Meet the Fèis 2026 Keynote Speaker

Lewis MacKinnon | Lodaidh MacFhionghuin

Lewis MacKinnon is an advocate for diversity and inclusion. His work involves Gaelic language and cultural development, supporting initiatives at the community, institutional and government levels that pertain to Gaelic language and cultural reclamation and renewal and advancing socio-economic opportunities for Nova Scotia’s Gaelic community. He is a community activist, poet, writer, musician, speaker, Gaelic tutor and author having published and recorded number of books of poetry and music CDs.  

MacKinnon will deliver an several interactive sessions inlcuding on the Gàidhlig aig Baile | Gaelic in the Community methodology used in acquiring and using Gaelic language. Including a commitment to staying in the target language, extensive repetition, utilization of props, focussing on daily tasks and routines, body language and Gaelic cultural references, this methodology is designed to get learners to speaking Gaelic quickly, via a fun, low stress environment set within a Gaelic identity context.

We are honoured and so excited he is able to join us.

See the Events page for the full festival program and other sessions with Lodaidh.

You can hear an interview with Lewis on the Celtic Students Podcast | Podcast on Spotify entitled, Na Gàidheil ann an Alba Nuadh | The Gaels in Nova Scotia :

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6MwxTU16qTy0ROJyMXpi6O?si=CBIMSGWSQ_SNYSLe6QUc2Q

In this Episode Kieran Walker and Lewis MacKinnon, the Executive Director of the Nova Scotian Office of Gaelic Affairs, talk together about the story, history and richness of Gaelic and the Gaels in Nova Scotia over the years. This episode is in Gaelic and English.

San eapasod seo tha Ciarán Mac Siúlaí agus Lodaidh MacFhionghain, Ceannard Oifis Iomairtean na Gàidhlig, a bhruidhinn còmhla mu dheidhinn sgeul, eachtraidh, agus beirteas na Gàidhlig agus nan Gàidheal an ann Alba Nuadh thar nam bliadhnaichean. Tha an eapasod seo sa’ Ghàidhlig agus Beurla.