Province Celebrates Gaelic Awareness Month

May is Gaelic Awareness Month -- a time to celebrate and participate in what is happening in Gaelic development in the province.

"We continue to see increased interest and greater participation in Gaelic language and cultural activities throughout the province," said Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Gaelic Affairs.

"The office is focusing on community-based language development, further awareness building and strengthening of partnerships across government."

In May, the Office of Gaelic Affairs will unveil a Gaelic map poster that will be distributed to community groups, public schools and visitor information centres across the province.

The Office of Gaelic Affairs initiated a monthly Lunch and Learn series in Antigonish to raise awareness of Gaelic's presence and contributions to the province. The office will have sessions in Halifax and Cape Breton during Gaelic Awareness month.

The office is supporting a tutor training workshop, scheduled for the first weekend in May at the Gaelic College, which will focus on developing approaches and methods to language learning through community-based programs.

"There is a lot of activity happening around the province," said Lewis MacKinnon, CEO of the Office of Gaelic Affairs. "The developments, particularly in terms of Gaelic language acquisition and use, are very encouraging, especially among adults in the province.

"The office is pleased to support the steps being made in community language learning and we are seeing results from these efforts."

To see a calendar of Gaelic events in the province, visit www.gaelic.ca . For more information on the Office of Gaelic Affairs, e-mail [email protected] or call 1-888-842-3542.

Through community-based activities, institutional programs and large festivals and events, Gaelic language and culture contributes $23 million annually to the province's economy. In Nova Scotia, there are 28 Gaelic-related organizations, three universities that offer Gaelic studies, and two government-supported institutions -- Highland Village and Gaelic College. More than 12 communities have been engaged in community-based adult Gaelic language learning. Gaelic language or cultural studies are offered in 12 public schools. An estimated 300,000 people attend more than 2,000 Gaelic-related events annually.