Misneach

Ionad Foghlam Hogoma Tha Shelly Chaimbeul a’ toirt iomraidh dhuinn bho Sgoil Hogoma, Ceap Breatainn far an robh cothrom aig na sgoilearan a’ Ghàidhlig a thaghadh airson a’ chiad turais ann a’ 2014-15. Roimhe sin, fhuair iad oideachas ann a’ buin na Fraingis agus beagan dhen Ghàidhlig. Am bliadhna, b’ urrainn dhe na sgoilearan taghadh a dhèanamh eadar buin na Fraingis, na Gàidhlig neo Mi’kmaq. Mar sin, tha lethuair a thìde aca de Ghàidhlig gach là. Bidh ìrean 4-6 ag obair le chéile, agus ìrean 7-8. Tha a’ chiad bhuidheann ag ionnsachadh nam prìomh-thùsan bunasach dhen chànain, ’gan togail gu luath, agus a’ gabhail tlachd anns an eachdraidh, na h-òrain agus na naidheachdan a bhuineas dhan dualchas. Bho chionn ghoirid, chaidh fios a chur chon nan sgoilearan seo bho sgoil bhig thìreil’s an t-seann dùthaich—Bunsgoil Gleann Lìobhait, Baile na Dàlach. Chan e sgoil bogaidh a th’ innte; ach tha na sgoilearan a’ tòiseachadh air oideachas bunasach ’fhaighinn anns a’ Ghàidhlig agus tha iad ag obair air eachdraidh nam Fuadaichean. Thagh iad Sgoil Hogoma ’s iad a’ leantainn slighe nan Gàidheal a shuidhich ann a’ Canada agus seach gu bheil prógram na Gàidhlig innte. (a’leantainn air d.2)

Ràitheachan Iomairtean na Gàidhlig - A quarterly publication of Gaelic Affairs

Iomairtean na Gàidhlig, Miar do Roinn nan Coimhearsnachdan, a' Chultair agus an Dualchais Gaelic Affairs, a Division of the Department of Communities, Culture & Heritage

News from the Schools

Naidheachd bho na Sgoiltean

Winter 2015

Volume 7 , Issue 1 Misneach An Geamhradh 2015

Leabhar 7, Àireamh 1

Whycocomagh Education Centre Gaelic teacher Shelly Campbell reports from the Education Centre in Whycocomagh, Cape Breton: “Students at W.E.C. are choosing Gaelic for the first time in the 2014-2015 school year. Previously, students received Core French and some Gaelic instruction. This year for the first time, students could choose between French, Gaelic and Mi’kmaq, all Core, meaning a half hour of language instruction everyday. The classes are grouped in mixed levels: Grades 4-6 and 7-8.

Students in Grades 4-6 are learning the basics of the language and are catching on really quickly. They also really enjoy the history, songs and stories to do with Gaelic culture. Recently, this group was contacted by a small, rural school in the old country—Glenlivet Primary School, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch. This is not a Gaelic-medium school, but students have begun getting basic language instruction and working on the history of the Highland Clearances. They chose our school as they are following the path of Gaelic settlers in Canada and because we have a Gaelic language program.

(cont’d on pg. 2)

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2

a’leantainn bho d.1

Bidh na sgoilearan a’ sgrìobhadh litrichean ’s a’ rannsachadh

eachdraidh nam Fuadaichean aig an aon àm anns an dà

dhùthaich. Tha sgoilearan I.F.H. a’ dèanamh fiughair ri bhidéo

na sgìre a dheasachadh dhan fheadhainn ann an Albainn.

Tha a’ bhuidheann nas sine air a bhith a’ gearradh

shùrdagan ’s iad a’ tighinn air adhart gu mór ann a’ bruidhinn,

tuigsinn, leughadh agus sgrìobhadh. ’S e an rùn am bliadhna

aon ghnìomh sònraichte a chur air dòigh gach mìos, taobh a-

muigh na h-obrach làitheil. Anns an t-Sultain, ghabh a’

bhuidheann pàirt anns NA DEUGAIREAN, prógram ann an

Eachdraidh Bheò dhan Òigridh aig a’ Chlachan Ghàidhealach,

Sanndraidh, C.B. (faic na dealbhan, d. 1, 2). Le taic bho

chomainn ionadail, b’ urrainn dha na sgoilearan a dhol ann saor

an asgaidh agus fhuair iad fìor ionnsachadh le cothrom an làmhan

a chur ’s a’ pholl! Anns an Dàmhair, chaidh an sgoil a thaghadh le

Féis nan Dathan Ceilteach mar òstair ann a’ prógram na sgoile a

th’ aig an Fhéis. Anns an t-Samhain, ghabh sgoilearan pàirt ann a’

Seirbheis Là a’ Chuimhneachain, a’ seinn an òrain An Eala Bhàn.

Agus anns an Dùdlachd, chuidich iad le craobh na Nollaig a

sgeadachadh, le snais a bhuineadh do dhualchas na Gàidhlig a

rinn iad fhéin—agus le “bradan an fhiosa” air a ceann!

Sgoil Chruinnichte Naoimh Anndra & Sgoil

Mheadhonach Naoimh Anndra

Tha Brian Dòmhnallach, a bhios a’ teagasg na Gàidhlig aig

bunsgoil chruinnichte Cill Rìmhinn, ann a’ Siorramachd

Antaiginis, agus aig a’ sgoil mheadhanaich’s a’ Bhaile Mhór, ag

innse dhuinn gun d’ thug e brosnachadh do sgoilearan buin na

Gàidhlig aig an dà sgoil sanasachd ùr anns a’ Ghàidhlig

’fhaicinn air feadh nan sgoiltean anns an fhoghar. A-nis tha

sanas Gàidhlig air a’ mhórchuid dhe na doruis ag innse cuspair

a’ chlas, m.e. An Talla Spòrs.

Aig an dà sgoil, tha pàrantan is sgoilearan a’ faighinn leasanan beaga Gàidhlig anns na cuairt-litrichean a bhios a’ tighinn thuca gach mìos, a’ ruigsinn ceudan de theaghlaichean ann a’ sgìre Antaiginis. Tha na litrichean seo a’ toirt cothroim do phàrantan agus dhan chlainn a’ Ghàidhlig ’ionnsachadh aig an aon àm. A thuilleadh air sin, dheasaich SÌOL seachd postairean dathach Gàidhlig dha na sgoiltean air iomadh cuspair eadar-dhealaichte: tha sgoilearan buin na Gàidhlig air gabhail riutha seo le mór-thoileachas. (a’leantainn air d.3)

cont’d from pg. 1

Students will be writing letters, studying the history of the Clearances simultaneously in both countries; W.E.C. students are excited to make a video of the area for them as well.

Students in Grades 7-8 have been making great leaps with their speaking, comprehension, reading and writing. Our goal this year was to try to plan for one unique activity each month, outside of daily language and cultural activities”. September: The group took part in NA DEUGAIREAN/ The Teenagers Living History Program for Youth at the Highland Village in Iona (see pictures).…With support from local organizations, students were able to go cost-free and had the ultimate Gaelic experience in a day just filled with hands-on authentic learning. October: The school was chosen to host a ‘Celtic Colours in the School’ program. November: Students took part in the Remembrance Day Service and sang An Eala Bhàn. December: Students helped decorate our first-ever Gaelic-inspired tree with homemade ornaments that Gaels in Cape Breton might have made…and a “salmon of knowledge” tree-topper to complete the tree!

St. Andrews Consolidated School & St. Andrew Junior School

Brian MacDonald, who teaches Gaelic at both the elementary school in St. Andrews, Antigonish County, and the junior school in Antigonish, tells us: “The core Gaelic students (at both schools) were excited to see new Gaelic signage throughout their schools in the Fall. Now many of the doors have Gaelic signs identifying the course subject—e.g. An Talla Spòrs for ‘gym’”.

In both schools, parents and students are receiving mini Gaelic lessons in their monthly news letters which reach hundreds of families in the Antigonish area and allow parents to “learn Gaelic along with their children”. In addition, Sìol Cultural Enterprises prepared seven new, colourful Gaelic posters for the schools, covering many different topics: these have been a “big hit” with the core Gaelic students.

(cont’d on pg. 3)

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Clasaichean Gàidhlig an Fhoghair ann an Ionad Howie faisg air Suidnidh, Ceap Breatainn Chaidh seiseanan air na h-òrain Ghàidhlig air adhart gach fheasgar Dhi-ciadain, bho’n t-Sultain 24 chun Fhaoillich 5, aig dachaidh Beathag Nic an Tighearna. Dh’ obraich an luchd-ionnsachaidh air caochladh nòsan de dh' òran’, òrain luadhaidh agus tàlaidhean ’nam measg. A’ tòiseachadh anns an t-Samhain, chaidh amas a dhèanamh air òrain na Nollaig. Dh’ionnsaich na bha an làthair àireamh de dh’ òrain le spòrs gu leòr agus iomadh cupa tì!

Thòisich Clasaichean na Gàidhlig, a mhair fad 10 seachdain, anns an t-Sultain cuideachd. ‘S e na cuspairean a bh’ aca: biadh, ag ithe, còmhradh aig a’ bhòrd mar “An cuir thu thugam?”, “Cuiridh”; “An gabh thu?”, “Gabhaidh/Cha ghabh”, is eile. Dh’ionnsaich na sgoilearan ainmean mheasan, luibhean-gàraidh, feòla agus éisg. Nuair a chrìochnaich na clasaichean, b’ urrainn dhaibh diofar sheòrsachan de bhiadh ’ainmeachadh. Mar eisimpleir, chuireadh iad ainm air ubhal, anann, peitseag agus bhruidhneadh iad air an dath, an inneach agus a’ bhlas. Dh’ innseadh iad dé’m meas a bu toil leotha agus a b’ fheàrr leotha. B’ urrainn dhaibh faighneachd dh’ a chéile an robh iad air am bracaist, an dinnear no an suipear ’ithe agus dé bh’ aca ri ithe; agus b’ urrainn gach duine sin ’innse.

Air an fheasgar mu dheireadh, nuair a bha iad ag ionnsachadh fhaclan fuinidh, dheasaich gach duine “céic teoclaid ann a’ muga”. Chaidh srùbag ’òl anns gach chlas; agus air an fheasgar mu dheireadh, chòrd a’ chéic riutha leis an tì. (a’leantainn air d. 5)

a’leantainn bho d.2

Àrd-sgoil an Dr. I.E. MacGill’ Iosa

A-rèir tidsear na Gàidhlig Màiri Sìne Parr, “Chum àrd-sgoilearan Gàidhlig a’ Bhaile Mhóir, ìre 12, ceangal làidir a’ dol le ‘pròiseict caraidean-pinn’ ‘s iad a’ sgrìobhadh gu fileantaich aig Sgoil Ghràmair Dhun Omhain, Alba, faisg air Glaschu…tha sinn an dòchas am faicinn nuair a bhios iad air sgrìob a’ seo ’s an earrach, air an t-sligh’ a Cheap Breatainn--agus an uair sin gu Disney World!” Tha sgoilearan eile na sgoile a’ cumail litrichean a’ dol le Acadamaidh Rìoghail Inbhir Nis. Aig deireadh bliadhna na sgoile 2013-14, cheumnaich sia sgoilear deug le teisteanas anns a’ Ghàidhlig a bha air seachd bliadhna de chùrsaichean anns a’ chànain a chrìochnachadh. Am bliadhna, aig ìre 9, tha dà chlas anns a bheil a’ Ghàidhlig ’ga teagasg. Bho chionn ghoirid bha sgoil MhicGill’Ìosa ann a’ naidheachdan CTV mar eisimplear de sgoiltean na h-Albann Nuaidhe far am bheil àireamhan nan sgoilearan a tha a’ gabhail na Gàidhlig a’ dol suas. An dràsda, tha 19 sgoilearan ann an ìre 12 a’ dèanamh fiughair ri turas a dh’ Albainn am bliadhna.

Ionad Foghlam Sealladh a’ Bhàigh

Mar a tha Bearnard Camshron, tidsear na Gàidhlig ann a’ Seastago, Ceap Breatainn ag innse dhuinn, ann an ìrean 4-8, thagh 47 sgoilear a’ Ghàidhlig mar chuspair am bliadhna. Gu ruige seo, dh’ionnsaich iad móran òran, naidheachdan, is a leithid. Aig àm Oidhche Shamhna, thàinig feadhainn a-staigh ás a’ choimhearsnachd a dh’ innse naidheachdan. Bha fuarag aca agus rinn iad ‘tunail thathaichte’ far an deach a h-uile clas eadar ìrean 3-8. Thàinig Daibhidh MacFhraing, a tha ag obair air Ceum Foghlaim ’fhaighinn aig Oilthigh NFX ann an Antaiginis, a-staigh fad sia seachdainean ’s e a’ dèanamh cleachdadh teagaisg còmhla ri Bearnard. Rinn esan dà aonad-obrach leis na sgoilearan, air an t-sìde agus air an Nollaig, a’ cur teicneòlais gu mór-feum. Mar a thuirt Bearnard, “Rinn Daibhidh rud air leth math a thaobh na seann Nollaig”……(agus a’ bruidhinn air an teicneòlas), “dh’ionnsaich mi-fhìn poidhle cuideachd!”

cont’d from pg. 2

Dr. J.H. Gillis High School

In the words of Gaelic teacher Màiri Sìne Parr, Antigonish Gaelic high school students in Grade 12 have been engaged in a penpal project with advanced speakers at Dunoon Grammar School, near Glasgow, Scotland, other students with Inverness Royal Academy. The Dunoon students plan a trip to Nova Scotia in the spring and will meet up with their Antigonish penpals en route to Cape Breton—and afterwards to Disney World! At the end of the 2013-14 school year, 16 students graduated with credit in Gaelic after successfully completing seven years of Gaelic instruction. This year, two Gaelic classes were on offer for students entering the 9th grade. Recently, the school was in the news when CTV visited, exemplifying interest in how numbers of students choosing to take Gaelic in the province are increasing. At the moment, there are 19 students taking Gaelic in Grade 12 looking forward to a trip to Scotland this year.

Bayview Education Centre

Bernard Cameron, Gaelic teacher at Bayview in Port Hood, Cape Breton, has 47 students in Grades 4-8 who chose to take Gaelic this year. In addition to the language itself, they’ve been busy learning many songs and stories. At Halloween, Gaelic speakers from the community visited and shared their store of stories with the classes, who also enjoyed ‘fuarag’ and built a ‘haunted tunnel’ which was enjoyed by all students from Grades 3-8.

David Rankin, who is currently working to obtain his B.Ed. degree at St. FXU, came to do his 6-weeks practicum with Bernard. He did 2 units with the students, one on the weather and one on Christmas, making great use of technology. As Bernard remarked, ”David did a great job (in the unit) on the old Christmas; and” (speaking of technology), “I learned a lot myself!”

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(

A’ Ghàidhlig ’na Buannachd do Eaconomaidh na h-Albann Nuaidhe

Gaelic a Benefit to the Nova Scotia Economy

Bho chionn ghoirid, chaidh Panail a ghairm aig Oilthigh NFX, mar fhreagairt do Iomradh Ivany, gus meomhrachadh air ciamar as urrainn dhuinn a’ chànain ’s an dualchas a thug na Gàidheil leotha a Chanada, ’àrdachadh agus a chur gu feum ann an dòighean ùra a bheir buannachd an dà chuid do choimhearsnachd na Gàidhlig agus do eaconomaidh na Roinne.

Air a’ Phanail, bha ceathrar a tha eòlach air dualchas nan Gàidheal agus saoghal a’ ghnìomhachais: Lodaidh MacFhionghain, Ceannard do dh’oifis Iomairtean na Gàidhlig, AN; Ruairidh Dòmhnallach, Neach-stìuiridh do Cholaisde na Gàidhlig, C.B.; Lachlann MacGill’Eathain, a tha ’na Cheannsuidhe do Thaigh-òsda’s Thaigh-stail ‘Glenora’, C.B.; agus Raonull MacSuain, Ceannsuidhe & Neach-stiùiridh, Iomairtean ‘New Dawn’, C.B. Rinn an neach-riaghlaidh, an t-Oll. Thomas Urbaniak, Oilthigh Cheap Breatainn, iomradh air mar a tha call cànain agus dol sìos na h-eaconomaidh co-cheangailte; feumaidh an Riaghaltas leantainn air bunait a’ chultair a leasachadh.

Thàinig na sinnsearan aig Mghsr. MacSuain gu Bail’ an Iarainn, C.B. ann an 1820. Ged nach eil iomraidhean air an eaconomaidh air atharrachadh bho 1935, tha e soirbh-dhùileach. “Buinidh a’ cheisd seo dhuinn uile…’s e aimsir caran troimh chéile a th’ ann ach làn chothroman…Tha feum air poileasaidh a bheir misneach agus comas do neach òg a’ chànain ’ionnsachadh; tha feum air pàrantan dìoghrasach… a théid an sàs….”

’S e ionad-catailis a th’ ann a’ Colaisde na Gàidhlig ann an inntinn Mhghsr. MhicDhòmhaill. ’S e stéidheachd foghlaim a th’ innte gu sònraichte; thatar airson gum bi i barrail gu h-ionadail agus gu cruinneil. Tha buidsead fiach $1.2m. aca; feumaidh iad-fhéin 81% dhi a thogail. Bidhear a’ tairgsinn chothroman, mar am prógram “Na Gaisgich Òga”; bidh luchd-tadhail a’ cur gu mór ri maoin na Colaisde; agus bidh còrr is 300 sgoilear a’ tighinn gach samhradh. Tha 35 ag obair aig a’ Cholaisde, seachdnar làn-ùine. ’S e an rùn gum bi cothroman-foghlaim fad na bliadhna ri ’n tairgsinn fhathast…..

Dh’innis Mghstr. MacGill’Eathain mar a bhios e a’ soirbheachadh thachartasan a bhuineas dhan Ghàidhlig, gu h-àraidh cothroman cluich do luchd-ciùil òg na sgìre aig Taigh-òsda ‘Glenora’. Bhruidhinn e cuideachd air mar a tha an Clachan Gàidhealach ag amas air $35,000 a thogail do phrógram “Stòras na h-Òigridh” a bhuannaicheas Gàidheil òga. Bha là ann, thuirt e, nan robh a’ Bheurla agad, shaoileadh daoine gu robh thu tuilleadh is tùrail ; tha sinn air taobh cheart na h-eachdraidh an turas seo! (a’leantainn air d. 5)

Recently, in response to the Ivany Report on the provincial

economy, a Panel was convened at St. FX University to address

the question of how Gaelic language and culture contribute to

this economy and how it can be even more beneficial in the

future.

The four panelists were Lewis MacKinnon, whose roots are in

Inverness County, Executive Director of Nova Scotia’s office of

Gaelic Affairs, a Division of the Department of Communities,

Culture and Heritage; Rodney MacDonald of Mabou, 26th

Premier of NS, 2006-09, and now CEO of the Gaelic College, St.

Ann’s; Lauchie MacLean, President of Glenora Inn and Distillery

of Inverness County; and Rankin MacSween, President and CEO

of New Dawn Enterprises, Ltd., Sydney. The moderator, Dr.

Tom Urbaniak of Cape Breton University, noted the “close

correlation between language loss and economic decline,” and

challenged the Panel by saying, “Gaelic is not merely an adjunct

or auxiliary…….It’s necessary for the Government to continue

development of the cultural base.”

Mr. MacSween, who has a Doctorate of Education from the

University of Toronto, and has been active in Community

Development, Justice and Corrections, and Mental Health, told

how his ancestors came from Scotland to Ironville, Cape Breton

in 1820; he is the 5th

generation on the same property. Despite

reports on the economy having been much the same since

1935, he remains optimistic. “This is our collective issue…. It’s

an incredibly unsettling time but full of opportunity…..We need

a policy that encourages and nurtures and enables a child to

learn the language…..We need passionate parents. If children

have access to Gaelic, parents become truly engaged. Activism

will come through parental guidance.”

Mr. MacDonald views the Gaelic College as a catalyst in the

community. “It’s primarily an educational institution; we want

to make it excellent locally and globally at the same time. Our

budget is $1.2m., 81% of which we have to raise ourselves. We

provide opportunities like Na Gaisgich Òga” (immersion

learning for young people); “visitors bring significant

contributions; we have 300 or so students in the summer. We

employ 35 people, 7 now full-time. The others work 70-75% of

the year. We also partner with the private sector: for example,

our first Kitchenfest took place at 60 venues, with a Gaelic MC

each time…… The College is an incubator for language

increase…We do want to make the College a year-round

institution.” (cont’d on p. 5)

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Fall Gaelic Classes in Howie Centre near Sydney, Cape Breton

(cont’d from pg. 3)

Wednesday evening sessions of Gaelic Song began September 24 at the home of Betty Lord and continued until December 5. Students worked on a variety of song styles, including milling songs and lullabies. Beginning in November, until the last class in December, the focus was on Christmas songs. Everyone mastered a number of Gaelic songs while having lots of laughs and of course many cups of tea.

Ten weeks of Gaelic Language classes also began in September. Class topics were focused on food, eating and table talk such as “An cuir thu thugam?”, “Cuiridh”; “An gabh thu?”, “Gabhaidh/ Cha ghabh” etc. Students worked on the names of fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish. By the end of the classes, students were able to name many different types of food. They could hold up pieces of fruit such as an apple, pineapple and peach, for example, and talk about the color, texture, and taste of each. They could say which fruit they liked, and which one they preferred. Students could ask whether someone had breakfast, dinner or supper that day and what they had eaten. They could also tell everyone what they ate for breakfast, dinner and supper.

On the final evening, while learning baking terminology, each student made “chocolate cake in a mug”. Tea was a part of every class and on the final evening, all enjoyed their chocolate cake with tea.

a’leantainn bho d. 4

Chuir Mghstr. MacFhionghain cudthrom air mar a bhios dibhinnean sòisealta a’ toirt breith do dhibhinnean eaconomach. Tha feum air obair-tharsainn a chur air dòigh leis na roinntean uile, an Riaghaltas Feadarail ’nam measg. Chan eil cleith-reachdail aig na Gàidheil mar a th’ aig na h-Acaidianaich. Deich bliadhn’ air ais, chaidh luach-mheas a dhèanamh agus fhuaras gun do chuir cultar na Gàidhlig $23m. ri eaconomaidh na h-Albann Nuaidhe: tha feum an diugh air luach-mheas ùr. Mar fhacal deireannach, thuirt Mghstr. MacFhionghain gum buin an gnothach seo do mhuinntir na h-Albann Nuaidhe uile.

Bha beachdan aig a’ luchd-éisdeachd cuideachd. Chuir feadhainn cudthrom air riatanas bogadh na Gàidhlig, a’ tòiseachadh aig ìre sgoil-àraich. Agus chaidh Sabhal Mór Ostaig, Colaisde na Gàidhlig ’s an Eilean Sgiathanach agus ball do dh’Oilthigh na Gàidhealtachd agus nan Eileanan an Albainn, a chur mu choinneimh an t-sluaigh mar shamhail de shoirbheas ann a’ toirt buannachd eaconomaich gu cinneas á ath-bheothachadh na Gàidhlig.

cont’d from p. 4

Mr. MacLean described his facilitation of “Gaelic-type ventures”. “On the hospitality side, Glenora Inn provides a place for young people to play for the public, receiving a small stipend--they’re not superstars yet!” Mr. MacLean referenced the Highland Village whose goal is to raise $35,000 for their “Stòras na h-Òigridh” program, again with the empowerment of young people in mind. The concept brings the “whole community together.” “There was a time when it was considered that if you spoke English, you were necessarily ‘smart’……We’re on the right side of history this time.”

Mr. MacKinnon: “Social dividends are significant; they feed directly into economic dividends….We need ‘strategic positioning’…..to build a greater network with all municipalities, including the Federal Government. The Acadian community has guiding legislative frameworks; Gaelic has no such framework. Ten years ago, it was estimated that Gaelic culture brought a benefit of $23m. to the Nova Scotia economy; we need a new assessment. All Nova Scotians have a stake in this.”

The audience also voiced its ideas. Some stressed the necessity for Gaelic Immersion, beginning with pre-school. The point was made that the success of Sabhal Mór Ostaig, the Gaelic College on the Isle of Skye, in producing economic increase from Gaelic rejuvenation, serves as a model for Nova Scotia.

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(Chaidh agallamh a dhèanamh bho chionn ghoirid le Chelsea a tha ris an sgoil an dràsda aig Oilthigh NFX)

“Rugadh mi ann an Ospadal Naoimh Mharta, Antaiginis, agus thogadh mi anns a’

Ghut, Ceap Breatainn. Rugadh mo mhàthair Màiri Ealasaid ann an Inbhirnis, C.B. agus m’ athair Brian ann an Ontario. Chan eil aca ach facal no dhà dhen Ghàidhlig. Tha triùir dhe mo sheana-phàrantan, a h-uile gin aca á Ceap Breatainn, beò fhathast. Chaidh an dithisd sheanmhairean agam, Donalda NicGill’ Ìosa agus Uilleag Chamshron (nach maireann), a bhreith ann an Inbhirnis, agus mo sheanairean ann a’ Margairidh. Nuair a bha iad òg, b’ i a’ Ghàidhlig cànain an taighe; cha robh i ’s an fhasan ’s mar sin, cha chluinneadh tu i air an taobh a-muigh. A-nis, bidh mi-fhìn ’s mo sheanair Uilleam ’ga bruidhinn beagan air an teleafon.

Thàinig na Gilliosaich air taobh mo mhàthar á Mórar. Ann an 1820, chaidh Dòmhnall MacGill’ Ìosa gu tìr ann a’ Pictou, Alba Nuadh, agus fhuair e fearann ann a’ Baile nan Gilliosach, Margairidh an Iar-dheas. Chaidh am fearann sin a roinn mu dheireadh air sgàth a mhac, Donnchadh, Aonghas agus Fionnlagh. Rugadh ochdnar

cloinne do Fhionnlagh; agus b’ e aon dhiùbhsan, Iain Fionnlagh, mo shin-shin-shin-sheanair. Tha mise ’s an ochdamh linn dhen fheadhainn a thàinig á Albainn.

’S ann á Loch Abar a thàinig na Camshronaich, cuideachd m’ athar. Chan eil mi cinnteach cuin’ a thàinig iad; ach chaidh stòraidh inntinneach ’innse dhomh le mo sheanair Uilleam air mar a choisinn na daoin’ againn am fearann a fhuair esan mar oighreachd. Nuair a ràinig ar sinnsrean Margairidh, bha dùthchasaich air an suidheachadh air an fhearann mu thràth. Thuirt an Ceannard gum biodh aca ri gleac a dhèanamh airson an fhearainn, agus b’ e a’ chiad duine air an talamh am fear a chailleadh. Bha an Camshronach a bha ’s a’ ghleac a’ fàs gu math sgith; ach mhothaich e loga air an talamh agus phut e am fear eile tarsainn air a’ loga agus chaidh e sìos air a mhuin. Thuirt an dùthchasach: “’S ann leats’ a tha am fearann a-nis”.

Cha deach mi gu sgoiltean far an robh a’ Ghàidhlig ’ga teagasg. Ghabh mi mo chiad chlas Gàidhlig anns a’ chiad bhliadhna agam aig ONFX. Agus bha mi air mo ghlacadh! An uiridh, rinn mi ‘An Cùrsa Comais’ aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig; agus ás déidh dhomh ceumnachadh, ’s e mo rùn tilleadh dhan t-seann dùthaich a-rithist. Ás déidh sin, ’s e mo dhòchas a dhol do Phrógram an Fhoghlaim aig ONFX.

A’ chiad turas a chuala mi a’ Ghàidhlig air a bruidhinn, chuir e déireach tromham. Bha am fuaim aice cho binn agus nàdarra ’s gun do chuibhil i o bharr na teangaidh, agus thuig mi gu robh mi airson a togail. Fhads a tha mi ag ionnsachadh cànain mo shinnsrean, tha mi a’ faireachdainn a’ cheangail shònraichte seo leotha. ’S e pàirt dhe mo theaghlach agus mo dhualchas a th’ anns a’ Ghaidhlig; agus ’s e urram a th’ ann dhomhsa a bhith ’ga h-ionnsachadh. Bu mhath leam smaoineachadh gum biodh mo shinnsrean mór ásam ’s mi a’ cumail suas na Gàidhlig”.

(Chelsea, who is currently studying Gaelic at St. Francis Xavier University, was recently interviewed by OGA)

“I was born in St. Martha’s Hospital, Antigonish and raised in Port Hawkesbury, Cape Breton. My mother Mary Elizabeth was born in Inverness, C.B. and my father Brian in Ontario. They only have a few words of Gaelic. Three of my grandparents, all from Cape Breton, are still alive. Both my grandmothers, Donelda Gillis and the late Wilma Cameron, were born in Inverness and grandfathers Richard Gillis and William Cameron in Margaree. When they were young, Gaelic was a language of the house, not spoken outside because it wasn’t ‘trendy’. Now, my grandfather Cameron and I speak a little Gaelic to each other on the phone.

On my mom’s side of the family, Gillis, our people came from Morar. In1820, Donald Gillis landed in Pictou, Nova Scotia, and was granted land in Gillisdale, South West Margaree. The land was later divided for his three sons Duncan, Angus and Finlay. Finlay had 8 children; one of them, John Finlay, was my great-great-great grandfather. I’m the 8th generation out of Scotland. ( a’leantainn air d. 7 - cont’d on p. 7)

Ag ionnsachadh na Gàidhlig (1): Chelsea Chamshron

Learning Gaelic (1): Chelsea Cameron

Misneach

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a’leantainn bho d. 6 (cont’d from p. 6)

My father’s side of the family, the Camerons, came from Lochaber. I’m not sure when my people came from Scotland; but I received an interesting story from my Grampie Cameron about how our people gained the land he inherited. When our ancestors arrived in Margaree, there were some natives already settled on the land. The Chief said they would have to wrestle for the land and the first one down on the ground would be the loser. The Cameron who was wrestling was getting pretty tired; but he noticed a log on the ground so he pushed the native over the log and went down on top of him. The native said: ‘The land is yours now’.

I didn’t go to schools where Gaelic was taught. My first Gaelic class was in my first year at St. FX. And I was hooked! Last year, I was doing the ‘Cùrsa Comais’ at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig; and after I graduate, my plan is to return to the Old Country again. After that, I hope to go into the Education Program at St. FX. The first time I heard Gaelic spoken I got goose bumps. It sounded so beautiful and natural as it rolled off the tongue, and I knew I wanted to acquire it. While learning the language of my ancestors, I feel this special connection to them. Gaelic is a part of my family and culture and it’s an honour to have the opportunity to learn it. I’d like to think that my ancestors would be proud of me for keeping up the Gaelic.”

Gàidhlig Agam: $2,260 airson taic a thoirt do

chlasaichean Gàidhlig aig Baile.

Comann Eachdraidh Hogoma ’s a Sgìre: $1,830

airson taic a thoirt do chlasaichean Gàidhlig aig Baile, do cheithir bhùthan-obrach na Gàidhlig do theaghlaichean,

do bhùthan-obrach nan òran, agus do dheich bhùthan-obrach ann a’ leughadh agus sgrìobhadh na Gàidhlig.

Comunn Féis an Eilein: $2,400 airson taic a thoirt do

thrì sheiseanan Gàidhlig aig Baile a mhaireas fad deich

seachdainean gach sheisean.

Clachan Gàidhealach na h-Albann Nuaidhe: $5,000 airson taic a thoirt do Stòras a’ Bhaile 2015.

Comann Gàidhlig agus Eachdraidh Mhàbu:

$2,000 airson taic a thoirt do chruinneachadh Gàidhealach ann an Albainn Nuaidh.

Comann Shinnsireachd is Eachdraidh Phictou: $2,000 airson taic a thoirt do chlasaichean Gàidhlig agus

bùth-obrach na cloinne.

Ionad Mìneachaidh a’ Chiùil Cheiltich: $1,870 airson taic a thoirt do phrógram Gàidhlig aig Baile a

mhaireas fad sia seachdainean deug.

Gàidhlig Agam: $2,260 to assist with Gàidhlig aig

Baile classes.

Whycocomagh and District Historical Society: $1,830 to assist with Gàidhlig aig Baile classes, four

Gaelic workshops for families, Gaelic song

workshops, and ten workshops in Gaelic reading and writing.

Comunn Féis an Eilein: $2,400 to assist with

three sessions of Gàidhlig aig Baile, each session lasting ten weeks.

The Nova Scotia Highland Village: $5,000 to assist with Stòras a’ Bhaile 2015.

Mabou Gaelic and Historical Society: $2,000 to

assist with the Nova Scotia Gaels ‘Jam’.

Pictou County Genealogy and Heritage

Society: $2,000 to assist with Gaelic classes and a children’s workshop.

Celtic Music Interpretive Centre: $1,870 to

assist with a 16-week Gàidhlig aig Baile program.

Prógram Gàidhlig’s a’ Choimhearsnachd 2014

Buidhnean a fhuair taic-airgid, An t-Samhain 2014

2014 Gaelic Language in Community Program

Funding Recipients, November 2014

Misneach

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8

Comhairle na Gàidhlig: Reflections on 2014 and looking forward to the year ahead

Comhairle na Gàidhlig:

Sùil air ais ’s air adhart

Chuir Comhairle na Gàidhlig, a tha ’na riochdair agus ’na buidheann-tagraidh do choimhearsnachd na Gàidhlig ann an Albainn Nuaidh, seachad bliadhna gu math dripeil ann a’ 2014.

Tha a’ Chomhairle air a bhith ann a’ còmhradh gu cunbhalach le luchd-stiùiridh Colaisde na Gàidhlig, A’ Chlachain Ghàidhealaich, oifis Iomairtean na Gàidhlig, Colaisde Ealain & Deilbh na h-Albann Nuaidhe, Oilthigh Cheap Breatainn agus Oilthigh NFX, a dh’ aona ghnothach an t-sligh’ air adhart do Ghàidhlig na h-Albann Nuaidh’ a chnuasachadh. A-rèir fios bho Bhòrd na Comhairle, thatar air a bhith a’ dèanamh ath-sgrùdaidh air na co-chomhairlean uile, air na h-iomraidhean agus a’ rannsachadh, a thugadh gu buil anns a’ bheagan bhliadhnaichean a chaidh seachad gus soilleireachd a thoirt dha na smuaintean agus an deasbad aca.

Théid an léirsinn aca a chur mu choinneimh na coimhearsnachd ann an ùine ghoirid; agus ’s e an dòchas gun gabh móran daoine aig a bheil suim pàirt anns a’ chòmhradh.

Tha buill na Comhairle air a bhith an làthair aig na coinneamhan ràitheil a thaobh Foghlam na Gàidhlig ann a’ Sgoiltean na h-Albann Nuaidhe, cuide ri riochdairean bho oifis Iomairtean na Gàidhlig, Roinn an Fhoghlaim aig ONFX, agus bho Bhùird Sgoiltean Sgìre a’ Chaolais agus Siorramachdan Cheap Breatainn/Bhioctoria. Aig an àm seo, tha Oll. A. Foran, Roinn Foghlam ONFX, a’ dealbhadh bileig a nì soilleir do sgoilearan ann a’ prógram na Gàidhlig ’s na sgoiltean ciamar a’s urrainn dhaibh deasachadh gu bhith nan tidsearan Gàidhlig. Tha Bòrd na Comhairle air a mhisneachadh leis mar a tha ONFX a’ tairgsinn chothroman do thidsearan na Gàidhlig a thoirt air adhart agus a dheasachadh. Tha CnaG a’ dèanamh ath-sgrùdaidh air Prógram na Gàidhlig a tha air a thairgsinn an dràsda anns na sgoiltean, agus a’ cur ris. Tràth ann a’ 2015, bidh a’ Chomhairle a’ coinneachadh leis a’ Cheannard ùr aig Seirbheisean Prógram an Fhoghlaim ann a’ Roinn an Fhoghlaim agus Leanabachd.

Tionnsgnaidhean eile: Tha CnaG a’ toirt taic do dharna bliadhna prógram comhairleachaidh dhan òigridh, Na Gaisgich Òga, air aoidheachd Colaisde na Gàidhlig; cuideachd, anns an t- Samhain, chuir CnaG air dòigh panail, fo urrasachd ONFX, gus deasbad a dhèanamh air a’ chuspair “Na tha a’ Ghàidhlig air cur ri Eaconomaidh na h-Albann Nuaidhe” (faic an t-artaigil, d. 4, 5); agus tha am Bòrd a’ leantainn air comas na Comhairle ann an obair tagraidh air sgàth coimhearsnachd na Gàidhlig a leasachadh. A’ cumail a’ rùin sin roimhpe, tha CnaG air dol an co-chomann le Earrainn na Coimhearsnachd, Roinn nan Coimhearsnachdan, a’ Chultair agus na h-Oighreachd, gus comhairle a ghabhail air leudachd is àithne CnaG. Bidh barrachd air seo ’ga fhoillseachadh ’s an Earrach, 2015.

(Air a thoirt bho aithisg deireadh na bliadhna CnaG)

Comhairle na Gàidhlig (The Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia), representing and advocating for the Gaelic community, had a busy and eventful 2014.

The Council has been conferring regularly with leaders in the community—from Colaisde na Gàidhlig, The Highland Village, the Gaelic Affairs office, Nova Scotia College of Art & Design, Cape Breton University and St. FX University—to consider the path forward for Gaelic Nova Scotia. According to information from the Council Board, “We have been reviewing all the community consultations, reports and research from the last few years to inform our thinking and discussion. We hope to bring our collective vision to the greater community soon. We would encourage all those interested to take part in that discussion once it is scheduled…”

CnaG Board members have been participating in the on-going quarterly meetings with regard to Gaelic Education in Nova Scotia Schools, together with the Gaelic Affairs office, St. FXU’s Department of Education, and representatives of the Strait Regional and Cape Breton-Victoria Counties’ School Boards. Currently, Dr. A. Foran of St. FX’s Education Department, is preparing a Pathways document which will clarify for high school students in the Gaelic program how best to frame their university careers in preparing to become teachers of Gaelic themselves. Again, in the words of CnaG: “We are encouraged by the efforts at St. Francis Xavier University to provide opportunities to develop and prepare Gàidhlig teachers. We are reviewing and contributing to the current Gaelic Programming in the public school system. Early in 2015, Comhairle na Gàidhlig will be meeting with the new Executive Director of Education Program Services at the department of Education and Early Childhood”.

Other initiatives: CnaG is supporting year two of the Na Gaisgich Òga youth mentorship program, hosted by Colaisde na Gàidhlig; with sponsorship from St. FX, CnaG hosted a panel discussion on the topic of Gaelic Contributions to the Nova Scotia Economy in November (see article, pages 4, 5); and the Board continues to develop the capacity of CnaG to be the advocacy and lobbying body for the Gaelic community. With that purpose in view, it has partnered with the Community Division of the provincial Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage to embark on a consultative journey to clarify its scope and mandate. Look out for more on this in the Spring, 2015.

(Adapted from CnaG 2014 year-end report).