Gaelic Nova Scotia

Arrival in Nova Scotia

Between the mid 1700’s and the late 1800’s tens of thousands of Gaelic speaking Scots came
to Nova Scotia to begin a new life in a land rich with resources, but full of its own challenges.
They landed on the shores of Nova Scotia to find a home where they could live their lives
freely, but where they faced new challenges such as adapting to our significantly different
climate. Our Gaelic ancestors adapted to these conditions and began clearing their land to
establish new lives and communities.

Chain Migration

Settlement patterns show that new communities created by the Gaelic settlers were often
based on the same community groups they were familiar with in their homeland. This pattern
of chain immigration saw communities and villages spring up all over Nova Scotia which
were mostly based on family connections or religious beliefs. Gaels were, and are, a tightly-
knit group of people who value community spirit and who were always willing to lend a hand
when needed. Community members often worked hand in hand with each other to build
their church, school and even held community barn-raisings to help new members of the
community.

Gaelic Language & Culture

The language, culture and rural lifestyle of our Gaelic ancestors flourished in Nova Scotia
throughout the 1800’s into the early 1900’s when changes such as the attraction of cities,
industrial jobs, railroads and an English-only school system began to make it difficult to
continue on as they had. Many people held tightly to their roots during these changes, with
faith and determination. These proud tradition-bearers who have passed on their language,
culture, music, song and dance through a thriving tradition of oral history.

To this day the legacy of our Gaelic Ancestors remains on the map of our fair province.
Communities like Iona, New Glasgow, Inverness are all namesakes of towns and villages our
ancestors left in Scotland. Gaelic classes, educational programs, traditional music and song,
and other events are held throughout the area, and help us to continue to embrace our Gaelic
history.

The Gaelic Language - An Oral Culture

Gaelic was the only language of many thousands of Scottish Highlanders emigrating to Cape Breton Island during the early to mid-nineteenth century. While Gaelic possesses a centuries-old system of writing, many Gaels were illiterate in a formal sense. As such, the traditions of the Gaels have been passed on in a fashion similar to that of other native peoples world-wide through story-telling, song and conversation. The Gaelic language contains one of the richest oral cultures found in Western Europe at that time. Here in Nova Scotia we strive to preserve this ancient legacy.

Decline of Gaelic

At the time of Canadian Confederation, in 1867, Gaelic was the third most spoken language in Canada. As many as one hundred thousand Nova Scotians spoke Gaelic as their mother tongue in 1900. Today, estimates claim there are between 1000 and 2000 Gaelic speakers and learners in the province. The decline in Gaelic language is, in large part, due to educational policies and economic disparity. English became the language of choice in schools, politics, business and religion. In the early 1900’s many students began school as Gaelic speakers, but soon were forced to learn English as that was the only language spoken in school. Many of our contemporary Gaelic speakers maintained their language at home and are now able to help pass on this beautiful and musical language.

Gaelic Renewal

Maintaining and growing Nova Scotia’s Gaelic language and culture has many advocates. Community activism and provincial support have contributed to a growing infrastructure for Gaelic renewal. Important advancements include the following: creation of Comhairle na Gàidhlig (The Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia), declaration of May as Gaelic Cultural Awareness month and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the government of Nova Scotia and the Highland Council, Scotland. At local levels, organizations and individuals are regularly coordinating Gaelic classes and cultural events.

Gaelic language and culture is an essential part of the Nova Scotian identity, a Canadian treasure and internationally acknowledged for its cultural expression. Contemporary communities in conjunction with institutions like the Highland Village Museum are committed to developing and sharing Nova Scotia’s Gaelic heritage with all who value it.

Highland Village is dedicated to preserving and promoting the Gaelic Language. If you are interested in learning more about the Gaelic Language we hold special events and programs throughout the year. We would love to share our stories and hear yours.