Nova Scotians Encouraged to Celebrate Gaelic Nova Scotia Month
The Nova Scotia Gaelic flag flies in recognition of Gaelic Nova Scotia Month, which starts today, May 1. (Communications Nova Scotia / File)
Gaelic at Heart is the theme for Gaelic Nova Scotia Month, which starts today, May 1, in celebration of the historical and cultural significance of Gaelic traditions across the province.
“Many Nova Scotians can look back on their family history and find Gaelic speakers who made their home in our province," said Allan MacMaster, Minister of Gaelic Affairs. "This month is an opportunity for all Nova Scotians, from all backgrounds, to discover and claim as their own the Gaelic heritage that continues to make our province the best place in the world to live. Whether it’s learning about the Gaels as a people, a few phrases in the Gaelic language, or experiencing Gaelic music and dance first-hand, every Nova Scotian should feel welcome to experience our province’s heritage in personal and meaningful ways.”
Nova Scotia’s connection to Gaelic culture is deep and historical, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries when Gaelic-speaking Scottish settlers arrived. Known as Gaels, these settlers introduced a vibrant culture centred around the Gaelic language. This heritage, evident in many Nova Scotian communities, continues to enrich the province through music, cuisine, hospitality and more.
Nova Scotians are invited to join in celebrating Gaels, the Gaelic language and their cultural heritage and to share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #GaelicAtHeart.
Throughout the month, a variety of activities are planned across the province to celebrate Gaelic cultural heritage and identity. Events can be found on the Gaelic Nova Scotia Month events calendar at: https://www.gaelic.ca/
Quotes:
“As a young Gael in a Gaelic community of the province, it is exciting to see our Gaelic language, culture and identity grow, and this year’s theme – Gaelic at Heart – reminds us that our language is always at the heart of what we do.”
— Ella Hanson, member, Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia
Quick Facts:
- an estimated 50,000 Gaels immigrated to Nova Scotia from the Scottish Highlands and islands between 1773 and 1855
- about 270,000 Nova Scotians are descendants of Gaelic settlers
- today, there are an estimated 2,000 Gaelic speakers in the province
Additional Resources:
Gaelic Nova Scotia - A Resource Guide: https://gaelic.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/inline/documents/gaelic-nova-scotia-a-resource-guide.pdf
Gaelic resources at the Nova Scotia Archives: https://archives.novascotia.ca/gaelic
Opportunities to learn Gaelic: https://www.gaelic.ca/want-to-learn-gaelic
Nova Scotia Gaelic Affairs:
- website: https://gaelic.novascotia.ca
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gaelicns
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaelicaffairs
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaelicaffairs/
- X: https://twitter.com/ns_gaelic