“You can almost witness it overnight, as they find their voice, their self-esteem, to know they can be enriched by their own ancestry, a link back to the grandparents they never got to meet, a skill set not exampled on TV programs, all because this language is there for them. I thus implore any financial means of support be granted to this cause and the incredible group that have formed to make this Gaelic school a reality.”

- Dawn Beaton

Artistic Director, Celtic Colours International Festival

“It is important that we nurture, communicate and celebrate the language, heritage and cultural identity of Nova Scotia’s Gaelic community….

It is [therefore] important for the future success of Gaelic language renewal efforts in Nova Scotia, that our children have access to immersion learning through the medium of the Gaelic language.”

- M.A. MacPherson & Rodney Chaisson

President & Director, The Nova Scotia Highland Village Society

“Through personal experience, I am absolutely convinced of the value of a bilingual education. I am also convinced of its value as a scholar. I am aware of the research that demonstrates the significant cognitive benefits of a bilingual education. I am also aware of the research that proves the incredible value of a culturally and linguistically diverse world. Unfortunately, Gaelic is fragile in Nova Scotia. It is endangered even in Scotland. In fact, given my research interests in language revitalization through music, I am well aware that almost half of the world’s languages are in danger of going extinct within 100 years. It is essential that we empower and support those who are willing to put in the thought and work required to reverse language shift. The Taigh Sgoile na Drochaide Working Group is putting in that effort, and their proposal – based in evidence-based research – is achievable. I cannot wait to see the results.”

- Heather Sparling, PhD

Canada Research Chair in Musical Traditions & Professor of Ethnomusicology, Cape Breton University