Gaelic College Hosts International Summit for Gaels

Canadian and international delegates will gather in Cape Breton this week for a summit on Gaels’ identity as a people in the context of Gaelic language and cultural development.

A' Ceangal nan Gàidheal: Àrd-Choinneamh Eadarnàiseanta nan Gàidheal (Connecting the Gaels: An International Gaelic Summit) is hosted by Colaisde na Gàidhlig (the Gaelic College). The summit takes place on Thursday and Friday, July 6 and 7, at the Gaelic College in St. Anns, Victoria Co.

Delegates from Scotland, Ireland, and the Isle of Man, are joining representatives from Gaelic-related organizations and businesses, government, and education centres around the Maritimes. Nova Scotia is known internationally for its rich Gaelic heritage.

“The meeting reflects the work of Nova Scotia Gaels to reclaim and renew their language, language-based culture and identity,” said Randy Delorey, Minister of Gaelic Affairs. “I look forward to the contributions the Gaels summit will provide to Gaelic development going forward."

The summit is supported by the Nova Scotia 150 Forward Initiative and Gaelic Affairs. The 150 Forward Fund supports activities and events that help Nova Scotians celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday.

“In the context of Canada 150, we are acknowledging and facilitating a discussion about the role Gaels have played in building and shaping our province and country,” said Gaelic College CEO Rodney MacDonald.

The summit will focus on strengthening relationships, building new connections, identifying challenges and opportunities and exploring collaborative new ways to support and strengthen Gaelic language and culture. On Thursday, the Gaelic College will sign a memorandum of understanding with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, (The Gaelic College on the Isle of Skye) Scotland.

“We are very excited to host Connecting the Gaels on site at Colaisde na Gàidhlig and hope to make it an annual event in the province,” said Kyle MacDonald, event co-ordinator.

The public is welcome to attend the opening reception from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday in MacKenzie Hall, 51779 Cabot Trail, St. Anns.

Promoting and celebrating the language, culture and identity of Gaels is a vital part of Nova Scotia's Culture Action Plan. You can read the full plan at https://novascotia.ca/culture.