Am Fuaran - The Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia

AM FUARAN
Cuairt-litir Comhairle na Gàidhlig – The Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia Newsletter
An Naoidheamh Iris – The Ninth Issue www.gaelic.ca November 2011 – An t-Samhainn 2011
Comhairle na Gàidhlig is a non-profit society dedicated to the maintenance and promotion of the
Gaelic language and culture in Nova Scotia: the only region outside Scotland
where they remain everyday aspects of community life.
AM FUARAN : The Spring ~ refreshing and renewing
Gnìomhachdas na Comhairle - Our Activities
The day provided a chance to
share ideas, share news, share
food and share Gaelic. Thank
you to Colin Watson for a great
job capturing it all in photos!
An Là Mór
May marked Gaelic Awareness month in Nova Scotia,
and was host to many gatherings of the Gaelic community.
These events are a time for our Gaelic groups to connect
with their larger communities and to raise awareness and
support for Gaelic. Comhairle na Gàidhlig hosted An Là
Mór in Port Hawkesbury on May 28, with these goals in
mind, but also to provide a venue for a province-wide
gathering of the Gaelic community, building a strong
provincial dialogue on our Gaelic language and culture.
There was great response to the event this year,
opening the day with tea (of course), and a morning workshop with over sixty participants. We also hosted an
afternoon Annual General Meeting, a second workshop and
a language session for families and children. The evening
provided a time for all ages to share song, a marag/roast
beef dinner with Master of Ceremonies Mary Jane Lamond,
guest speaker Linden MacIntyre, and more Gaelic songs
and tunes into the evening.
 A display of posters present
students’ expressions of their
interest in Gaelic.
Students from Rankin School of the Narrows – Front: Jessie Helen,
Katie Agnes, Nora, Orianna & Sarah MacNeil. Back: Jamie
MacNeil, teacher Emily MacKinnon, and Logan MacLellan share
milling songs and mouth music as people gather for dinner.
Móran Taing
Our trade show: books,
music, community fundraisers library resources &
our own merchandise.
We gratefully acknowledge the
generous Sponsorship of the Town
of Antigonish, Snow’s Econoprint,
Maritime
Inn,
Strait-Highlands
RDA, 101.5 The Hawk, and
CelticLife for our big day. This kind
of support is a great reflection of the
good will that exists for Gaelic in
our communities.
One highlight was the great attendance of native
speakers. We extend our gratitude to all the people who
helped to make the day special in this way, by providing
transportation and assistance. A second high point was that
young Gaelic speakers were there to share songs, music,
dance and find their own space within the get-together. To
the parents who made this happen, again, our gratitude.
We squeezed a lot of varied activities into the day, but
response suggests that we can continue, and refine this mix
of workshops and language workshops, filling the day with
lots of opportunity to catch up with people from nearby and
from across the province.
We are starting now to plan for An Là Mór 2012, and
welcome any feedback and participation in our planning.
We will be putting a real priority on establishing this
gathering as a ‘Gaelic space’, which also makes room for
learners and the curious. We will be working to find a
variety of activities that offer something valuable for all,
from the veteran volunteer to the newcomers, and from
learners to native speakers. What is important is that we are
all together sharing our language and culture.
AR CUAIRT-LITIR: OUR NEWSLETTER
Comhairle na Gàidhlig is committed to representing the individuals, organizations and institutions of which the
Gaelic community of Nova Scotia is composed. That means being accessible to our membership and keeping people
informed of our work. We see this newsletter as an important part of that commitment and hope you enjoy it.
LITIR BHO’ N CHEANNSUIDHE
’S e cothrom brìgheil a th’ ann dhomhsa, ’s mi a’ gabhail ri
obair Ceannsuidhe Comhairle na Gàidhlig, taic a thoirt dhan
Ghàidhlig ann an Albainn Nuaidh. Théid na sgilean agus na
beachd-smuaintean a th’ agam a chur gu feum gus an obair mhór
a chaidh a dhèanamh mu thràth a’ leasachadh. Tha sinn an
dràsd’ aig àm sònraichte a thaobh na Gàidhlig. Tha Comhairle na
Gàidhlig a’ creidsinn gu feum dhuinn a bhith ag amas air
dòighean ’fhaighinn gus an téid an tasgadh a chaidh a chur dhan
Ghàidhlig rè an deicheid a dh’fhalbh, a dhìonadh agus a
neartachadh. Feumaidh sinn an aire a thoirt gu fàs e, agus gun
téid a chur ris a’ bhuannachd as motha a gheobhar dhan
Ghàidhlig.
Tha a’ Chomhairle a’ seo mar riochdair do
choimhearsnachd na Gàidhlig. Bidh luach dhe na chuireas sinn
ri Gàidhlig na h-Albann Nuaidhe an crochadh, chan ann amhàin air obair Bòrd nan Stiùirichean agus nan Comataidhean
againn, ach cuideachd air a’ chomhairle a gheobh sinn bho
bhuidhnean na coimhearsnachd, bho stéidheachdan, agus bho
chomh-phàirtichean an riaghaltais agus a’ chuibhreinn
phrìobhaidich. Théid fàilte a chur air na smuaintean agaibh, air
gach pàirt a ghabhas sibh anns an obair, agus air gach taic a
bheir sibh dhuinn.
Tha mi a’ faicinn na bliadhn’ a tha romhainn mar àm ’s an
téid an conaltradh agus na ceanglaichean a th’ againn leis na
coimhearsnachdan a neartachadh, troimh mheadhon còmhraidh
is dealbhaidh, agus leis a bhith a’ daingneachadh dhrochaidean
leis a’ riaghaltas, agus air taobh a-staigh a’ riaghaltais. Le
coimhearsnachd làidir is loidhnichean cho-luadair, gheobh na hoidhirpean againn seòladh agus taic buadhach.
Notaichean bho 'n Cho-òrdanaiche
Notes from the Coordinator
On behalf of Comhairle na Gàidhlig, thank you to all the
volunteers and workers in our communities who live the
culture by sharing whatever Gaelic you have, and sharing
songs, stories, dance, your time and skills in bringing people
and ideas together, or adding to the gathering by just being a
part of it.
- Caroline Cameron
I have a couple of housekeeping items to share:
 We are indebted to Trueman Matheson of Siol Cultural
Enterprises for maintaining a province-wide Email list over
many years on behalf of the Comhairle and the Gaelic
community. The Comhairle also maintains our own office
Email list for general contact, and for those who would like
their newsletters Emailed to them. We ask that anyone who
would like to receive occasional Email bulletins please send a
message to us at [email protected], or linked through our
website, www.gaelic.ca.
 The Comhairle asks people who support our work to
maintain their memberships, and encourage others to show
support for Gaelic in this very tangible way. With our
membership, we want to be able to show the numbers of
people who support Gaelic in the province. Information on
individual and family memberships are found on Page 6 of this
newsletter, and we provide community organizations with a
membership for free, in order to maintain strong communications with our community groups. All you have to do is let
us know that your group would like to join.
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Taking on the Presidency of Comhairle na Gàidhlig
allows me a significant opportunity to support Gaelic in
Nova Scotia. I will use my skills and ideas to build upon
the great work already done to date. We are at a special
time for Gaelic. Comhairle na Gàidhlig believes that we
must focus on how to secure and strengthen the
investment made to Gaelic over the last decade, see that
it grows, and that it is applied to the greatest benefit of
Gaelic.
The Comhairle is here to represent the Gaelic
community. The value of our contribution to Gaelic
Nova Scotia will rely not only on the work of our Board
of Directors and our Committees, but also on the
guidance we receive from community groups,
institutions, and governmental and the private sector.
Your ideas, participation, and support are welcome.
I see the coming year as a time of strengthening our
communications and connections with communities,
through discussions and planning, and helping to
strengthen bridges with, and within government. With a
strong community and communication channels, our
efforts will be well guided and well supported.
- Tim Aggett
Trang ann a' Pictou
Busy in Pictou
The Pictou County Gaelic community takes every
opportunity to promote Gaelic in their area. In the spring
of 2011, they hosted an information table at the Pictou
County Health Fair. Brenda Butler is showcasing Gaelic
at its finest ... advertising An Là Mòr, their Gaelic /
English cookbook, websites for Gaelic Affairs, Comhairle
na Gàidhlig and Sìol Cultural Enterprises, and any and
all learning opportunities in Pictou County. This fall sees
the return of the Tuesday evening Gaelic Book Club, and
on-going Gàidhlig aig Baile language weekends at
beginner and the intermediate levels at Àite nan
Gaidheal with Hector MacNeil. The Pictou County
Gaelic choir is practicing for three local Christmas
concerts, plus one in January in Dartmouth. Aside from
this, a committed group has been regularly attending a
new conversation group in Antigonish.
AM FUARAN – Comhairle na Gàidhlig – AN T-SAMHAINN 2011 – AN NAOIDHEAMH IRIS – 2/6
Comhairle na Gàidhlig – Coinneamh Bhliadhnail - Annual General Meeting
Over sixty people attended the Comhairle na Gàidhlig
2011 Annual General Meeting, and this is encouraging in
terms of reflecting people’s interest in Gaelic, and interest in
our work. The gathering of our membership is the focus of
our annual cycle, and it is important that we ensure that
there is plenty of time for discussion, and plenty of time for
Gaelic. We were offered good guidance by our membership
at the gathering, and we hope that people left with a sense
that the resources devoted to our work are well spent.
We have been fortunate to have the leadership of
Jessica MacLennan as President for the last two years, and
serving as a Director on the Board since 2007. She, along
with Susan Cameron, who served diligently over her three
years have finished their current term with the Comhairle,
but we know that their efforts to support Gaelic will be
continuing in their own communities.
This year we are pleased to welcome Tim Aggett of
Dartmouth as our new President. Tim has been active in
Sgoil Ghàidhlig an Àrd Bhaile in Halifax, and brings a
breadth of experience to the position. Barb SutherlandFoote is servin g as Vice-President, and Ishbel Munro as
An Là Mór: Bùthan-obrach – Workshops
With a large number and good cross-section of
participants, the An Là Mór “Making connections in your
community” workshop proved productive, especially for
newcomers to Gaelic development. The discussion focused
around the assets in our communities that support Gaelic
currently, and ways that these can be built upon or partnered
to bring greater benefit to Gaelic. The workshop highlighted
common issues, as well as unique circumstances that give rise
to imaginative arrangements. Such exercises provide food for
thought, and the outcomes will be useful in continued work.
Margie Beaton’s language workshop attracted a large
number of all levels and ages of learners. The workshop
presented useful approaches to engaging children in learning
Gaelic, by teaching through family activities and games.
The “Product development” Workshop was a very
preliminary exploration of business opportunities that can be
developed locally to support Gaelic. Although there are
already some well-developed initiatives, we are still in initial
stages. The group identified a number of factors that would
support the development of new opportunities, such as
connecting language skills with business skills, supporting the
expansion of current services, partnering within communities
and through web development opportunities.
New Comhairle na Gàidhlig
President Tim Aggett, Dartmouth
addresses the membership at the
2011 Annual General Meeting
Secretary. Emily Clegg became
our
Treasurer
in
October,
replacing Bev Brett who, until
finishing her term with the Board,
had helped immeasurably since
2008 to develop good financial reporting practices.
The nomination committee has also done an
impressive job of responding to the Board’s decision to
expand from ten to as many as fifteen Directors, bringing on
a cadre of young and engaged Gaelic learners and teachers
as representatives from across the province. We are excited
at this new generation of Gaels which we welcome to our
board: Caitlin Bennett, Jamesville; Emily Clegg, Truro; Anita
MacDonald, Little Narrows; Colin MacDonald, Foot Cape;
and Meaghan O’Handley of Boisdale and Melissa Shaw of
Halifax, both of whom are public school Gaelic teachers.
Oileanach air 'fhasdadh as t-samhradh seo chaidh
Summer student hired
We were pleased to be able to hire Breanna MacLeod this
year, from among a number of very good candidates, and
we really benefited from the experience which she brought
to the position. A history and Gaelic language student,
Breanna worked efficiently on preparing for An Là Mór
through promotions, and the logistical planning around
catering, donations and merchandizing. In June, she helped
with a number of on-going projects such as membership
development, developing our historical timeline, and
attending community Gaelic events as a support person,
and to promote our organization. We have been pleased
with positive response from Service Nova Scotia over the
last three years, and anticipate receiving funding again to
provide this great training opportunity in support of Gaelic.
Plana Roi-innleachdail
Work plan for Comhairle na Gàidhlig
We look forward to meeting and talking with community
members, Gaelic groups, Gaelic institutions, and government over the next few months to develop a broader
perspective of how we can support Gaelic development.
This will be part of the process by which the Comhairle
develops its workplan for the next several years. We are
now developing a survey to collect information, and invite
anyone with an interest in completing one to contact us.
AM FUARAN – Comhairle na Gàidhlig – AN T-SAMHAINN 2011 – AN NAOIDHEAMH IRIS – 3/6
Dé tha sinn air a bhith ris? – What we’ve been up to
Vice President
Barbara SutherlandFoote & Coordinator
Caroline Cameron
traveled to Yarmouth
to represent the
Gaelic Community
at the Celebrating
Communities
Conference in
September
Comhairle na Gàidhlig Coordinator, Directors and
Members have been busy participating in events throughout
the Gaelic community. In the spring we attended the Tartan
Day Debate in Antigonish, language specialist Leanne
Hinton’s workshop, the Gaelic Affairs gathering to kick off its
Bun ‘s Barr program, many, many great community
celebrations for Gaelic Awareness Month in May, our own
An Là Mór, and the Celts in America Conference.
With a new and enlarged Board of Directors established,
we hosted an ’orientation session’ in June to bring new and
senior Board Members together to discuss the background
and workings of the Comhairle, its mission and vision, and
general expectations of the Board of Directors.
Then into the summer events, which gel communities
around their culture. We saw the release of a Gaelic CD from
Catriona Parsons, and the second Gaelic short-film produced
in North America coming out of our province.
Into the fall, as communities reestablished their local
Gàidhlig aig Baile classes, the Comhairle worked with Gaelic
Leasachadh Cànain is Foghlam
Language Development & Education
Showing support for Gaelic in public schools
At our September meeting, the Board of Directors of the
Comhairle na Gàidhlig talked about the value of Gaelic
programming in our schools. We believe that the voices that
are most important in guiding public school programming are
the parents and students within communities. We feel that it
is a good time for parents of students in the school system to
let their local schools and school boards know about the kind
of support in our communities that exists for Gaelic. We
acknowledge that the province has invested more in Gaelic
in the last decade than at any other time, and we think that it
is important that we see that it is applied to the greatest
benefit of Gaelic.
In October, the Comhairle circulated a letter
encouraging and assisting parents and local community
members to submit letters to their local schools and school
boards, outlining the benefits of Gaelic to Nova Scotia, and
expressing their support for Gaelic. We thank all those who
participated - and would like to hear from you if you did,
and we welcome any requests from those who would like to
receive a copy of this letter.
Affairs to organize GAB sessions in the Annapolis Valley establishing a new regional initiative there. NS Department of
Economic Development and Tourism’s
Celebrating
Communities Conference in Yarmouth saw a small but
mighty delegation of two from the Gaelic community, and
the Comhairle was pleased to attend the Annual General
Meeting of St. Ann’s Gaelic College, welcoming Rodney
MacDonald and Tracey
Dares-MacNeil to their
new positions.
These are only some of
the many recent events
that have helped move
Gaelic forward, which
we’ve been pleased to be
a part of.
We are now getting
our board settled into
committees and engaged A new group of Gaelic learners is
in active planning for our coming together in the Annapolis
up-coming activities. We Valley. Standing: Paul Lalonde,
look forward to having Bernadette MacLean, seated are
GAB instructor Lewis MacKinnon
new, fresh faces and
with Cecilia MacLean and Rosaire
new, fresh ideas being
MacNeil. Photo by Tony Orlando.
brought into our work.
Immersion Workshop in the Planning
With the support of funding from Gaelic Affairs, the
Comhairle anticipates another productive language workshop
this coming winter. In keeping with the general approach of
February 2011 in North Sydney, we are planning a residential
immersion week. This year, we will be hosting it in the first
week of March, on mainland Nova Scotia, pending
identification of a suitable venue. We are just beginning to
organize this project, so when location and language level
are established, we will distribute more information.
Board language development
The Board of Directors of Comhairle na Gàidhlig is the
team that does the work behind the scenes for this
organization. The executive meets monthly by telephone,
reviewing documents and Emails back and forth, and the
general board comes together from across the province
quarterly. They are a committed group who work together
through Committees to support Gaelic in countless ways.
Gaelic Affairs recognizes this effort and is beginning a
program of language tutoring for the Board of Directors this
year. Not only does this provide a perk to reward the
Directors’ work, but it also supports and encourages the use
of more Gaelic within the group’s work and deliberations.
Comhairle Board members provide regional representation,
and we hope that anyone with an idea or a project takes the
opportunity to make contact with your nearest board
member. The province will be able to sustain a strong
community if we invest in strong regional communities.
AM FUARAN – Comhairle na Gàidhlig – AN T-SAMHAINN 2011 – AN NAOIDHEAMH IRIS – 4/6
Dàimh Phoblach - Promotions
While the scope of Celtic
Colours International Festival
extends well beyond the Gaelic
language and culture base in
Nova Scotia, Festival organizers
have readily responded to the
request for increased Gaelic
language content in its representation. Working with Gaelic
Affairs, Festival organizers have
integrated Gaelic throughout
their festival program booklet.
The festival also welcomed
the Comhairle’s request this
year to host information tables
at several concerts. As part of
our broader outreach, we feel
that this is one way to raise the
profile of Gaelic, promoting
Photo credit: Lynn Horne
Gaelic, not only to the many
music enthusiasts who attend, but also to musicians and
singers who have the ear of many different audiences.
With a table set up beside promotions for singer/
songwriter Ron Hynes, Board members Francie Gillis and
Barb Sutherland Foote were able to make connections with
Ron Hynes and present to him a 2011 Gaelic calendar.
Bathar na Gàidhlig - The Gaelic Goods
Comhairle na Gàidhlig has developed a few small products
for people who like to promote Gaelic in their day-to-day.
We have handbags in royal blue and lime green, and
packages of greeting cards with Gaelic messages for
birthdays, congratulations, holidays and thank you. These
items are both $15 each - please contact our office if you are
interested in a purchase!
As we develop more products over time, we will be
displaying them on our website. Our Fund-raising Committee
is looking into the possibility of creating a ‘Market Place’
where various community groups can display their wares online, and provide purchase information for all. We will keep
you posted as our plans unfold.
Sanas-chead Draibhidh Acaidianach
Togail Dhrochaidean - Building Bridges
Municipal presentations
The response to this spring’s round of municipal presentations
demonstrated the growing awareness at the municipal level
of the value of Gaelic language and culture. Comhairle’s
Coordinator Caroline Cameron presented an update on our
work, and a request for financial support for strategic
planning, encouragement of regional collaboration to support
Gaelic business development, and our annual gathering.
Requests were met positively by five Municipal Districts to a
total of $3800. Victoria County, the Town of Truro, District of
Guysborough, Richmond County and Inverness County each
contributed in a substantial way to the work of the Comhairle
both financially, and in principal, with this firm show of
support for our work.
Móran Taing
Thanks to Joe & Pauline MacKinnon for their generous
donation, and to Caroline Cameron, for her donation in
memory of Reverend Glenn Sidney MacDonald
An Acadian License Plate for the province of NS was
unveiled in August, 2011. It is an imaginative and practical
way for people who appreciate the cultural diversity of this
province to express their support, both visibly and financially.
Residents can buy a provincial plate with the Acadian flag on
it from the province, instead of a regular plate, making an
additional donation of $50 towards work to support the
Acadian community, the money being handled through the
NS Office of Acadian Affairs. Comhairle na Gàidhlig has
communicated with the Ministers of Finance and of Acadian
Affairs, commending them on this initiative, as well as
making a request to Municipal Relations and Service Nova
Scotia, Communities Culture and Heritage, and Gaelic Affairs
that this initiative be explored for the Gaelic Community.
Comhairle na Gàidhlig Board of Directors (2011 - 2012)
Tim Aggett, Dartmouth (President)
Barbara Sutherland-Foote, Westmount (Vice-President)
Emily Clegg, Truro (Treasurer)
Ishbel Munro, New Glasgow (Secretary)
Caitlin Bennett, Jamesville
Francie Gillis, Grand Mira
Anita MacDonald, Little Narrows
Colin MacDonald, Foot Cape
Debbi MacDonald Sobey, Stellarton
Beth Anne MacEachen, Dartmouth
Ashley MacKay, Antigonish
Wendy McInnis, Trenton
Meaghan O’Handley, Boisdale
Melissa Shaw, Halifax
AM FUARAN – Comhairle na Gàidhlig – AN T-SAMHAINN 2011 – AN NAOIDHEAMH IRIS – 5/6
Aithneachadh air Neach
á Albainn Nuaidh
a chuir ris a' Ghàidhlig
Nova Scotian Acknowledged for
Gaelic contribution
Céilidh-ùmhlachd - Céilidh in Appreciation of Ken Nilsen
This year, for the first time, the Scottish
Royal National Mod presented its ‘Bardic
Crown’ to a non-Scot. The honour
recognized the recipient’s contribution to
Gaelic music, culture and literature, and it
was presented to a Nova Scotian, Lewis
MacKinnon.
This
acknowledgement
reflects well on Lewis’ efforts, as well as
the environment created in Nova Scotia,
which
has
enabled
this
cultural
contribution to the Gaelic world. This
environment has arisen from the efforts of
many advocates, MacKinnon’s contributions being no small part.
A large group gathered in November for a Tribute
Céilidh for Ken Nilsen. Nilsen is a professor and mentor
in Celtic Studies at St.FX University. His contribution to
the collection of resource materials is substantial, and his
teaching is a significant influence within the Nova Scotia
Gaelic community. Students and friends shared songs,
tunes and stories through the evening. Pictured left is a
presentation to Ken on behalf of Comunn Gàidhlig is
Eachdraigh a’ Bhràigh by Goiridh Dòmhnallach, who
hosted the event with the help of Comhairle na Gàidhlig.
Mu Dhéidhinn Comhairle na Gàidhlig - About Comhairle na Gàidhlig
OUR VISION
Comhairle na Gàidhlig – The Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia is to be a unified, dynamic leader
within strong and vibrant communities where Gaelic language and culture thrive.
OUR MISSION
The mission of Comhairle na Gàidhlig is to lead in creating an environment that makes
Nova Scotia a place where Gaelic language, culture and communities thrive.
TAPADH LEIBH ~ THANK YOU
For the continued support of your Membership!
We thank you, whether a new or long-time member, for showing your support for our work.
With a strong membership, Comhairle na Gàidhlig has a sound foundation to support the growth of Gaelic Nova Scotia.
We welcome comment, in-kind donation and participation.
Membership: $10.00 per individual, $20.00 per family, community organizations: FREE group memberships.
Renew your membership with Comhairle na Gàidhlig by downloading the form at www.gaelic.ca,
or by returning this form to:
Comhairle na Gàidhlig
1089 Deepdale Rd., RR 2 Inverness, NS B0E 1N0
Or call (902) 258-5768
Name:
Address:
Postal Code:
Phone number:
Email:
Amount enclosed:
Organization (if applicable):
Would you like your newsletters E-mailed to you?
Are you interested in supporting the work of one of our committees?
 Communications and Promotions Committee
 Education & Language Development Committee
 Community Development Committee
 Forum Planning Committee
Yes / No
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 Governance Committee
 Policy Development Committee
 Gaelic Cultural Expression Committee
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AM FUARAN – Comhairle na Gàidhlig – AN T-SAMHAINN 2011 – AN NAOIDHEAMH IRIS – 6/6