The Bridge Between Us

In traditional Gaelic culture, bridges were gathering places where communities could come together to share songs, stories and dance. Today, a new website aims to emulate this experience online.

Launched on May 2 as a kick-off for Gaelic Awareness Month, An Drochaid Eadarainn or The Bridge Between Us, gives Nova Scotians and people around the world a place to celebrate and study the language, culture and identity of Gaels in this province.

A multi-partner collaboration, the website strengthens existing Gaelic communities by collecting and showcasing authentic expressions of the culture. Using video and audio clips, the site helps visitors discover the different dialects, tales, music, food and customs that, together, shape Nova Scotia’s Gaelic heritage.

More than just a means for creating awareness, the website is also a valuable resource for students, educators and scholars. Designed to facilitate social interactions, the site connects native Gaelic speakers and new learners, creating learning opportunities where knowledge can be shared and preserved.

Led by the Highland Village Museum in Iona, Cape Breton, the project was made possible thanks to partners from federal, provincial and municipal governments, as well as educational institutions across the province. Contributors include Canadian Heritage, Municipality of Victoria, St. F.X. University, Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD), Gaelic Affairs Nova Scotia and Acadian Affairs Nova Scotia.

To find out more about Gaelic Awareness Month activities taking place throughout May, e-mail gaelicinfo@gov.ns.ca.