Gaelic Nova Scotia Month
April 26
11:00 am.
Annual Flag-raising to celebrate Mìos nan Gàidheal.
Halifax, Grand Parade
April 26
12:00 noon
Raising of the Flag of the Gaels and Reading of Month Proclamation
Province House Lawn
1726 Hollis Street
12:15 – 1:30 pm
Formal Presentation and Gathering following Raising of Flag of the Gaels,
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
1723 Hollis St. (across street from Province House)
May 1
12:00 noon
Raising of the Flag of the Gaels
Outside Morrison Hall
STFX University Campus
Formal event and céilidh
McKenna Centre
12:15-1:30
All are welcome. Refreshments will be served.
May 1
2:00 – 4:00 pm
Launch of Nova Scotia Gaelic Month
Inverness County Centre for the Arts
160800 Highway 19, Inverness
All are welcome. Refreshments will be served
May 1, 8, 15,22 and 29.
10:00 am
Gàidhlig agus Cabadaich
An Drochaid/Shining Waters, Mabou
Informal Gaelic sessions and a cup of tea with Margie and Effie. Everyone welcome.
macintcj@gmail.com or mberiskay@gmail.com
May 1, 8, 15,22 and 29.
6:00 – 7:00 pm.
Anns an Taigh Chéilidh/In the Céilidh House
Taigh an t-Sagairt, Glendale CB.
Weekly sessions for people of all ages. Céilidh Houses were one of the main places where traditions were passed on in Gaelic communities. These sessions will involve the hsaring of Gaelic songs, stories, folklore, history and traditions. Particular focus will be on the traditions of Bràigh na h-Aibhneadh, (Kingsville/Glendale area) of Cape Breton.
May 1-26
An Cùrsa Bogaidh II & III
Colaisde na Gàidhlig
Course fees apply
In connection with our partners at Cape Breton University, Colaisde na Gàidhlig/The Gaelic College is proud to host two six credit Gaelic immersion courses on-site in May 2017. An Cùrsa Bogaidh II (Intermediate level) is designed for university students seeking second year Gaelic language credits and An Cùrsa Bogaidh III (higher intermediate level) is designed for students seeking third year credits. These courses are also appropriate for students who are interested in personal development and continuing education (non-credit).
May 2
2:00 pm
New Glasgow Library
Presentation to New Glasgow Academy students on Gaelic language and culture in Nova Scotia.
5:00 pm
Raising of the Flag of the Gaels
5:30 pm
Presentation to New Glasgow Town Council and signing of Gaelic Nova Scotia Month 2017 Proclamation.
May 2
7:00 pm
The Celtic Harp
Keshen Goodman Public Library, HRM
A broad sketch of the context of the harp in its heyday in Gaelic society, explaining how we lost the tradition and how it is being redeveloped currently – with Alys Howe
May 3
7:00 pm
Cultural Similarities among the Gaels, Mi’kmaq and Acadians
Lewis MacKinnon
Sackville Public Library, HRM
May 4
6 :30 pm
Central Library, Paul O’ Reagan Hall, HRM
Gaels in the Wars, recruitment of the 185 battalion and learn a Gaelic song.
Joe Murphy
May 4, 11, 18 and 25
An Taigh Céilidh/Thursday night gatherings
Colaisde na Gàidhlig
In connection with An Cursa Bogaidh (Immersion Course) happening on-site during the month of May, we invite the community at large to join us in weekly ceilidhs. Thigibh a-staigh is dèanaibh céilidh oirnn. Faodaidh sibh innealan-ciùil, brogan-dannsaidh, òrain agus do chuid Ghàidhlig a thoirt leibh. Come and have a visit with us! Feel free to bring musical instruments, dance shoes, songs and your Gaelic with you.
May 4, 11, 18 and 25
Gaelic History Book Club
Alexander Doyle Public Library
Participants will read and discuss Seanchaidh na Coille/Memory Keeper of the Forest, an anthology of Gaelic poetry and literature in Canada. Editor Michael Newton gathers together Gaelic songs and literature from across Canada to give voice to the experience of Gaelic Canadians. Topics include migration, politics, religion, family life, identity, social organizations and more. There are limited copies to borrow, and the book can be purchased at www.nimbus.ca/store/
frances.maceachen@novascotia.ca or phone 945-2114.
May 6
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Spinning and Weaving Demonstration.
Tantallon Library, HRM
Spinning and weaving have long been an integral part of our heritage. Come and interact with members of the Atlantic Spinners and Handweavers as they demonstrate the spinning and weaving process from fleece to finished product. There will be a floor loom and a variety of spinning wheels in use, as well as a display of finished products and books. Come, watch, ask questions and maybe even try your hand at this historic craft. – with the Atlantic Spinners and Weavers Guild.
May 5-7
Gàidhlig as t-Earrach/Spring Gaelic Immersion Weekend for Adults
Colaisde na Gàidhlig
Various rates available
The first immersion weekend of the year welcomes the return of warmer temperatures, and old and new friend alike. During this session, there will be a special presentation by Dr. Tiber Falzett, Adjunct Professor and Graduate Faculty Member, UPEI entitled: Nam faighea’ tu sgiathan geòidh (If you’d get a goose’s wings): Bridging the Gulf through Gaelic Oral Tradition. Saturday May 6 at 7:00 pm followed by a square dance with Dawn and Margie Beaton. (open to the public)
May 7
2:00 p.m
The Gaels of the Lost Generation
An Drochaid, Mabou
$5 or donation
Dalbrae Student Zoe McDaniel of Brook Village will give a presentation highlighting the significant contributions of the Gaelic community during the Great War, such as the victory at Vimy Ridge, and how they are remembered through various memorials across the Western Front. She will share experiences from her war memorial tour of Europe as a recipient of the Beaverbrook Vimy Award. Tea will be served.
macintcj@gmail.com or mberiskay@gmail.com
May 10
1:30-3:00pm
Baile nan Gàidheal / Highland Village
Bannal nan Òran | Women and Waulking
This lecture will be given by Effie Rankin, author of As a’ Bhràighe: The Gaelic Songs of Allan the Ridge MacDonald. Effie will explore the milling of cloth, its work songs and their themes, from the perspective of women, for whom cloth fulling was a traditional domain.
May 11
7:00 pm
The Celtic Harp
Captain William Spry Library, Spryfield, HRM
A broad sketch of the context of the harp in its heyday in Gaelic society, explaining how we lost the tradition and how it is being redeveloped currently – with Alys Howe
May 12
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
The History of the Scottish Tradition of Waulking the Cloth
Stellarton Public Library, 248 Foord St. Stellarton, NS
Join us at Stellarton library for a presentation on the history of the Scottish tradition of milling or waulking the cloth. Presenter Wendy McInnis from the Pictou County Gaelic Society will teach a milling song during the presentation.
May 12
2:00-3:00pm
Scotch Music tradition. Gaelic stylizations on the cape breton fiddle.
Baile nan Gàidheal / Highland Village
Inverness’s Kyle MacDonald will present a lecture and tunes.
May 13
2:00 pm
Genealogy
Bedford Public Library
Researching your Scottish Ancestry. Discover where to look and gain insight into the Gaelic language and culture – with Vince MacNeil
May 15 – 19
Public School Program
Baile nan Gàidheal / Highland Village
A new in class Gaelic language and culture school program Baile nan Gàidheal is offering to schools in the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional and Strait Regional School Board districts during Gaelic Nova Scotia Month. The program will be available during school hours.
May 16
7:00 pm
The Celtic Harp
Cole Harbour Library, Dartmouth, HRM
A broad sketch of the context of the harp in its heyday in Gaelic society, explaining how we lost the tradition and how it is being redeveloped currently – with Alys Howe
May 17
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Learning Gaelic in Scotland – Pictou
Pictou Public Library, 40 Water St. Pictou NS
Presenter Wendy McInnis from the Pictou County Gaelic Society will be by to share her experience (and travel pictures) on learning Gaelic in Scotland while on learning leave from the NSCC Pictou Campus Library.
May 19
10:00 am – 11:00 am
The History of the Scottish Tradition of Waulking the Cloth
River John Public Library, 2725 West Branch Road, River John, NS
Join us at River John library for a presentation on the history of the Scottish tradition of milling or waulking the cloth. Presenter Wendy McInnis from the Pictou County Gaelic Society will teach a milling song during the presentation.
May 23
7:00 p.m.
A Tour of the Gaelic Languages
Tantallon Public Library, HRM
Join two local academics as they give a brief tour of all three Gaelic languages: Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig), Irish (Gaeilge), and Manx (Gaelg). You will hear what the languages sound like, find out where they are spoken, learn about their histories, and look at the similarities and differences between them. Questions are encouraged! With Dr. Emily McEwan, (Gaelic revitalization, gaelic.co) and Dr. Jerry White, (Dalhousie University).
May 23
6:30 pm
Central Library, Halifax
DNA Footprint
Take part in a genetic journey which according to DNA results from National Geographic started about 100,000 year ago. Look at some of the developments in the Gaelic language based on what linguistics have to say. Hear about how humans started out together, traveled apart, but are being brought back together in Canada's diverse population – with Wayne MacIntyre.
May 23
7:00 p.m.
Seanchas aig a Leabhar-lann/Storytelling at the Library
Cape Breton Regional Library
50 Falmouth St., Sydney NS
Informal setting – everyone is welcome – all stories welcome
acmacdermid@gmail.com or morrisonb@mac.com
May 24
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Céilidh Bheag anns a’ Ghut/Ceilidh in Port Hawkesbury
Knights of Columbus Hall, 138 Granville St. Port Hawkesbury
Donations at the door
Music by the Broussards. Gaelic singing by Sgoil Ghàidhlig Baile a’ Chlamhain Gaelic class. Gaelic stories and conversation over tea and oatcakes.
May 20
2:30 – 6:30 pm
Na Gaisgich Òga – Cruinn A-Rithist (The Young Heroes/Warriors Reunion and Youth Gathering)
Taigh an t-Sagairt, Glendale CB.
No cost – Families can bring an item to contribute to the meal.
Colaisde na Gàidhlig has offered the program Na Gaisgich Òga for four years. This event is to enable former Gaisgich Òga to reunite and meet others who were in the program over the years. It is also open to youth who have an interest in Gaelic language, history and culture. The day will include workshops on: refreshing your Gaelic; a look at our history, Gaelic stories, Gaelic songs, and square sets and Gaelic music. A potluck meal will be available at suppertime.
May 28
3:00 pm
Gaelic Ecumenical Service
St. James Presbyterian Church, Boularderie
Rev. Peter MacDonald as guest preacher.
After the service, there will be opportunity to enjoy refreshments and fellowship together.
All are welcome!
May 29
7:00 p.m.
A Tour of the Gaelic Languages
Central Library, HRM
Join two local academics as they give a brief tour of all three Gaelic languages: Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig), Irish (Gaeilge), and Manx (Gaelg). You will hear what the languages sound like, find out where they are spoken, learn about their histories, and look at the similarities and differences between them. Questions are encouraged! With Dr. Emily McEwan, (Gaelic revitalization, gaelic.co) and Dr. Jerry White, (Dalhousie University).
May 30
7:00 pm
The Celtic Harp
Alderney Gate Library, Dartmouth, HRM
A broad sketch of the context of the harp in its heyday in Gaelic society, explaining how we lost the tradition and how it is being redeveloped currently – with Alys Howe
May 31
7:00 pm
Genealogy
Bedford Public Library
Researching your Scottish Ancestry. Discover where to look and gain insight into the Gaelic language and culture – with Vince MacNeil