Teachers Gather for First Gaelic Summer Institute
"Ciamar a tha thu?" will replace "How are you?" as the standard greeting this week as teachers gather for a summer institute on Gaelic language and culture in Mabou, Inverness Co.
The institute is a first for Nova Scotia, with a focus on teaching Gaelic through language instruction and cultural experiences.
"Through this institute, teachers are learning more about how to share both the Gaelic language and culture with their students," said Education Minister Jamie Muir. "As a result, young Nova Scotians will have a greater appreciation of the Gaels' role in this province's past, present and future."
More than 30 musicians, historians, researchers, artists, teachers and students will help deliver the daily workshops that will be attended by about 30 teachers and other interested individuals. Key presenters include CBC journalist Linden MacIntyre and Gaelic recording artist Mary Jane Lamond.
Teachers will receive daily Gaelic lessons and instruction on teaching the language from Andy MacDonald, an immersion teacher from Scotland. His participation in the institute was facilitated by the memorandum of understanding between the Scottish Highland Council and the Province of Nova Scotia.
In addition to learning about teaching, the language educators will get a taste of Nova Scotia's Gaelic culture. They will sample traditional square dancing, music, story telling and a milling frolic -- in which participants pound wool while singing songs. The teachers will also visit several cultural and historical locations in Inverness Co.
The workshops are designed to benefit a range of teachers, including those who teach the Gaelic language, social studies, art, music, Canadian history, cultural industries 11, Gaelic studies 11, tourism 11, and dance 11.
The institute is taking place in Mabou because of its strong Gaelic community and heritage. From the late 18th century until the mid-19th century, Scottish immigrants who settled in northeastern Nova Scotia formed distinct communities where Gaelic and its associated cultural expressions have been carried on for generations.
The Gaelic summer institute runs from today, July 5 to Friday, July 9 at Dalbrae Academy. It is one of many professional development opportunities offered by the Department of Education during the summer. A complete list of the department's 2004 summer institutes is available at www.ednet.ns.ca .
The Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage is supporting the institute by paying Mr. MacDonald's travel expenses and accommodations within Nova Scotia. The Scottish Highland Council is paying for his travel to and from the province.