Fáilte is fiche romhat - welcome to our community oral narratives project, where we embark on a journey to explore the vibrant tapestry of Irish culture in North America through the voices of its Irish speakers. In this endeavor, we recognize the profound power of oral transmission, as Renée Hulan and Renate Eigenbrod describe - as an art that transcends time, connecting speaker and listener in a communal experience that unites past and present in memory.*

As we gather the stories and experiences of Irish speakers in North America, we delve into the essence of what it means to be a Gael in this diverse landscape. Through the oral transmission of knowledge, we honor a tradition deeply rooted in Gaelic culture—a tradition where stories are passed down through generations, preserving our heritage and enriching our understanding of the world around us.

By listening to our more senior community members, we not only honour their wisdom and experiences but also draw closer as a community ourselves. Their narratives serve as windows into the past, illuminating the struggles, triumphs, and everyday moments that shape our collective identity.

Join us as we celebrate the richness of Irish Gaelic culture in North America and embark on a journey of discovery, empathy, and connection through the power of oral narratives. Together, let us weave a narrative that honours our past, informs our present, and inspires our future.

The Gaeltacht’s Oral Narratives project is beginning March 2024. This collection will grow as recordings and biographies of our community members on a range of topics are completed.

*Hulan, Renée and Eigenbrod, Renate. 2008. Aboriginal Oral Traditions: Theory, Practice, Ethics. Halifax: Fernwood Pub. 7.