders. He completed doctoral studies in Gaelic history in Scotland and has served as a sessional lecturer for the Department of Celtic Studies at St. Francis Xavier University.