Calling all Gaelic Students!
 

This upcoming fall will mark the 50th anniversary of the Gaelic language instruction program which began in 1972 in Nova Scotian schools. It was a pilot program introduced in seven schools in Inverness County and later saw Gaelic language instruction earn equal status to all other Nova Scotia public school courses. The Mabou Gaelic & Historical Society is organizing an event to commemorate the success of this initial program and its impact on students over its five decade tenure. The Gaelic language has such a rich history in our communities and this program was a means for many to bridge their present to their family’s past and reinvigorate what was once so commonplace. 


It’s our goal to celebrate the program, its initial instructors and provide an opportunity for students of the program to share its impact. Our hope is to welcome students to participate in the evening’s discussion and provide the perspective of the student. If you took any of these Gaelic courses and felt they enriched your life or your career in a special way, we would love to hear from you. Send an email to mghs1975@gmail.com

In the Footsteps of Our Ancestors

We are so excited to be hosting a gathering at the Saint Ninian Pioneer Cemetery on Sept 24! Special thanks to the Gaelic Narrative Project and the Saint Ninian Pioneer Cemetery Restoration Committee for their contributions to this event. Come one and all for a discussion of Gaelic culture and our connections to those who founded this place we call home.

Weekly Square Dances

There's a variety of Cape Breton Square Dances that happen weekly with new tunes and musicians each time! See below for the different days and times:

Monday: Drop in every Monday night from 9:30pm-1:00am at the Brook Village 19+ Square Dances 

Wednesday: Every Wednesday night at Normaway Inn come by to hear some great tunes and see some great steps at their Ceilidh and Square Dance series

Thursday: Come by every Thursday night for the weekly family square dances at Glencoe Mills from 9:00pm-12:00am

Friday: Every Friday night head over to St. Joseph's Parish Hall for their weekly adult square dances in South West Margaree

Saturday: Head over to West Mabou every Saturday night for their family square dances from 9:00pm-12:00am year round

Scottish Gaelic conversation group hosted by Emily McEwan. Meeting weekly at 6:30 pm at The Cottage Café - An Teachín, Paddler's Cove, 300 Prince Albert Rd, Dartmouth, NS. Drinks & snacks can be purchased at the café. (If you don't see us outside on the patio, knock on the door!)

We've set this up as a weekly event, but please double-check the listing HERE each week before coming! We might have to cancel a few here & there.

This weekend explores Gaelic traditions and customs around Oidhche Shamna/Halloween including fuarag, pumpkin/turnip carving, and spooky storytelling around the fire. Gaelic classes are available for all ages and levels.
Instructors:
Lili Watson – Youth (Age 7 – 14)
Joyce MacDonald – Beginner
Angus MacLeod – Intermediate
Hector MacNeil – Advanced 

For more information and to register: HERE
Also, there will be a book launch that is open to the public for Dorsan & Finn MacCool and the Salmon of Knowledge held at 6:30pm in MacKenzie Hall on Saturday, October 22nd.

Cape Breton Stepdance Lessons

Hey HRM folks! Come out and try a class in Cape Breton Stepdance! Lots of fun and great exercise... classes are filling up quickly!

For more information and to register: HERE