Icelandic Community Celebrates 64th Aniversary

Sometimes it is good to be nosey, you may learn something you did not know. Such was the case recently while driving past the Winnipeg Legislative building when I saw some people dressed in some different kinds of clothing. They gathered on the grounds of the Legislative Building. Most of the people wore stark black and white outfits and one solitary woman appeared to be regally dressed. I wondered what was going on. So I walked up to the small gathering of people in front of Jon Sigurdsson statue and ushered a participant aside and asked what's going on? I tell you, people are friendly. The majority of human beings are decent, loving people but the small minority of bigots and prejudiced people give all the others a bad name. The woman spare no detail and even gave me her treasured souvenir program.

It was a celebration of the 64^th Anniversary of Iceland's Independence Day, June 17, 2006, and the remnants of Manitoba's earliest settlers gathered to pay their homage to their birth land and to lay a wreath at the Jon Sigurdsson Statute.

Jon Sigurdsson (1811-1879) is an important historical figure for Manitobans and especially Manitobans of Icelandic Heritage. He was a freedom fighter and a visionary who wanted to see an independent Iceland. He did not live to see his country independent but all that he fought for were realized after his death.

Standing in front of Jon Sigurdsson's statue was the Alma Sigurdsson Fjallkona 2008 who represented the government of Iceland as Consul General at this event

According to Manitoba Lieutenant Governor, Honourable John Gerard, who is of Icelandic origin, in his speech on June 17, 2005, "this statue of Jon Sigurdsson, the great national hero of Icelandic independence, reminds us that there is much more to Manitoba's story than that?

This statue is a reminder of the special relationship between Iceland and the people of Manitoba and it represents the vibrancy of this province's Icelandic community.

The arrival of Icelandic settlers in 1875 was a milestone for the young province of Manitoba and helped to build our province's proud tradition of diversity".

Large concentrations of Icelandic people can be found in many parts of Manitoba including places like Gimli, Lundar and Winnipeg where the contributions of this community can be seen in every political and social strata of Manitoba life from the University level to the fishermen.

According to information gleaned from the official program of Independence celebration, the Jon Sigurdsson Chapter, IODE is largely responsible for keeping the Icelandic tradition alive. The IODE is a Canadian women's charitable organization founded in 1900. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for children youth and the needy through education, social service and citizenship programs. The organization's activities include scholarship awards to university or other post secondary students. Last year the IODE gave out 19 scholarships at $7,500 each. The IODE has chapters across Canada from the Yukon to Newfoundland.

"The ability of a tiny nation in a harsh environment to create a free and fair society, promote health and literacy and a sustainable economy, and pass on a priceless heritage of history and literature should be a source of inspiration for people in this much larger country", Hon. John Gerard, Lt. Governor of Manitoba.

I was happy that I stopped by the Legislative Building on June 17, 2008, because although I know quite a few people of Icelandic background, I hardly knew anything about their rich cultural heritage in Manitoba and the remarkable contributions they have made and continue to make and also that it is the oldest democracy in the world.