Highland Village Museum and cultural partners set the stage for attracting tourists
August 25, 2014 - Iona, NS - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Whether dancing to traditional jigs and reels, singing a Gaelic milling song or tracing family roots, Cape Breton Island’s Gaelic and Celtic cultures are authentic and engaging. Home to the only living Gaelic and Celtic culture in North America, Cape Breton’s unique cultural tourism industry is being enhanced thanks to a Government of Canada contribution of $270,000 in support of two projects. Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue and for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and Member of Parliament (South Shore–St. Margaret’s), was in Iona today to make the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA).
The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, is contributing $45,000 to assist the Nova Scotia Highland Village Society carry-out improvements to the museum’s stage, storage facilities and for program development activities.
An additional $225,000 contribution, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, will support the Celtic Heart of North America Cooperative Ltd. and its research into the Celtic and Gaelic cultural experiences sought by visitors, while implementing marketing programs to reach those who have an interest in the region’s Celtic and Gaelic roots. Nova Scotia Economic and Rural Development and Tourism is also contributing $35,000 to this project.
Quick Facts
Highland Village Museum | An Clachan Gàidhealach
- Nova Scotia Highland Village Museum’s primary goal is to deliver authentic cultural experiences, based on Gaelic Nova Scotia’s folklore tradition.
- Part of the Nova Scotia Museum network, the Highland Village is an outdoor living history museum that tells the story of Gaelic settlement in Nova Scotia.
- The Highland Village’s 11 historic buildings are staffed by costumed “first-person” animators who are passionate about sharing the Gaelic culture of Nova Scotia and recreating the daily lives of Scottish settlers during the late 18th to early 20th centuries.
- The Highland Village receives an average of 21,000 visitors annually.
Celtic Heart of North America Cooperative
- The Celtic Heart of North America Cooperative Ltd. includes: Celtic Colours International Festival; Celtic Music Interpretive Centre; Highland Village Museum | An Clachan Gàidhealach; Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design; Féis an Eilein; Colaisde na Gàidhlig | The Gaelic College; the Municipalities of Victoria and Inverness Counties and the Glenora Inn and Distillery.
- Funding will promote Cape Breton’s Celtic heritage and assist member organizations to develop quality visitor experiences.
- Marketing efforts include online advertising, the development of print materials and a focus on social media.
- The Government of Nova Scotia has also provided $15,000 to support the marketing efforts of the Celtic Heart of North America Cooperative.
Quotes
“Cape Breton Island is world-renowned for its culture, history and spectacular scenery. Our Government is pleased to support the Highland Village Museum and Celtic Heart of North America in their efforts to build on these strengths to provide visitors to our region with authentic cultural experiences.”
- Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue and ACOA, Member of Parliament (South Shore–St. Margaret’s) on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA)
“There is only one place where Celtic culture, world-renowned hospitality and truly memorable experiences come together – and that’s Cape Breton. The Celtic Heart Cooperative contributes greatly to the uniqueness of this region, and helps attract more visitors to the island. That’s why the Nova Scotia government is proud to partner with the coop to help develop its initiatives.
- Victoria-The Lakes MLA Pam Eyking, on behalf of Nova Scotia Economic and Rural Development Minister Michel Samson.
“ACOA’s support allows us to continue sharing Celtic and Gaelic cultures with the rest of the world. We hope that the investment will draw more tourists to Cape Breton so they can enjoy our region’s outstanding cultural experiences.”
- Rodney Chaisson, Director, Highland Village Museum and Chair, Celtic Heart of North America Cooperative Limited
Associated Links
Contacts
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
D.A. Landry
Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-564-3617
Rodney Chaisson
Director
Nova Scotia Highland Village Society
902-725-2272
