Nova Scotia is the
only region outside Scotland where Gaelic language and
culture remain everyday aspects of community life.
Even though Gaels in
Nova Scotia share many traditions with Scotland, our culture is
unique and distinct because it is shaped by our experience of
leaving our homeland and of creating a new and flourishing
Gaelic community as Canadian pioneers. It is estimated that
there were 100,000 people speaking Gaelic in Nova Scotia around
the turn of the 20th century.
Thirty percent of
Nova Scotians claim Scottish Gaelic heritage as their
birthright, representing the largest ethnic group of the
province, yet the language has been put in serious jeopardy over
the years. Although strengthening this rich language and culture
is serious business, when Gaels rally to this work, song and
stories abound. Comhairle na Gàdhlig is part of a Nova Scotian
community which celebrates and shares our living and 'lively'
cultures.
Comhairle na
Gàdhlig is a non-profit society dedicated to the maintenance
and promotion of the Gaelic language and culture. It works with
individuals and groups throughout the province, and throughout
the world, to preserve and perpetuate our distinct Gaelic
culture.
Comhairle na
Gàidhlig is committed to representing the individuals,
organizations and institutions of which the provincial Gaelic
community is composed. That means being accessible to our
membership and keeping the public informed of our work. We see
this website as an important part of that commitment and hope
you find it useful. Please take your time to explore the wealth
of information collected here and return often for updates on
our activities.
Am fear a chailleas a chanain caillidh e a shaoghal.
He who loses his language loses
his world.