Cleasaiche - Gaelic Cultural Animator
- Program stream:
- Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage
- Job title:
- Cleasaiche - Gaelic Cultural Animator
- Organization name:
- Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village
- Job location:
- Iona, Nova Scotia
- Length of assignment:
- 2025-06-01 to 2025-10-31 (21.71 weeks)
- Hourly wage:
- $22.00
Are you passionate about preserving and sharing Gaelic culture? The Highland Village Museum, a living history museum in Cape Breton, is seeking a Cleasaiche - Gaelic Cultural Animator Intern to join our team. Through the Young Canada Works Building Careers in Heritage Internship Program, this role offers an exciting chance to immerse yourself in Nova Scotia’s Gaelic traditions while developing valuable professional skills.
As part of our Cleasaichean team, you will engage visitors with first-person interpretation, contribute to cultural programming, and help renew the museum’s Gaelic Cultural Interpretation Plan. This is your opportunity to play a key role in preserving and promoting Gaelic heritage while gaining hands-on experience in cultural animation and heritage programming.
What You’ll Do:
-Make a meaningful contribution to the preservation and celebration of Gaelic culture in Nova Scotia.
-Conduct research to update and enhance the Gaelic Cultural Interpretation Plan.
-Deliver immersive first-person interpretation to bring Gaelic traditions to life for visitors.
-Mentor and collaborate with staff to enrich Gaelic language and cultural programming.
-Plan and deliver interactive workshops and events featuring Gaelic singing, storytelling, and folklife demonstrations.
-Assist with outreach programs, including school and community events.
-Develop authentic character personas for first-person interpretation.
-Collect and document visitor feedback to improve programming.
What We’re Looking For:
Education: A graduate in history, cultural studies, museum studies, tourism, or a related field.
Language Skills: Intermediate/Advanced fluency in Gaelic (oral and written) would be an asset.
Cultural Knowledge: Familiarity with Gaelic traditions such as storytelling, singing, and folklife.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and research tools.
Excellent organizational, communication, and analytical skills.
Other Requirements: A clean Vulnerable Sector Check and Criminal Record Check (required before starting).
Standard First Aid and CPR certification (preferred).
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and navigate stairs.
Characteristics of the Region:
Iona is a vibrant community in Cape Breton Island, known for its stunning landscapes and rich Gaelic culture. The Highland Village Museum, located on a 43-acre site overlooking the Bras d'Or Lake, offers visitors an immersive experience into the lives of Nova Scotia’s Gaelic settlers. The region is renowned for its cultural events, outdoor recreation, and welcoming community.
For more information about the museum, visit www.highlandvillage.ca
How to Apply:
Only electronic applications will be accepted.
To apply, send a resume and cover letter to Shamus Y MacDonald, Ph.D, Manager of Language and Culture, Baile nan Gàidheal at shamus.macdonald@novascotia.ca
Please ensure you demonstrate in your application how you meet the above qualifications.
This role will remain open until filled.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
This position is contingent upon successful funding through the Young Canada Works program. Candidates must meet YCW eligibility criteria. The list of published eligibility criteria can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/young-canada-works/students-graduates/careers-heritage-graduates.html
If the successful candidate relocates over 125km from their permanent address to work in this internship, they may be eligible for a reimbursement of their relocations costs under the Young Canada Works travel policy.
The Highland Village Museum is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
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