15 August 1 2021

LÖGBERG HEIMSKRINGLA The Icelandic Community Newspaper • 1 August 2021 • Number 15 / Númer 15 • 1. ágúst 2021

Publication Mail Agreement No. 40012014 ISSN: 0047-4967 INSIDE The farmers market draws us out into the open air Stefan Jonasson

he robin is the first sign of spring according to North American Tfolklore, although ornithologists say that the red-winged blackbird is a more reliable forecaster. In Iceland, the lóa, or golden plover, is believed to be PHOTO: © RAGNAR TH. SIGURDSSON / ARCTIC IMAGES the harbinger of spring, and this belief was immortalized in Páll Ólafsson’s 19th- New century poem, “Lóan er komin” (The Plover Has Come). Icelanders greet its ambassador return to the island with great enthusiasm Hlynur Guðjónsson coming each year. to Ottawa / page 3 As the coronavirus pandemic has dragged on – and on and on and on – I’ve been looking for a sign that it was coming to an end and normalcy would soon return. The successive waves of resurgence have felt like a series of spring blizzards, while a commentator I heard recently suggested that tourism won’t likely return PHOTOS: STEFAN JONASSON PHOTO: BERNICE ANDERSEN to pre-pandemic levels until 2026! I was beginning to despair, recalling the “Year Pottery by Kirk Creed Persistence Without Summer” that hit Europe in 1816, when my harbinger of normalcy arrived – pays the Arnes Farmers Market. Icelandic Albertans gather at It was late this year. The market usually Markerville / page 8 opens on the Victoria Day long weekend and runs until Thanksgiving. Cottagers and permanent residents flock to the market from all along the western side of Lake Winnipeg, while day-trippers drive up from Winnipeg. It has been part of my Saturday routine since retired dairy farmer Dennis Bobrovich opened the market a year after my wife, Cindy, and I bought our cottage PHOTO: LEIF NORMAN / ICELANDIC FESTIVAL The always long lineup for Mennonite baking. Grétar Axelsson of Afi’s Baking. OF MANITOBA at Arnes. Dennis’s devotion to creating a unique, handcrafted environment with The Fjallkona buildings and ornamentation that looks like it came right out of a Flintstones cartoon, is Iceland along with flower and vegetable gardens Anna Stevens reprises her role as well as a playground and petting zoo, for a second year / page 20 provides ample evidence that he’s far from retired. Each weekend, he presides over an event that’s as magical as a medieval fair. When the Arnes Farmers Market opened for the season at the beginning of July, about six weeks later than usual, I felt as light-hearted and enthusiastic as The Singing Cowboy and the Blind and the Beautiful. The garden. an Icelander who’s seen the first plover of spring. So far, the crowds have been vegetables, honey, preserves, baked goods, still wear a mask in solidarity with those a little lighter and a few older vendors handcrafts, clothing, antiques, jewellery, who need protection from the virus, but haven’t returned, but there are several pet treats, soaps, and a wide array of I’m looking forward to the day I feel free to new vendors and people seem more other merchandise. And there’s live “go naked” – that is, without a mask. enthusiastic than ever. Kirk Creed is back entertainment. In the meantime, wandering around the with his distinctive pottery, the Barkmans This summer, there’s a mix of masked Arnes Farmers Market feels almost normal. are back with their butter tarts, and Grétar and unmasked shoppers – after all, one is Many of us are visiting with family and Axelsson (a.k.a. Afi’s Baking) is making out in the open air at most places in the friends once again. Soon we’ll be gathering sure that New Iceland is well supplied market – and there are sanitizing stations cautiously at Íslendingadagurinn and the with pönnukökur and vínarterta. Among for those who want to keep their hands Deuce of August. One step at a time, life the vendors’ booths you’ll find fresh clean. Although I’m double vaccinated, I as we once knew it seems to be returning. FESTIVAL ISSUE 2021

VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA 2 • Lögberg-Heimskringla • August 1 2021 Deuce of August presenting full program of events

shared the thought that we have – children born, pleasures, Mountain Community Center, a sense that people are anxious injuries, and death. They felt as does the Pedal Tractor to get life back to normal, and that if their song was not sung Pull for Kids. The Heritage for many of our members, it just the land would die. Therefore, Program will begin at 2:00 isn’t summer unless you have it is incumbent on all of us to p.m. and the day will end with The Deuce to look forward to.” sing our songs.” a Street Dance featuring “Front Last year, The Deuce took A Song for Liv is both a Fenders” at 9:00 p.m. most of its program online, but love letter to his daughter and This year’s parade grand this year the streets of Mountain a poetic song of the ancestors marshals are Richard and will once again throng with to their descendants. It traces Janyce Bjornson, high school Icelandic Americans showing the story of the Icelanders’ sweethearts who graduated their pride in their heritage. migration to Manitoba and in 1958 and were married at Wayne Gudmundson, a North Dakota, pairing Wayne’s Vikur Lutheran Church later highly regarded photographer photographs with personal the same year. Richard is the who may be best known for his accounts of his family, tracing son of the late Chris and Gunna photographs depicting life in them back 28 generations to Bjornson while Janyce is the the Upper Midwest, will be the the Faroe Islands. Copies of A daughter of the late Conrad and keynote speaker at the Heritage Song for Liv will be available Briet Gudmundson. Richard Program on Saturday, July for purchase. joined the State Highway 31, at 2:00 p.m. “You know, I The food and entertainment Patrol in 1966, where he rose only wanted to see the North will begin on Friday, July 30, to the rank of Major and was Dakota landscape in my rear with the Mountain American second in command at Capital view mirror as I left it,” Wayne Legion Fish Fry on Main Street Headquarters in Bismarck. once told Minnesota Public at 5:00 p.m. and continue with While there, he was president of PHOTO: ICELANDIC COMMUNITIES ASSOCIATION The Deuce of August will resume normal activities this summer Radio, but its landscapes have a Free Stage at 7:00 p.m. The the Peace Officers Association. drawn him back home over and next morning, the Pancake Following retirement in 1994, over again since his stint in the and Sausage Breakfast will be we worked as a security office he Deuce of August is Deuce Celebration, it is great Navy. He will offer excerpts served at the Mountain Chalet for the federal courthouse returning with a full to be able to announce that we from his latest book, A Song for from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. The until 2000. Janyce built a Tprogram and the force will have a fill slate of in-person Liv, which was published by Parade will work its way south loving home for there family of the prairie wind for its events for the 2021 Deuce and North Dakota State University on Main Street beginning in each of the communities 122nd annual celebration at we are back in action again,” Press in July. “The title comes at 10:30 a.m. and it will be where they lived and enjoyed Mountain, North Dakota, from declared Curtis Olafson, from a book – Songlines by broadcast live on KXPO a varied career of her own in July 30 to August 1, 2021. president of the Icelandic Bruce Chatwin – about the AM 1340. The Vikur Salad retail, childcare, bookkeeping, This year’s celebration marks a Communities Association of travels of the aboriginal people Luncheon will begin serving in and banking – but her greatest return to normal for the oldest Northeast North Dakota. The of Australia who kept track the basement of Vikur Lutheran pride comes from her roles as continuing cultural festival in decision to proceed was made of their nomadic journeys by Church at 11:00 a.m. At noon, Mom and Amma. Richard and the state. at the ICA monthly meeting composing songs recording the Car Show and Shine will Janyce have visited Iceland “After being forced by in May after determining that their travels,” Wayne says. commence as well as Kids’ twice and have served as tour COVID pandemic health conditions had improved since “Built into this audio map were Inflatable Games; Icelandic guides for Icelanders visiting concerns to stage an abbreviated last year. “Several of us in the family and community Storybook Time follows at North Dakota. They now live schedule of events for the 2020 the ICA leadership have also events that occurred en route 12:30 in Amma’s Garden at the in Williston but continue to maintain a home in Mountain. The always-popular Genealogy Center, sponsored Jon Sigurdsson Chapter by Icelandic Roots, will IODE... women dedicated to a better Canada be open at the Mountain Community Center on Friday, Founded in 1900, IODE Canada is a national women’s charitable July 30, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals, and on Saturday, July 31, from through education support, community service and citizenship programs. 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Those who can’t attend in person can www.iode.ca schedule a virtual appointment via Zoom with an IR volunteer Like us on Facebook [email protected] genealogist by contacting Sunna Olafson Furstenau at [email protected]. Kathie Johnson and Dori Heck will operate a Jon SigurdSSon Chapter souvenir table throughout the IODE... women dedicated to a better Canada celebration, carrying shirts, mugs, totes, jewelry, and books. CELEBRATING 100 YEARS IN 2016 Deuce souvenirs are also icelandicfestival.com available by mail order year IODE Canada is a national women’s charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals, through education round. Visit shirtsfromfargo. ICELANDIC support, community service and citizenship programs. com and enter “deuce” in the search bar. www.iode.ca The weekend will conclude Like us on Facebook [email protected] on Sunday, August 1, with AT H ART a worship service at Vikur ÍSLENSK INNST INNI Lutheran Church at 11:00 a.m., after which the North Dakota State Tractor and Pickup Pulling Contest will begin at 1:00 p.m. in what is promised to be “our biggest and best show ever!” Digested from Fjalla Blað, JUL. 30–AUG. 2 | VIRTUAL, HYBRID, IN-PERSON FESTIVAL the newsletter of the Icelandic Communities Association of Northeast North Dakota. VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA Lögberg-Heimskringla • 1. ágúst 2021 • 3 Hlynur Guðjónsson new ambassador to Canada

Minister Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson years. He is currently a board member replaced in New York City by Nikulás on July 13. The embassy in Ottawa of the Export and Marketing Council of Hannigan, who was the Foreign also represents Iceland in Bolivia, Iceland. Ministry’s director general for external Columbia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Prior to joining the Foreign Service, trade and economic affairs. Panama, and Venezuela. Hlynur was a brand manager for In other moves during the current Hlynur has been Iceland’s trade Icelandic USA, Inc., a global seafood diplomatic rotation, Þórir Ibsen becomes commissioner for North America and company. A graduate of Mentaskólinn í ambassador to China in Beijing, consul general for New York and the Kópavogi, he holds a bachelor’s degree replacing Gunnar Snorri Gunnarsson, surrounding states since 2006, which in political history from the University who returns to the Foreign Ministry in is an usually long tenure in one place of Iceland and a master’s degree in Reykjavík. Kristín A. Árnadóttir took for any diplomat. During this period, integrated marketing communication over as permanent representative to there has been a significant increase in from Emerson College in Boston. His Vienna on June 1, where she represents economic activities between Iceland master’s thesis, “Nation Branding,” Iceland at the Organization for Security and North America in various sectors, was published in the Journal of Place and Cooperation in Europe, the UN including tourism, culture, seafood, Branding. Office at Vienna, the International energy, and direct investment. In “Hlynur is Iceland,” according to Atomic Energy Agency, and the addition to his diplomatic work, he American corporate executive Kevin Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban has been managing director of Iceland Donovan. “He is a perfect representation Organization. Guðni Bragason became Naturally (2006-2017), general of his country and understands the the new ambassador to India in New PHOTO: © RAGNAR TH. SIGURDSSON / ARCTIC IMAGES manager of the Icelandic-American evolution of business that is essential Delhi on July 1. Matthías G. Pálsson Hlynur Guðjónsson is Iceland’s Chamber of Commerce (2006-2021), in today’s market. … Hlynur is a very is the new permanent representative new ambassador to Canada and general manager of the Icelandic well rounded person with an open mind in Rome, representing Iceland at three Canadian Chamber of Commerce to business creation.” international organizations: the UN Food lynur Guðjónsson has been (since 2010). He was a co-founder of Pétur Ásgeirsson, who has been and Agriculture Organization, World named as Iceland’s new Nordic Innovation House in New York ambassador since November 2017, Food Program, and the International Hambassador to Canada, and the founder of the Foreign Trade returns to Reykjavík to assume Fund for Agricultural Development; effective August 1, 2021. The Commissioners Association in New responsibility for Arctic affairs at the he replaces Stefán Jón Hafstein, who announcement was made by Foreign York, serving as its chairman for six Foreign Ministry. Hlynur is being returns to Reykjavík. – SMJ

Jón Agnar Ólason the most, by 215 members. Siðmennt, RÚV – Reykjavík, Iceland the Association of Ethical Humanists, Ásatrú and Humanists grow grew by 192 people. he latest data on religious The biggest drop was suffered by while National Church shrinks and life stance organizations, the Zúistar organization, which lost Tpublished last month by 165 members. Þjóðskrá Íslands (Registers Iceland), A total of 28,655 people have shows that membership of the National chosen not to be registered with any Church of Iceland continues to shrink. religious or life stance organization, The National Church is still by amounting to 7.7 percent of residents. far the biggest religious organization A further 15.3 percent, or 56,755 in Iceland, with 229,642 registered people, have not specified their choice. members as of July 1st. That number Religious and life stance groups in was 75 fewer than on December 1st Iceland are supported with taxpayer last year, and followed the loss of money and the amount is proportionate 1,437 members between December 1, to the number of members each has. 2019, and the same date in 2020. Residents can register with their The second-biggest religious preferred group or organisation organization was the Catholic Church, through the Þjóðskrá websiteF (skra.is). with 14,699 members; followed by Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík (Free Church Republished with permission from of Reykjavík), with 10,009. RíkisútvarpiðFri e(RÚV),nds Theo fIcelandicIcel and, Ottawa The Þjóðskrá data show that National Broadcasting Service.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK between December 1, 2020, and July 1, Alexander Elliott, Project Manager, Allsherjargóði Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson (second from left) at a Pagan ceremony 2021, the Ásatrú Pagan religion grew RÚV English. Rental car demand outpaces supply GreetingsGreetings Beata Wawiernia part to the rental part. To All Delegates of the 2016 RÚV – Reykjavík, Iceland What adds to the problem is the global Wishing everyone a festive shortage of new cars. In the pandemic, many INLÍslendingadagurinn of NA Convention and a in s the tourist industry is returning to life of the factories had to shut down. Now the and the visitors wish to travel around the manufacturers have trouble fulfilling the orders. Joyous AugustVancouver the Deuce country, the demand for car rentals is At the end of June, a third of the cars that the car A rental companies have ordered had not arrived Friends of Iceland, Ottawa growing. And it is growing at a pace that causes F problems to car rental companies. on the island. The Icelandic car dealerships have As both the demand is high and there is a not had such low stock of new cars ever before. Friends of Iceland, Ottawa global shortage of new cars, the car parks at the Steingrímur Birgisson, CEO of Bílaleiga car rentals are empty. Akureyrar, is hopeful and believes that even if Last summer, when there were no tourists in the situation in the world changes again the car sight, car rental companies decided to put their rental companies will not be left with too big a fleet for sale, to limit the loss. Now, when the need fleet. “We are accustomed to sudden changes; to rent cars is growing faster than accounted for, the tourist industry is always on alert. We hope GWellreetings Wishes most of the companies withdraw their cars from that this won’t be needed this time though,” adds Íslendingadagurinn sale agencies and rent to the clients once again. Steingrímur. One of the companies, Höldur in Akureyri, & August the Deuce which owns a car sale and a car rental called Republished with permission from Bílaleiga Akureyrar, is trying to satisfy the clients’ Ríkisútvarpið (RÚV), The Icelandic National needs by transferring all their fleet from the sale Broadcasting Service. VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA 4 • Lögberg-Heimskringla • August 1 2021 Stefan’s Saga Working from home increased centralization and a few centuries. Most people Employers worry that staff congestion in many companies worked from home before the working from home will be less and organizations, along with Industrial Revolution and the efficient when they’re not under a parade of fads on how to rapid urbanization that followed the watchful eye of a supervisor, warehouse the workforce. This it. The daily commute is less than but this is actually less common has been going on for so long two centuries old for most, and than employers fear and, Lögberg- that we’ve even had time to it spawned an extensive public besides, there are plenty of other Heimskringla recycle fads. transportation infrastructure ways to monitor productivity. Published 24 times a year by The shock of the pandemic to support it – one of those In my experience, the biggest Lögberg-Heimskringla, Incorporated Heimskringla stofnað 9. september 1886 has gotten people thinking inventions we didn’t realize we drawback is actually a tendency Lögberg stofnað 14. janúar 1888 outside the cubicle. “Free needed until it was there. The to overwork and neglect one’s Sameinuð 1959 Dilbert!” could be the rallying communications revolution personal and family life. I spend 835 MARION STREET of recent decades holds out more time in my home office WINNIPEG, MB R2J 0K6 cry of the moment. PHONE: (204) 284-5686 Stefan Jonasson You can’t staff retail stores or the promise of reversing the than the living room, more RECEPTION: EXTENSION 101 Editor restaurants with people working transportation revolution that time in the pantry-turned-file- TOLL FREE: 1-866-564-2374 FAX: (204) 284-7099 from home, of course, and there preceded it – many of us may no room than the kitchen. While WWW.LH-INC.CA Stefan Jonasson are many other businesses and longer need to battle potholes some people may lack the [email protected] activities that require staff to and traffic jams to get to work. personal discipline to complete ’m glad that I’m not invested work in a common space. But I have worked primarily their work fully and on time in Office Hours: in commercial office space a large part of the workforce from a home office for thirty a home office environment, I 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon. - Fri. because I’m convinced that could complete their essential years now. I’ve enjoyed the find that I sometimes lack the I CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER one of the consequences of tasks from many venues other lifestyle it allowed, even if it discipline to stop working and Audrey Juve Kwasnica the coronavirus pandemic will than the traditional office. The meant that the second-largest relax. Working from home blurs 204.284.5686 Ext. 106 • [email protected] EDITOR involve permanent changes in pandemic has proven this, if we room in my home had to be my the boundaries of our work lives Stefan Jonasson how and where we work. For didn’t know it already. office. If I were starting out on and our personal lives if we 204.284.5686 Ext. 102 • [email protected] PRODUCTION MANAGER / decades, efficiency experts The centralized workplace the same vocational path today, don’t take care to enforce them. LAYOUT and DESIGN EDITOR have pontificated about how is actually a pretty recent modern technology would likely When we first moved to Catherine McConnell to organize offices and other phenomenon in the broad sweep allow me to simply repurpose a our current home, a few of our 204.284.5686 Ext. 103 • [email protected] ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE / PRODUCTION workplaces. We have seen of history, dating back only spacious closet, since I wouldn’t neighbours wondered if I was ASSISTANT Jodi Dunlop need the same amount of space out of work, since only two of 204.284.5686 Ext. 104 • [email protected] for a desk, filing cabinets, office us on the whole block worked PRINTING: The Winnipeg Sun equipment, and a conference from home. Now, it feels as Commercial Print Division table. And most of my library though every second house PM No. 40012014 would fit on a tablet. I have tried has a home business or home- BOARD OF DIRECTORS but so far failed to shrink my based worker operating out of PRESIDENT: Alicyn Goodman TREASURER: BIll Perlmutter office footprint, mostly because it. It’s like living in a medieval it has been a low priority after village where weavers and BOARD MEMBERS Margaret Amirault Kendra Jonasson all these years. carpenters, blacksmiths and Fred Bjarnason Dianne O'Konski Working from home is not even shopkeepers hung their Shawn Bjornsson Erna Pomrenke without its drawbacks, of course. shingles out in front of the places Bruce Eyford Ian Wood It can be lonely for those who where they lived. Today, it’s IT NEWS CONTRIBUTORS have a strong need to socialize, specialists and photographers, CANADA Karen Botting Winnipeg MB even if they spend a large portion accountants and sales Joel Friðfinnsson Geysir MB Signý McInnis Arborg MB of the day on the telephone or representatives. And this editor. Paul Park Ottawa ON in online meetings. It’s still not I like the company, but we may USA Rob Olason Bellingham WA PHOTO: CARA JONASSON the same as being there, even if want to install a water cooler at Steingrimur Steinolfson Bloomington MN Working from home has many comforts and rewards it is more focused and efficient. the top of the street so that we ICELAND Kent Björnsson Reykjavík Ísland have a common place to gather. SUBSCRIPTIONS SUBSCRIPTION: 24 issues/year Canada: $60 L-H DEADLINES USA: $60 US International: $70 US EDITORIAL SUBMISSION L-H online is free to all print subscribers DEADLINES FOR Online only: $45 CAD, payable in advance DONATIONS AUGUST 15, ISSUE 16 All donations to Monday August 9 Lögberg-Heimskringla Inc. are FINAL EDITORIAL DEADLINE – tax-deductible under Canadian laws BREAKING NEWS ONLY Charitable Reg. # 10337 3635 RR001 Business # 10337 3635 RT 0001 Thursday August 12 Please advise the editor in advance if you are FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS The Embassy of Iceland sending a submission for the final deadline First 200 words and a picture are free of charge Over 200 and pic $25.00 FINAL ADVERTISING DEADLINE 300 words and pic $50.00 wishes everyone a wonderful Íslendingadagurinn: 400 words and pic $75.00 Monday August 16 500 words and pic $100.00 750 word and pic $150.00 Gleðilega hátíð! Send to [email protected] EDITORIAL SUBMISSION Please return undeliverable Canadian DEADLINES FOR addresses to: 835 Marion Street Winnipeg MB R2J 0K6 The Embassy is located at 360 Albert Street in Ottawa. SEPTEMBER 1, ISSUE 17 Archived issues spanning 1886 to 2016 Monday August 16 may be viewed at www.timarit.is FINAL EDITORIAL DEADLINE – L-H is supported by The Winnipeg Information on the activities of the Embassy and Iceland BREAKING NEWS ONLY Foundation and has received a Friday August 20 COVID-19 Stabilization Grant. can be found on the Embassy’s website: Please advise the editor in advance if you are sending a submission for the final deadline www.iceland.org/ca FINAL ADVERTISING DEADLINE Wednesday August 25 Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/icelandincanada L-H gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the Government of Iceland.

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VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA Lögberg-Heimskringla • 1. ágúst 2021 • 5 DIALOGUE REVEALS WHO WE ARE

I worked with someone once who told us over coffee how he had tricked a friend out of some money. He was bragging. He thought we’d admire him for being so clever. That wasn’t the result. The result was that no one at work trusted him. Our values are revealed by our actions but also PHOTO: GERD ALTMANN / PIXABAY Our values are revealed by our actions but also by what we say. What is it that you want to reveal about a character by what we say. through what she says?

W.D. Valgardson was making 18,000 dollars a Sometimes for half a page. tension there is, the more someone once who told us Victoria, BC year and supporting the four Really? Seriously? significant the silences. over coffee how he had tricked of us. What if we could get I was pretty good at When there is a lot at stake, a friend out of some money. When I was teaching a mortgage at 5½ percent? I dialogue. Not a superstar,ICELANDIC much of the NATIONAL dialogue is indirect. LEAGUE He was bragging. He thought fiction workshops, at the was wide open to any help but pretty good – reasonable, OFThe NORTH actual topic AMERICA may not be we’d admire him for being so beginning I would often say to understanding percentages and let’s say. Then I started mentioned. The characters clever. That wasn’t the result. Founded in 1919 by Icelandic immigrants to the participants that I am going mortgages and percentage of writing radio plays. Not may talk about something else The result was that no one at preserve and promote Icelandic heritage to tell you a lot of things over gross and net income. There good enough. I needed three but they know – and the reader work trusted him. Our values the next three months. Some was no let’s go play baseball. I weeks of workingToday anyone with withknows an –interest what theyin Iceland are really is welcome are revealed to join by our actions but of them will be right. Some was ready to learn and the loan professionals – professional talking about. We’ve all done also by what we say. What is it of them will be wrong. Not manager at the credit union producers, directors, actors, it. Some conversations are just that you want to reveal about because I’m lying but because was my teacher. I wasn’t going musicians, sound effects too painful, too risky to talk a character through what she each of you is in a different to go play baseball instead of people. Professional. Being about directly. Relationships says? place so what is true and listening to what he was telling paid. Building careers. They Tothat join are visit foundering www.inlofna.org are often There are a hundred things meaningful will be different me. depended on my words. like this. They’re not all about that I could say about creating for each person. I need to learn this. Boy, did I learn in a hurry. screaming and yelling. successful dialogue. Dialogue When I was in public school, Whatever this is. It makes a When an actor says,ICELANDIC “How Dialogue NATIONAL should always LEAGUE is as complex as the people learning about percentages huge difference to realize that am I supposed to say that?” I OFmove NORTH the story forward.AMERICA What who speak it. didn’t mean much, if anything. you need to learn something. listened. I spent more than one is going to be the result of this Learn to listen not just to Okay, one is ten percent of ten. Where are you with your night rewriting scenes Founded to be dialogue? in 1919 by Ask Icelandic yourself, immigrants what what to people say but how they So what? Let’s go play baseball. writing? Make a coffee, sit ready the next morning. Studiopreserve dramatic and promote purpose Icelandic does this heritage say it. Keep a notebook. Pay But when I was old enough down, and think about what time costs money. Todaydialogue anyone serve? with an interest in attention to your reaction to to buy a house and wanted a you need to learn. I learned to listen more IcelandIt should is welcome also develop to join the what is said and the way it is mortgage, percentages all of How about dialogue? carefully. How do people talk? characters. We know, or should said. Tape record conversations. a sudden mattered. I think we How good are you at writing Full, grammatical sentences? know – although many don’t Listen to how they work. Read got that first mortgage for 6 dialogue? I’ve read a lot Nope, they don’t. They talk in seem to know – that what we plays. Watch plays. Listen to percent. 6 x 30,000 = 1,800.00. of manuscripts where the bits and pieces and the more Tosay, join or visitdon’t www.inlofna.orgsay, reveals who plays. Plays taught me more 1,800 dollars spread over 12 characters don’t talk to tension there is, the smaller we are. There are consequences about dialogue that fiction months is 150. Don’t laugh. I one another. They lecture. the pieces become. The more to our dialogues. I worked with workshops ever did.

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VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA 6 • Lögberg-Heimskringla • August 1 2021 Vigdís exhibition to open at University of Iceland in 2022 announced that she planned just over 85,000 and there was to present the university and no building dedicated to the the Vigdís Finnbogadóttir purpose. The first leaders of the Institute of Foreign Languages university fully understood the with various artifacts from her weakness of its position, but presidency, including letters, were nevertheless convinced gifts from foreign heads of state. that it would prove auspicious and items of clothing. These for the Icelandic nation and will form the foundation of the that the university would, in exhibition in Loftskeytastöðin. time, “make its own small “It is my sincere wish that contribution to global culture, these items will provide an settle new territory in the realm insight into and understanding of knowledge, working together of Icelandic culture and with other universities.” This its place in history and prediction has certainly come contemporary global culture. true, said the rector. Few things would make me “The University of Iceland happier than if these gifts is today in a strong position. We could inspire young people are a comprehensive research and help them understand that university now working no man is an island. We are a across five schools and 26 part of the main, and those who faculties. Since its foundation, travel widely need their wits the university has graduated about them,” said Vigdís as around 55 thousand students she presented the first artifacts. who have made their mark in PHOTO: KRISTINN INGVARSSON / UNIVERSITY OF ICELAND These were a wonderful sword, all areas of society and industry. Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, the former president of Iceland, presents Jón Atli Benediktsson, rector for the defence of culture The current student population of the University of Iceland, with a sword that she received as a gift when she was awarded an and education, which Vigdís includes people from almost a honorary doctorate from Tampere University in Finland. Along with other artifacts, received as a gift along with hundred different countries and this sword will be the foundation of the new exhibition. an honorary doctorate from totals around 16,000 altogether. Tampere University in Finland, This dynamic group will have a Háskóli Íslands – An Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson, elected a woman as head of and two dresses from her huge role to play in shaping the exhibition dedicated to the minister of transport and state, the first nation ever to do presidency, including the famous future of the Icelandic nation,” presidency and work of Vigdís local government and also the so. And in a very short time, woollen dress that she wore on argued the rector. Finnbogadóttir will be opened acting minister of education, Vigdís managed to unite the her balcony in Aragata to greet As well as Katrín, Vigdís, next year in Loftskeytastöðin, science and culture, and Jón nation behind her. The general the crowds the day after she was and Jón Atli, there was also an once home to the first Atli Benediktsson, rector of view at that time was that the first elected president in 1980. address from Isabel Alejandra radiotelegraph in Iceland, which the University of Iceland. President of Iceland should be Díaz, president of the University is next to Veröld – The House The government commits to a symbol of unity for the nation The University of Iceland has of Iceland Student Council. She of Vigdís. A letter of intent supporting the exhibition in the and in Vigdís the nation soon shaped society for 110 years emphasized that the University between the government and radiotelegraph building, which found such a symbol of unity,” June 17, 2021, marked 110 of Iceland is a community of the university was signed at a was, incidentally, first opened said Prime Minister Katrín years since the University of students, instructors, and other celebration at the University on June 17, 1918. The building Jakobsdóttir in her address at Iceland was formally founded in staff with the shared goal of of Iceland on June 17, held to will also house facilities for the ceremony. the Icelandic Parliament House creating a dynamic, tight-knit mark the university’s 110th scholarship, research, and The agreement also states at Austurvöllur. That first year, university that is a source of anniversary. As part of this various outreach projects. that the exhibition will receive there were 11 instructors and knowledge and innovation event, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir “The influence that an annual contribution from 45 students at four faculties. for the advancement of our presented the University of Vigdís Finnbogadóttir has the state treasury, while the That was a long time ago and society. “The University of Iceland with artifacts from her had on Icelandic society, and University of Iceland will be the University of Iceland has Iceland is home to a diverse presidency, which will form the particularly those Icelanders responsible for managing the since been transformed from group of students, people from basis of the exhibition. who grew up during her exhibition and scholarship in a school for public officials various backgrounds with all The agreement was signed presidency, can hardly be the building, which will be into an international research kinds of dreams, who come by Katrín Jakobsdóttir, prime overstated – including, of integrated with the operations university, respected and with together to bring to life the minister of Iceland, Bjarni course, the impact that it made of the Vigdís International strong obligations both within buildings in Vatnsmýri and the Benediktsson, minister of when Icelanders woke up one Centre in Veröld. The plan is to Iceland and across the world. Greater Reykjavík campus,” finance and economic affairs, morning in June 1980 having open the exhibition and other In his address, Jón Atli said Isabel. She added that facilities next year. Benediktsson, rector of the the university could best At the June 17 ceremony, university, argued that there had cultivate its role as an open Vigdís Finnbogadóttir been a kind of foolhardiness community by guaranteeing congratulated the University in founding a university in access to higher education for of Iceland and the nation as Iceland in 1911, when the everyone, regardless of social or a whole on the occasion and population of the country was economic background.

The Consulate General of Iceland sends its very best wishes for a festive Íslendingadagurinn in Gimli as well as to the August the Deuce festival in Mountain and to all the readers of Lögberg-Heimskringla.

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Consulate General of Iceland 1 Wellington Crescent, Suite 100, Winnipeg, MB, R3M 3Z2, Canada tel: +1 (204) 284 1535 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.iceland.is/ca/win VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA Lögberg-Heimskringla • 1 ágúst 2021 • 7 Icelandic Festival of Manitoba announces event schedule he COVID-19 pandemic affects our ability to host Ta full in-person festival this year, but the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba will continue to celebrate Icelandic culture and heritage on the August long weekend through a series of virtual, hybrid, and limited in-person events. Whether you’re Icelandic by heritage, or Icelandic in spirit, Íslendingadagurinn will connect people to Icelandic culture with the 132nd second festival – “Icelandic at Heart / Íslenskt Innst Inni” – from Friday, July 30, to Monday, August 2, 2021. “Íslendingadagurinn will offer safe, fun events and activities to suit everyone this PHOTO: ICELANDIC FESTIVAL OF MANITOBA year in virtual or hybrid format, Icelandic at Heart – Íslensk Innst Inni. The Traditional and through limited in-person Program will return to the Main Stage of Gimli Park this year. events that comply with current public health orders,” says Festivalgoers can enjoy live for the Fris-Nok Tournament at Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and with the necessary limitations Icelandic Festival of Manitoba music at the Music on the 1 p.m. and in the evening, from Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and health orders so that president Jenna Boholij. Rooftop event, Saturday Nite 7 to 11 p.m., the Alternative Vingólf Beverage Gardens everyone can enjoy a safe and Following the success of last at the Park, and the Alternative Folk Festival will feature live will be open at Gimli Harbour pleasant festival experience. year’s virtual festival, we will Folk Festival. Visit food and music on the park’s Main Stage. on Friday from 4 to 11 p.m.; We will all have a chance to go be releasing videos on Icelandic craft vendors at our outdoor The festival will reach its Saturday, 1 to 11 p.m.; and berserk when the pandemic is fashion, Icelandic heritage market and enjoy a cold drink climax on Monday with the Sunday, 1 to 9 p.m. behind us. sites on Hecla Island, and at Vingólf Beverage Gardens, Traditional Program on the Craft vendors will display The Icelandic Festival of music videos by the acclaimed located in the Gimli Harbour Main Stage at Gimli Park at their wares on First Avenue on Manitoba has been significantly Icelandic musician Sin Fang. area. 2 p.m. It will be preceded by Saturday and Sunday from 10 impacted by the pandemic Hybrid events allow people to On Friday, two videos will Music and Poetry in the Park a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Monday and we thank our sponsors, participate from anywhere in be released online – “Icelandic at 1 p.m. and the scholarship from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. partners, and donors who are the world and the sandcastle Hecla” at noon and the Icelandic announcement at 1:40 p.m. All in-person events are instrumental in our success and contest (virtual category), lawn music concert featuring Sin The Art Show will be open limited in capacity to comply sustainability. parade, and the virtual 10-mile, Fang at 8 p.m. to fully-immunized visitors at with current public health A full weekend schedule 5-kilometre, and 1-mile running The in-person events begin Darren Hall in the Lakeview orders and, for the same and event details, along with races.In addition to virtual and on Saturday with the sandcastle Resort on Saturday and Sunday reason, all events are subject to safety plans, can be found that hybrid offerings, we are excited contest on Gimli Beach North at from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on change. Íslendingadagurinn’s icelandicfestival.com. Register to welcome festivalgoers back 10 a.m. The Icelandic Fashion Monday from noon to 3 p.m. success this year depends on for the festival e-newsletter and to Gimli to celebrate with us Show will be held at the Food vendors will be open festivalgoers’ understanding, follow @icelandicfestival on in person. We are working Waterfront Centre’s Johnson at Gimli Harbour on Friday cooperation, and good humour. social media to stay informed closely with local partners Hall at 1 p.m. In the evening, the from 3 to 11 p.m.; Saturday and Please be prepared to comply of the latest news. and authorities to ensure that Music on the Rooftop concert community safety is a priority will take place in Johnson Hall and that all events comply with beginning at 7 p.m., while current public health orders. Saturday Nite at the Park will In-person events include the feature live music on the Main Enjoy the peace and quiet Fris-Nok tournament, art show, Stage of Gimli Park from 7:30 of the outdoors this summer. Icelandic fashion show, beach to 10:30 p.m. sandcastle contest, and the Sunday will see festivalgoers festival’s Traditional Program. gather in person at Gimli Park Camper* loans for %* THE NEW ICELAND HERITAGE MUSEUM 3.99 on now until September 30th "FROM THE ATTIC" at Noventis.

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VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA 8 • Lögberg-Heimskringla • August 1 2021

A Viking skjaldmær (shield maiden) can hold her own against the Sons of Fenrir PERSISTENCE PAYS

PHOTOS: BERNICE ANDERSEN Albertans celebrate Iceland’s Fjallkona d’Arcy Gamble with her princesses Donna Nelson cooperated nicely, compared to some of our other national day in July Markerville, AB years of June 17 events. The traditional program was capably chaired After one year and several months of outdoor by Marlene Linneberg, a long-time SGSIS gathering restrictions, the Stephan G. Stephansson member and volunteer. Following the national Icelandic Society was pleased to host the annual anthems, “Fosturlandsins Freyja” was played celebration of Iceland’s national day, one month while Fjallkona d’Arcy Gamble was escorted later, on July 17. Like many other events, we by Frank Sigurdsson, charter member of SGSIS, adjusted the usual plan – we decorated the foot through the crowd to the stage. Princesses Kelsey bridge between the hamlet and the campground Bennett and Kennedy Gamble followed. with fifty Icelandic flags, and then the Creamery Greetings were offered from each of the three Courtyard for the afternoon events. Women of clubs: Gwen Mann, of Calgary; Erla Anderson, of Aspenland posters covered the wall at the Ice Edmonton, sent hers to be read; and Al Gamble, of House, flower pots and flags adorned the outdoor Markerville, each expressed their gratefulness and stage, leaving the big tent, benches, and picnic encouragement for the clubs continuing interest in tables to accommodate the guests. heritage preservation and in our get-togethers over The Sons of Fenrir may have felt the space the years, especially after this COVID year. Then was a little tight, but they were so talented in their Marlene, who is also treasurer of the Icelandic performance that they adapted to whatever space National League of North America, shared and time we gave them. We are so appreciative to greetings and programs happening in the INLNA. Harpist Janet Lutz the Leif Eiriksson Icelandic Club which arranged Donna Nelson introduced Fjallkona d’Arcy, and funded this first portion of the afternoon known to many in Markerville and the community events. The hour that followed had the book as an active, vibrant leader, a caring teacher and launch table for Two Lands, One Poet, facilitated mentor, and a very generous volunteer. No matter by Mooréa Gray; the profits from the sales of the program or event, or whether it’s for SGSIS this special book of poetry were designated for or her church, or the hamlet and community, the Stephan G. Stephansson Endowment Fund d’Arcy is often the head or the hands to work, in Iceland. Other attractions were the cream can and always the heart. Because former Fjallkona rides for the children, coffee time, free ice cream, Barb Sigurdsson was unable to attend the day, and visiting or wandering around the Historic Della Branson, 2017 Fjallkona from Markerville, Creamery Museum or hamlet. The weather did the crowning honours. ... page 9

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The Sons of Fenrir VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA Lögberg-Heimskringla • 1 ágúst 2021 • 9 Finland – provides a generous ends up necessitating longer social safety net for its citizens. working days to ‘make up’ the It boasts an advanced economy, lost output, lowering ‘per-hour a quality healthcare system, productivity’ even further. and ranks highly for income “The idea that a reduction equality. Likewise, the country in working hours would be has become renowned for an effective remedy for both offering generous paid parental Iceland’s low productivity, as leave for both mothers and well as its poor work-life balance fathers,” the survey continues. and wellbeing, is borne out by “However, in marked difference an array of available economic to its neighbours, Icelandic evidence,” the study concludes. citizens are nevertheless faced Both managers and workers with particularly long working expressed optimism at the hours. Perhaps unsurprisingly, study’s findings. Concerns that for many years the country has people would work extra hours therefore lagged behind the to fulfill duties not done in the other Nordics in evaluations of four-day week proved false. work-life balance provided by The data were analyzed by the authorities like the OECD.” sponsoring organizations and by Alda has been advocating for the city and federal governments. reduced working hours for years. Participants found it easier It is only recently that labour to get errands done with more PHOTO: YERSON RETAMAL /PIXABAY unions have joined the fight. free time during the week. Men “Owing to the trends noted reported being able to do more above, Icelandic trade unions, of the housework, easing the Four-day workweek enhances work-life civil society organizations and load on their wives. Stress at workers alike have in recent home also decreased. years increasingly argued that Single parents said that balance, maintains productivity the country’s combination of childrearing became easier low productivity levels and high during the experiment. While Paul Park took part in the venture. to other offices with 2,500 incomes – despite Iceland’s previously delays in getting Ottawa, ON “Worker wellbeing workers involved. Two years otherwise advanced economy to work resulted in overtime, increased across a range of later the federal government – should be attributed to the including weekends, this was four-day workweek indicators, from perceived teamed up with BSRB in a effects of excessively long not the case with the 35-hour is more efficient with stress and burnout, to health program affecting 440 staff in working hours. Worn down by week. Many such parents told Aeffects on productivity and work-life balance,” the 82- four offices. Seventeen bureaus long hours spent at work, the the government it would be a being neutral or even page report found. had applied to take part in the Icelandic workforce is often negative outcome if shortened favourable, a joint Icelandic- Unions in Iceland took the process. fatigued, which takes a toll on workweeks were withdrawn. British study has found. The findings to demand shortened The four selected were: The its productivity. In a vicious The report can be found at results of the experiment, workweeks. Contracts Directorate of Internal Revenue circle, this lower productivity Alda’s website at en.alda.is. conducted in Iceland, were negotiated between 2019 (Ríkisskattstjóri), The Icelandic released in late June. and this year either gave Directorate of Immigration The survey was all unionized workers in a (Útlendingastofnun), Registers commissioned by the company reduced hours or a Iceland (Þjóðskrá Íslands), and Association for Sustainable process was set up whereby a police station in the Westfjords Financial Advisor Development, known as employees could negotiate a (Lögreglan á Vestfjörðum). Alda in its Icelandic form, shorter schedule. About 86 “The trials also remained and the UK-based think tank percent of workers on the island revenue neutral for both the city Autonomy. It examined a pilot are affected by the new scheme. council and the government, project operating in Iceland The initial project took providing a crucial – and so far from 2015 to 2019. Workers place in Reykjavík in March largely overlooked – blueprint put in a four- or four-and-a- 2015 between city authorities of how future trials might be half-day workweek of 35 or 36 and the Federation of State and organized in other countries hours while being paid for five Municipal Employees (BSRB). around the world,” the report days. Approximately 3,000 Originally, two workplaces notes. employees – about one percent with dozens of employees “Iceland – much like of the Icelandic work force – were tested. This expanded Sweden, Norway, Denmark and NORDIC TRAILS personalized guided tours Persistence pays ... from 8 A surprise ending for the heart warming to get together program came from Diana again; the Vikings are a great “Connections” was the Slater on behalf of the Sons of attraction and fit right into theme of d’Arcy’s speech Fenrir. She sang “De tri piker” the celebration; can we do – connections within our as a thank you to the Kaffistofa the cream can ride again; Icelandic heritage (hers is for their complimentary supper d’Arcy’s speech was right Ukrainian), connections to the group. The remainder of from the heart, very inspiring; with SGSIS and other clubs, us had brought along our own the harp music and the solo churches, and communities, picnic lunches to finish out the singer added special cultural and connections with family afternoon. connections.” We were pleased and friends. Her closing words Various comments for the day and happy for were read from portions of expressed from guests and the the two hundred or so folks “The River” by Stephan G. local folks were: “it was so that came. Stephansson. We were then entertained by Janet Lutz, a talented local musician who played the harp. Since SGSIS tries to keep connections with young people, we used this INSURANCE • REAL ESTATE • AUTOPAC • BLUE CROSS opportunity to present the Cook Family Scholarship, PHONE GIMLI 204-642-8501 KENT LÁRUS BJÖRNSSON 1-888-642-8501 PROFESSIONAL DRIVER AND GUIDE which we manage on behalf FAX GIMLI 204-642-8457 of the Cook family. President [email protected] | www.nordictrails.is Al Gable presented it to 56 CENTRE ST., GIMLI, MANITOBA R0C 1B0 Emma LaRoy. VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA 10 • Lögberg-Heimskringla • August 1 2021 ARBORG HERITAGE VILLAGE

PHOTOS: STEFAN JONASSONO

Stefan Jonasson day of the season in 2020 and we plan to return to enjoy the grave of Betsey Ramsay at Sandy Bar after her an even richer experience, since a couple of hours was husband, John, came to him in a vivid dream in 1908. he Arborg and District Multicultural Heritage hardly enough time. The formal tour was informative, The Vigfusson House is a humble log building that was Village is one of the finest open-air museums but we could have wandered the grounds all day. While occupied until 1950. The tools of Trausti’s trade as a Tin Manitoba. In fact, it’s one of the finest we were there, the fruit trees and vegetable garden were carpenter are on display inside. anywhere. Located on a 13-acre site along the banks laden with abundant produce. Other Icelandic homes in the village are Brandson of the Icelandic River, it’s the kind of place where you There are 14 historic buildings on the site and an House, Oddleifsson House, and Sigvaldason House – can linger for hours in a bygone era. excellent interpretive centre that presents the history each with its own unique story. Sigvaldason House, The heritage village features a collection of of the Arborg district from the time of its original which was first home to a family of 18 and then to a buildings – including a church, school, barn, and Indigenous inhabitants through the waves of arriving family of 12, includes many of the original families’ homes – that bring to life the history of the community immigrants – mostly Icelandic, Ukrainian, and Polish – furnishings. and its inhabitants. The Arborg Heritage Hall also until the present day. Among the fascinating and well-curated exhibits provides a charming venue for modern-day gatherings, The most storied building is arguably the home of you will find a comprehensive collection of paintings while the adjacent campground means that you can Trausti Vigfusson, which he built in 1898 as a home for of Interlake churches, historic educational materials, even stay overnight. him and his wife, Rosa, and their infant daughter Tota. creamery equipment, railway paraphernalia, My wife Cindy and I visited the village on the last Trausti is widely remembered as the man who restored household items, tools, musical instruments, and

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VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA Lögberg-Heimskringla • 1 ágúst 2021 • 11

PHOTOS: STEFAN JONASSON

cultural artifacts from the various ancestral communities represented in the district. This year, the Arborg Heritage Village has been hosting a craft sale and farmers market on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The offerings have expanded with each successive week. There are also special children’s day and seniors’ days. Because of COVID, the village didn’t open until July 17 this year and they plan to remain open until September 5, although only fully-vaccinated individuals can be admitted under the current provincial health orders. The village is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Adult admission is $15 for the full tour and $10 for the half tour. Admission for children aged 5 to 12 is $7 and $5 respectively.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA 12 • Lögberg-Heimskringla • August 1 2021 LET THEM EAT CAKE Kevin Jon Johnson course, vínarterta often appears This coronavirus Sakai, Japan at our various cultural events, events that COVID-19 has epidemic helped remind n Canada Day 2021 closed down for the time being. in the Reykjavík Art When we resume normal us of the importance of OMuseum they ate a life, I think that we will have community and social range of vínarterta cakes. more wisdom, as even bad Clare Aimée, a graduate of the things in this life can provide Iceland University of the Arts positive direction. So, I think life, but also showed (Listaháskóli Íslands), created that – as Gloria Krenbrenk us how we can work the concept according to suggested in her July 1st article Brittnee Kiner of The Reykjavík – the Icelandic National League online from our homes Grapevine. of North America (INLNA) Near the end of the convention should oscillate to satisfy some of the nineteenth century, when one- between in-person and online third of Icelanders emigrated, meetings. As Gloria suggested, requirements of they took the vínarterta recipe this will give the hosting clubs with them, and it continued a 14-year turn, as opposed to in-person meeting. to evolve in the new world. hosting it every seventh year. In Iceland, only a pared down Late in the twentieth version of it survived. century, I and my colleagues part of their lives to the well The cake originated in at the Icelandic Canadian functioning of this mechanism. Austria, traveling through Frón hosted the convention in A little less work would help Denmark to reach Iceland. Winnipeg. I served as president grease the wheels. Using many expensive, of the Frón, and Laurence This coronavirus epidemic imported ingredients, only the Johnson (no relation) served helped remind us of the wealthy could afford it. Seven as INLNA president. Evelyn importance of community and Icelandic bakers created a Thorvaldsson helped guide the social life, but also showed us range of cakes, starting with a process. how we can work online from recipe from 1795. The workload did our homes to satisfy some When I first moved to not exceed that for other of the requirements of in- Japan, my dad, Helgi Carl, preparations by too much, but person meeting. I think that, used to mail me a vínarterta at I agree with Gloria that we once we return to normal, we PHOTO: BRUNO CORDIOLI / FLICKR CC BY 2.0 Christmas, the time we most must concern ourselves with need to remember what good strongly associate with it. It volunteer burnout. So much things came of the epidemic online format, and thereby Applying such a practice will worked the first year, but the in our community depends on and apply those things going save money and effort for the cement a kind of victory over second year it spoiled so we volunteer efforts, and many forward. I hope that the INLNA many wonderful people who the virus, and create a new gave up on the practice. Of kind-hearted people dedicate convention can go to a partial participate in these events. paradigm for the digital age. Lamb wins at Cannes Jón Agnar Ólason RÚV – Reykjavík, Iceland

he Icelandic film Dýrið (Lamb) won the Un Certain Regard Prize for Originality at the Cannes Film Festival in July. T Dýrið received its world premiere at Cannes and tells the story of sheep farmers María and Ingvar, who live in a beautiful-but- remote valley. When a mysterious being is born on the farm, they decide to keep it and raise it as their own offspring. Valdimar Jóhannsson directed the movie, which was filmed in Hörgársveit, and also wrote the screenplay, alongside Sjón. Swedish actress Noomi Rapace takes the lead role in Dýrið. She lived in Iceland as a child and this is her first starring role in Icelandic. Her husband is played by Hilmir Snær Guðnason. Dýrið will receive its Icelandic premiere in September.

PHOTO: RÚV / YSLAND Republished with permission from Ríkisútvarpið (RÚV), The The picture shows director Valdimar Jóhannsson with the prize, alongside producersPaper Icelandic ad: run National6x Broadcasting Service. Alexander Elliott, Project Sara Nassim and Hrönn Kristinsdóttir, and cameraman Eli Arenson. Manager, RÚV English.

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VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA Lögberg-Heimskringla • 1 ágúst 2021 • 13 Cod population changed in response to intensified fishing Háskóli Íslands – New three such sites were used in research by scientists at this study: from Breiðuvík and the University of Iceland's Kollsvík in Vesturbyggð and Research Centre of the Siglunes in Eyjafjörður. “The Westfjords and their colleagues fishing station in Breiðuvík in has revealed that the trophic Vesturbyggð is unique. People niche of the Atlantic cod in fished cod from that station Icelandic coastal regions almost continuously from 1,000 remained stable for centuries, years ago up to the early 20th but changed in the 19th century century. Fishing and processing alongside intensified fishing. methods changed remarkably It is likely that this reflects little over the centuries, but changes to both the age and around the middle of the 19th size of the cod stocks, but also century all fishing in Iceland changes to marine food webs as was revolutionized, firstly with populations fall due to extensive decked vessels and later with fishing and food chains shorten. the advent of trawlers,” says The research was reported in Ragnar. Before that point, cod Scientific Reports, a respected was generally dried and turned journal from the publishers into stockfish. The heads were PHOTO: JÓN ÖRN GUÐBJARTSSON / UNIVERSITY OF ICELAND of Nature. According to the left and these are the very bones Ragnar Edvardsson and Guðbjörg Ásta Ólafsdóttir authors of the study, the results that were used in the research. underline the importance of conserving different migratory 1,000-year-old specimens cod in Icelandic coastal under the microscope regions, for example to boost “An uninterrupted series the population's resilience to of specimens from the same environmental changes. species, particularly an The research team included economically important species Guðbjörg Ásta Ólafsdóttir, like the Atlantic cod, spanning biologist and director of over 1,000 years, is obviously the UI Research Centre of invaluable for research. the Westfjords, and Ragnar Perhaps in this case, it was the Edvardsson, archaeologist at subject matter that inspired the Research Centre, along interdisciplinary discussions with their colleagues in Canada about the cod stock and its and Norway. exploitation, which led to the Guðbjörg Ásta and Ragnar birth of the project,” explains have worked together for many Guðbjörg Ásta. years on interdisciplinary In collaboration with research into fish bones, scientists in Canada, Guðbjörg particularly cod, that they have and Ragnar used a methodology excavated from ancient fishing that involves stable isotope stations in the Westfjords. The analysis of carbon and nitrogen oldest bones are 1,000 years old. in the bones. This provides “The main aim of the research varied information about the is to understand how changes lives of these historical animals. in fishing and the marine “Chemical isotope values environment have affected fish can tell us a lot about marine populations over the centuries. ecosystems. We can use the PHOTO: STEFAN JONASSON Using a data series spanning nitrogen values to evaluate the Ósvör is an old fishing station in Bolungarvík in the Westfjords; today it is a popular several centuries, we can individual's position in the food stopping place for tourists establish a kind of baseline and chain. A higher value means, for try to estimate how extensive example, that the fish ate other on cod, in order to evaluate fish caught in the modern day. many hundreds of years. human exploitation could have fish rather than invertebrates. the trophic ecology of the We learned this based on affected marine ecosystems,” The carbon values reflect rather population it proved necessary Fish stocks responded the fact the nitrogen value explains Guðbjörg Ásta. the fish’s environment, ocean to also examine bones from differently to increased fishing changes very little over the Ragnar points out that there temperature but also diet, e.g. other species for comparison. “What struck us centuries. The carbon value in are historical fishing stations in whether the fish fed near the So the team also looked at bones immediately was how the the cod was much less stable many places around Iceland, coast or in the open ocean,” from wolffish and haddock, trophic niche of the cod and was both lower and more particularly in West Iceland explains Guðbjörg Ásta. as well as comparing the appeared to remain stable variable during cooler periods. and the Westfjords. Bones from Although the study focuses historical bones to bones from over an extremely long period, ... continued on page 14 PROUD SUPPORTERS of the Lögberg-Heimskringla ICELANDIC Feed Your Icelandic Soul CONNECTION At Pharmasave Gimli our Live Well pharmacists care about the health and well-being of our customers. 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VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA 14 • Lögberg-Heimskringla • August 1 2021

Cod population ... from 13

Layers of fishbones from 1,000 years

More variable carbon values probably indicate a varied origin of the catch. If we put these findings into context with the life history of the cod, we can conclude that increased variability of PHOTOS: UNIVERSITY OF ICELAND carbon values probably reflects migratory behaviour and that this Excavating a millennium of Icelandic fisheries behaviour probably enabled the cod to adapt and maintain its trophic niche,” says Guðbjörg Ásta. However, changes occurred towards the end of the 19th century when Icelanders began to intensify their fishing alongside improved ship technology. A comparison between cod, haddock, “Hvað er svo “What is as joyful and wolffish after this point reveals an interesting pattern. “At glatt sem góðra the end of the 19th century, the nitrogen values fall in both cod as a gathering and haddock, but rise in wolffish. This is consistent with what vina fundur?” of good friends?” you would expect following the considerable increase in fishing intensity that accompanied the growing use of trawlers at this 122nd Annual Deuce of August Icelandic Celebration time. It is likely both that the average size of individuals in the fishing stocks fell, which could be reflected in trophic niche, but Árið tvö þúsund og Eitt (2021) also that fishing removed some of the cod’s preferred prey from Mountain, North Dakota the ecosystem, with the same consequences. Species that were less piscivorous, however, could have benefited from reduced FRIDAY, JULY 30TH competition with large predators, leading to a higher trophic 1:00 PM GENEALOGY CENTER-Mountain Community Center 1-4 PM level. This might explain the pattern we see in wolffish,” says and online with Icelandic Roots volunteers Guðbjörg Ásta. Email Sunna Olafson Furstenau @ [email protected] for the private Zoom link to visit with an Icelandic Roots genealogist online An excellent example of interdisciplinary collaboration Watch the video “The Founding of the Dakota Settlement” on Youtube It is clear that interdisciplinary research such as this is very 5:00 PM MOUNTAIN AMERICAN LEGION FISH FRY-Main Street important, addressing as it does the success of significant fish 6:00 PM FREE STAGE-Main Street stocks in Icelandic coastal regions as well as the impact of Check out the August the Deuce Facebook page for details 6-8 PM climate change on marine ecosystems. “We believe this study 9:00 PM STREET DANCE- Main Street is important on both biological and archaeological grounds. The Sponsored by Mountain/Thingvalla Fire Dept, Music by Dean Willits, DJ findings highlight the importance of conserving migratory cod in SATURDAY, JULY 31ST Iceland, which is of course absolutely vital in terms of managing 7:00 AM PANCAKE AND SAUSAGE BREAKFAST-Mountain Chalet-Free Will Offering 7-10 AM the fishing industry. This project also clearly demonstrates the 10:30 AM PARADE-Main Street opportunities that archaeological subject matter presents for Parade will be broadcast live on KXPO AM 1340 environmental research and thereby the importance of preserving Souvenir Sales-On Main Street-Moore’s Icelandic Goodies ancient fishing stations wherever they are found,” says Ragnar. 11:00 AM VIKUR SALAD LUNCHEON-Vikur Church basement Guðbjörg Ásta adds that for us in Iceland, all knowledge about 11:00 AM GENEALOGY CENTER-Mountain Community Center-11:00 AM-1 PM cod, this species so vital to our economy, is extremely significant. Email per info above to connect 12:00 PM CAR SHOW AND SHINE-Main Street “It is particularly gratifying to see how an interdisciplinary project 12:00 PM KID’S INFLATABLE GAMES-North end of Main Street from 12:00 Noon-4 PM based on the history of cod fishing in Iceland and the evolution 12:30 PM CHILDREN’S ICELANDIC STORYBOOK TIME IN AMMA’S GARDEN-Kathy Thorlakson lawn-N of Icelandic fishing stations can create knowledge of marine and of MCC fish ecology that has international relevance,” she says. It is worth 12:30 PM PEDAL TRACTOR PULL FOR KIDS-Main Street-ND State Sanctioned Pull noting, too, that this study is particularly consistent with the new 2:00 PM HERITAGE PROGRAM-Mountain Community Center Strategy of the University of Iceland, HÍ26, which prioritizes Keynote Speaker-Professor Wayne Gudmundson Book Presentation: “A Song for Liv” interdisciplinary collaboration and international impact. 9:00 PM STREET DANCE- “Front Fenders”-Main Street The article in Scientific Reports is part of a larger research SUNDAY, AUGUST 1ST project by Guðbjörg Ásta, Ragnar, and their colleagues and further 11:00 AM WORSHIP SERVICE-Gardar Town Church results are expected over the next semesters. “Many people have 1:00 PM NORTH DAKOTA STATE TRACTOR & PICKUP PULLING CONTEST expressed interest in collaborating on this study, since the subject West of Mountain Community Center matter is so fascinating, and we have always welcomed such 12 Additional new high horsepower pullers have been added-our biggest and best show interest. So hopefully the project will continue to develop over the ever! next few years. We ourselves are moving on to slightly different PARADE MARSHALS HONORARY PARADE MARSHALS topics, each in our own way, and will probably be spending more time out to sea and under the sea over the next years rather than RICHARD AND JANYCE BJORNSON CHRIS AND STINA GUDMUNDSON digging up old bones,” concludes Ragnar. The pair have also Moore’s Icelandic Goodies will be available during the Saturday events. The Souvenir Booth will also be researched the impact of a warming climate on the behaviour of selling Icelandic hard fish and Raffle Tickets for the cash raffle-prizes of $1,000 and $500 will be awarded, with the drawing to be held at the conclusion of the Tractor Pull on Sunday, August 4th. Winners need not juvenile cod and Norwegian whaling stations in the Westfjords. be present to win. The Saturday Parade will be broadcast live on KXPO AM 1340. The article in Scientific Reports, “A millennium of trophic For regular updates and new developments on stability in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua): transition to a lower events, follow us on Facebook at “August the Deuce” www.thedeuce.org and converging trophic niche in modern times,” can be found by searching the journal’s website: www.nature.com. VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA Lögberg-Heimskringla • 1 ágúst 2021 • 15 RECORDING FAMILY STORIES: Katrina Anderson did what many of us wished we had done W.D. Valgardson York University. She lived in Victoria, BC Toronto between 1982 and 2018. She founded Yellow have heard many times that Dog Music, an alternative every Icelander wants to teaching studio focused on have published a book by improvisation, composition, and I audio recording. She has also the time he or she dies. I’ve heard it said that we all have worked as a visual artist under a book in us. When Icelanders the pseudonym Fontana Swing. and Icelandic Canadians (You can look at her work at die, they have often wanted www.fontanaswing.ca.) Hallgrímur Pétursson’s Passion She is also the painter of the Hymns on their breast and their vínarterta ladies. The images are autobiography in their right online but the series is long sold hand. out. She is, however, painting That attitude to writers and commissioned vínarterta ladies. writing, especially the writing I know and admire the of one’s life’s story, lies behind Andersons. I’ve been many many of the self-published times to the farm at Libau on autobiographies I have read. the east side of Lake Winnipeg. However, in the case of Katrina The story of Asdis is often Anderson, it would be the filled with sorrow but also with history of her grandmother, strength and determination. This Asdis Sigrun Anderson. is, in many ways, a family book. In the preface to Blessed she Bryce, Gary, Louise, Sylvia, says, “Taking down the stories Jim, Dennis, Marjorie, and Fred and writing this portrait of my are all through the book. It’s not a me book; it’s an us book. Amma Asdis was a natural PHOTO: RACHAEL FAITH ANDERSON continuation for me of the Asdis may not have had deeply enriching experience of did what many of us wished we “My mother often told me … broken handle, I’d like to invite even one cup with a handle family stories. The beginning had done – had discussions with how her family of five crowded the young wife of the road but it didn’t stop her from was one spring afternoon in the our parents or grandparents and into her dad’s open wooden contractor in for tea.’” (This raising children who have kitchen of Amma’s Betelstadur recorded the results. fishing boat along with most related by Gary, Asdis’s son.) accomplished and prospered: apartment in Winnipeg. As we I wished that I had done as of their possessions, including Only the wealthy and Fred with his BComm and sipped steaming hot Red Rose Katrina, asking my grandmother the family cat squeezed into a powerful will have biographies MBA degrees, Marjorie with tea from her Blue Willow cups, and grandfather about their lives cage. Her dad then rowed the written about them because her PhD, Dennis with his BSc, we talked about the ‘olden in Ireland before they came to thirty miles across the lake to the subjects are gossip worthy. MBA, PhD, and presidency of days.’ During our conversation, Canada, about the life they lived their new fishing grounds at the They don’t even have to be Brandon University, Jim with Amma drew a deep breath after they arrived in Winnipeg. mouth of Pruden’s Creek.” well written. We who are not his BA and master’s degrees and said, I wish that one day All I have are a few fragments. He rowed thirty miles! wealthy and powerful need in political science, Sylvia as someone would write my Through persistence and In an open boat! One small to write and publish our own a registered nurse, Louise with stories. determination Katrina captured detail that can fill a reader with biographies. Because of the her BA and BEd, Gary with his “Over the next six years, her grandmother’s life. amazement. Many of today’s years of Katrina’s collecting her work in wholesale plumbing I flew often to Winnipeg to “In the fall of 1920, generation would say it wasn’t grandmother’s stories, Asdis and waterworks, Bryce tape-record my conversations Pabbi heard of better fishing possible. For them, maybe. Not will live on, her tragedies and managing shoe stores across with Amma to make a record conditions at the south end of for the Icelandic immigrants. triumphs will remain for others Western Canada. of her stories. Then, back Lake Winnipeg. He sold our Katrina has an eye for to read and realize what life was Who would know of those home in Toronto, I transcribed, cottage in Husavik and moved detail. One of the anecdotes she like for many. hopes and triumphs from a researched and sometimes lost our family across the lake to collected for the first edition that Katrina says that she farm on the east side of Lake my way, but never let go of a fishing shack tucked among I’ve never forgotten was this: “I moved to Toronto to attend Winnipeg if not for Blessed? my vision. I weeded through a group of willow trees on the know Ma felt isolated at times, countless taped conversations bank of Pruden’s Creek, which and I once heard her say ‘If only and solicited submissions flows into Lake Winnipeg. I had a decent cup without a from family and friends whose memories of Asdis and of life in rural Manitoba during the first half of this century revealed important details and impressions.” I love these kinds of books, crammed with details of how people actually lived. I have often read reports about big events, floods, war, disasters of every kind, smallpox epidemics, earthquake victims, and afterwards I know numbers but the numbers are largely meaningless. What matters are not the numbers but the people they represent, their tragedies and triumphs, which usually translate into the story of one person. Find Your Story Sometimes, Blessed, the Connect with Your Cousins story of Asdis, made my heart ache, not just for her trials and WWW.ICELANDICROOTS.COM tribulations, but because Katrina

VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA 16 • Lögberg-Heimskringla • August 1 2021 is also an incentive to make SA – Business Iceland. The countries is about 6 percent. The changes in various areas. “For shortening of the week on the report covers remunerated work NEWS BRIEFS example, we need to simplify our general labour market and outside the home. regulatory scheme,” according the only public sector has Minister hopes that Icelanders will Icelandic economy strong despite to the finance minister. He said increased Statistic Iceland’s Employees’ travel deemed be able to visit U.S. this summer contraction that an economic turnaround lay (SI) wage index by 1.36 percent working time ruv.is – Foreign Minister TV2 News – The Icelandic ahead. He pointed out that the since January 2020. The ruv.is – The time employees Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson economy remains stronger than report states that the pandemic increase of the wages index of spend travelling to destinations hopes that Icelanders can the economies of other countries has not affected the Icelandic governmental employees is on work trips outside traditional travel to the United States after the major contraction economy as much as in other greater, i.e., about 1.67 percent work hours shall be deemed before the end of summer, but during the coronavirus countries. compared to the 1.22 percent working time. It is not necessary this has not been confirmed. pandemic. Finance Minister increase in the wages index to assess how much work goes Few states in the world have Bjarni Benediktsson said that Lower emissions in 2020 than on the general labour market on during the trips. The EFTA vaccinated as big a percentage a turnaround lay ahead, but it in 2019 due to the shorter workweek. Court states this in an advisory of their population as Iceland. would be necessary to change ruv.is – Greenhouse gas The effect of the workweek’s opinion to the District Court It is therefore likely that some emphases in tourism services emissions in Iceland decreased shortening on the public sector of Reykjavík regarding a case people are considering trips to and the education system. The by 5 percent between 2019 should emerge more clearly brought by an employee of the other countries this summer. Organization for Economic and 2020, according to interim later. It will probably increase Icelandic Transport Authority It is worth mentioning that the Cooperation and Development figures from the Environmental the gap between the government against the Icelandic state. state epidemiologist advises (OECD) presented its report Agency of Iceland. Emissions sector and the general labour The opinion refers to previous people not fully vaccinated, or on the Icelandic economy in from road traffic decreased by market. Also, SA has so far only judgments of the EFTA Court. without confirmed COVID-19 July. The agency publishes 13 percent and emissions from presented an interim assessment They hold that trips that an infection, against going to risky such reports every two years. cooling media by 16 percent. of the effect of the workweek’s employee takes to carry out an areas. The confirmed risky “[It shows] that private On the other hand, the emissions shorter work hours on shift employer’s assignments outside areas are still all countries – consumption in Iceland has been from geothermal power plants workers in the public sector fixed offices are a necessary except Greenland. Iceland was strong, and the buying power increased by 7 percent and that entered into force in May. and unavoidable part of the the first European state that of households has increased emissions from waste by The interim will increase the employee’s completion of his opened its borders to vaccinated despite this pandemic,” said about 12 percent. However, wage index of governmental assignments conscientiously. U.S. people. However, the the finance minister. “What the emissions from road traffic employees by 0.3 percent. United States is still closed to OECD highlights is that when are expected to increase again However, the increase will Iceland will donate Icelanders, whether vaccinated the effects of the pandemic next year because of a bigger probably be more, according to surplus vaccine or not. Guðlaugur Þór said that no longer affect our economy, stream of tourists. Last year, Hannes. Finance Minister Bjarni ruv.is – Iceland is preparing the authorities have taken that it is extremely important for emissions from international Benediktsson has issued the to donate surplus vaccines up many times with the U.S. us to continue investing in flights decreased by 73 percent estimated cost of the shortening to countries needing them, government. For example, innovation and development, and from international sailing of the workweek for the state’s according to Health Minister when U.S. Secretary of State that we consider the aspects in by 58 percent. However, shift workers – about 4.2 billion Svandís Svavarsdóttir. The last Anthony Blinken came to our education system that could that contraction falls outside krónur ($43.1 million Canadian) organized vaccination date was in Iceland for meetings. “We ensure knowledge in the country Iceland’s climate change per year. “If the implementation July. The minister said that, at the have been tireless in getting the that will be utilized in the obligations. Minister for the leads to much more cost for the same time last year, she had not message across that we do not economy over the longer term,” Environment and Resources state than estimated, then the imagined that these vaccination find this acceptable. However, he added. Innovation is the key Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson underlying premises will fail, results would be achieved. She we hope that we are seeing a to economic growth, he said. said that indicators show that and that will eventually call for added that this was close to a parting in these clouds. At least, The plan is to better adapt the Icelanders bought more last a change,” Bjarni said in Alþingi miracle. The health minister said in the latter part of summer. tax subsidy system to smaller year than in 2019. “This is at the end of April. that plans were being drafted However, we still have no innovation companies. The probably because we travelled to donate surplus vaccines in confirmation of this,” said the current system rather appears to more domestically last year [...] Icelandic men’s workweek 12 Iceland to the countries needing foreign minister. benefit bigger companies. There Thus, the project is to turnover percent longer than women’s them. “We will do this according the The vehicle fleetL-H as quicklyPuffin as ruv.is –Shop The difference Kto plans,ID Sin collaboration with the LÖGBERG we can with energy switching, between men’s and women’s United Nations and international and it is quite gratifying to see workweeks (full-time jobs) is collaboration, to send these HEIMSKRINGLA that the import figures for new greatest in Iceland, compared vaccines where they are most The North American Icelandic Community Newspaper . Since 1886 cars show that over 60 percent to other OECD countries. One needed,” said the minister. of them are new energy cars reason for this is that marginal She added that information on Subscribe now to L-H or clean-energy cars,” said taxes on cohabiting women both the quantity of vaccines the perfect investment in your Icelandic heritage 24 Guðmundur Ingi. are greater. Finance Minister and where they would be issues Bjarni Benediktsson said that donated was expected soon. Canada $60 Online subscription a year $45 CAD Effect of shorter workweeks the reason for this had to be Also, which vaccinesI love Amma will be USA $60 US An online subscription is available unclear more closely examined. A new involved will beI love announced. Afi FREE to all print subscribers. toddler shirts Call or e-mail for details. KidsFrettablaðið Pyjamas – “It is report from OECD states this. “These will be the ones that International $70 US established that shorteningDiscover of The the workweekperfect gift offor any Icelandic Icelander! we have to spare. They will be Donation in addition to subscription $ the workweek VISIT: will be WWW.LH-INC.CA more men is usually | [email protected] 12 percent longer | sent204 in284 designated 5686 shipments (Charitable Reg. # 10337 3635 RR001) costly for the public sector than than for women. In Sweden and organized in collaboration Donations are published periodically in L-H. Permission is required to publish donations and donor names. the general labour market,” Norway, this difference appears with the European Union and Amounts under $500: donor name will be published, amount will not be dislcosed. Yes No said Hannes G. Sigurdsson, to be 3 percent and in Denmark our contacts there. And, of Name consultant of the board of it is about 4 percent. The average course, in collaboration with the directors and executive of difference between OECD Ministry for Foreign Affairs.” Address City/Town Prov/State E-mail Post/ZIP Code Phone Fax The L-H Puffin Shop Cheque Money Order (payable to Lögberg-Heimskringla, Inc.)

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VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA Lögberg-Heimskringla • 1 ágúst 2021 • 17 Iceland is world leader at Bifrost University. Seventy- to what Poland is already In 2011, the Federation of EEA, was that Krónan’s loss of in vaccinations one percent of those voting for acquainted with – patrolling Trade and Services (FTS) profit was more than a billion Morgunblaðið – Iceland is the LGM oppose the current the Baltic States’ airspace. initially complained to the krónur,” said Flóki. government coalition, according He pointed out, among other EFTA Surveillance Authority a world leader in vaccination Mackerel, capelin, and against COVID-19. Now, 81.2 to a poll conducted by Maskína. things, that Iceland’s location (ESA) because of the import percent of Icelanders, age 16 Not even one-third of LGM is unique in NATO’s patrolling restrictions. The EFTA Court herring found and older, are fully vaccinated. voters (29 percent) support of the North Atlantic Ocean. ruled the state was in violation ruv.is – Mackerel and In addition, 8.4 percent have further collaboration. This Iceland’s climate, with its in 2017. In 2018, the Supreme herring were seen during the had their first shot of vaccine. position directly opposes the constant change, came under Court of Iceland came to the research voyage of the Árni Consequently, 89.6 percent have stand taken by the government particular consideration during same conclusion in the case of Friðriksson, which is now gotten vaccine. The first shot of parties’ other supporters. The preparations, said Kras. He Fresh Meat Products (Ferskar half finished. However, the vaccine provides considerable poll shows that 88 percent of also considered the coldness Kjötvörur) vs. The State. The biggest surprise has been that protection. Furthermore, Independence Party voters of the North Atlantic Ocean, Icelandic state was ordered to they found capelin up north. there have been no delays in and 82 percent of Progressive and aviators will wear special repay Ferskar kjötvörur its cash This is unusual during summer full vaccination. This means Party voters support continuing survival suits for security. It outlay after being forbidden to expeditions, said ichthyologist that more than three quarters the coalition after elections. will be a new experience for the import fresh filet mignon from Anna Heiða Ólafsdóttir of of the nation have received Eiríkur pointed out that by far wing to work with the Icelandic The Netherlands in 2014. “The the Pelagic Division of the vaccinations (77.6 percent), the greatest opposition to the Coast Guard, According to holding in the case will be a Marine Research Institute. The according to the calculations of government, from the start, has Kras. precedent in various ways,” Árni Friðriksson, along with OurWorldinData.org. been from within the LGM. said Flóki Ásgeirsson about four other ships, are now on Two LGM MPs resigned from Krónan chain demands one billion Krónan’s case against the state. a multinational expedition to Icelandic Sheepdog Day celebrated the party during the current krónur from the state Up to now, comparable cases research the pelagic habitat. One Morgunblaðið – Icelandic term of office. “We have seen vb.is – The supermarket have demanded the state to of its main goals is to assess the Sheepdog Day was formally throughout our political history chain Krónan is demanding repay the cash outlay, but not the scope of mackerel, blue whiting, held for the sixth time this year that both the Independence more than one billion krónur companies’ lost profits. “The and Scando Atlantic herring. at the Árbær Folk Museum in Party and Progressive Party ($10.3 million Canadian) in assessor’s conclusion, based Reykjavík. By custom, July 18 much more heavily emphasize damages from the Icelandic on the price for these supplies Reprinted with permission is designated the Day of the sitting in the government state because of the chain’s in the domestic market, as well from Icelandic News Briefs, Icelandic Sheepdog. It is held than the Left-Greens or their lost profits from 2015 to 2018 as in the internal market of the published by KOM PR. in Iceland and other parts of predecessors. They have held due to import restrictions on much more firmly to a certain fresh meat, eggs, and milk the world. Interest in the day First Lutheran is growing, and many of those specific agenda than to sitting products. Krónan argues that owning Icelandic sheepdogs in the government as such,” he the state’s restrictions violate Church celebrate it with various events said. If the government is to the European Economic 580 Victor Street each year. In Iceland, there are continue unchanged, it must win Area (EEA) Agreement. If Winnipeg R3G 1R2 about 1,000 dogs in the stock of a convincing election. the court rules in favour of 204-772-7444 Krónan, the state can expect purebred Icelandic sheepdogs. Greetings from www.mts.net/~flcwin Each year, from 160 to 200 pups Poles patrol Iceland’s airspace additional demands of billions are born in the country. mbl.is – In the latter part of krónur from companies in Gordon J. Reykdal the same position. “Provisions of July, the Polish Air Force Honorary Consul of the Left-Green groups will speak out was preparing the departure of law and regulations made in campaign of a wing to Iceland to patrol it impossible to import to Republic of Iceland visir .is – Very vocal groups Iceland’s airspace. This is the Iceland raw meat, raw facts, Suite #10250 – 176 Street within the Left-Green Movement first time that the Polish Air and milk products produced Edmonton, Alberta (LGM) will make themselves Force will undertake this task. from unpasteurized milk. T5S 1L2 Worship with us Conditions called for products heard in the upcoming elections. The newsletter of the Polish Cell: 780.497.1480 Sundays 10:30 a.m. They oppose continuing Ministry of Defence, Polska to undergo heating or freezing. E-mail: [email protected] Pastor Michael Kurtz government collaboration Zbrojna, quotes Lt. Col. Michał A judgment of the Supreme with the Progressive Party and Kras, detachment commander, Court of Iceland and judgments Independence Party. This is as saying that the wing will of the EFTA Court deemed this the view of Eiríkur Bergmann, be ready to take off 24/7. The arrangement in contravention make a donation to professor of political science assignment is comparable of the EEA Agreement.” annual giving Lögberg-Heimskringla

CALENDAR OF EVENTS My total gift will be: $ Beginning / Send information to [email protected] I Visit our website: lh-inc.ca I Follow us on facebook and instagram Contributions will be: EVENTS 4001. We are bringing out treasures from our Chicago’s Greater Chicago Icelandic Open, at One Time Monthly Annually 5-Year-Pledge Events storage. 108 - 94 1st St. 204-642-4001. Join us Hilldale Golf Club in Hoffman Estates, 1 p.m. As of print deadline Wednesday 21 July for a virtual tour of the museum. nihm.ca. Price: $38 per player, including a cart. 9-hole Please consider a 5-year-pledge to Lögberg-Heimskringla tournament played in teams of two players. any amount you choose to give is greatly appreciated 21ST ANNUAL GIMLI FILM FESTIVAL FREE AT HOME PROGRAMMING Texas Scramble format. Icelandair $500 gift 12 to 25 July: The 21st annual Gimli Film We were extremely fortunate to receive a certificate (no travel restrictions), will be the Credit Card Cheque (Payable to Lögberg-Heimskringla, Inc.) Festival virtual programming. Virtual lineup grant to offer our programs to everyone, free prize for ‘A Hole in One’ on hole number 8. If of over 100 films on GFF First-ever RBC Sunset of charge; online. All you need is a computer, no one hits a hole in one, the player closest Visa and MasterCard are accepted Drive-In Theatre for 5 nights – Wed 21 July to iPad or phone and the internet and you will be to the pin wins the $500. The Blue Lagoon Sun 25 July – with nightly screenings at 10 pm. able to join our programs. We even have some donates skin products for everyone plus more Credit Card # Expiry Date / Reserve and check out more details on GFF’s iPads to borrow if you need. New and regular prizes and donations. Awards ceremony after website. gimlifilm.com programs offered. Check website for more the round where we’ll enjoy food and drinks. Cardholder Name details. nihm.ca. Remember, we’ve sold out before so secure FRIDAY 30 JULY TO SUNDAY 1 AUGUST your spot. Reservation: email Einar Steinsson Signature Mountain, ND: 122nd Annual Deuce of SportsSPORTS at [email protected] or call 773- August Icelandic celebration. See page 2 and 489-4621. Pay online: icelandchicago.org Name 14 for more details. Gimli, MB: Save the date for the annual Icelandic Open Golf Tournament in support FALL 2022 Street Address 30 JULY TO 2 AUGUST of Lögberg-Heimskringla. Watch for further Minot, ND: Norsk Høstfest plans for the 2022 Gimli, MB: 132nd Íslendingadagurinn, details about the rescheduling. lh-inc.ca festival under the leadership of a new board of City, Province/State, Postal/ZIP Code "Icelandic at Heart / Íslenskt Innst Inni". Virtual, directors and president. The decision to cancel hybrid, in-person festival. Full schedule and SUNDAY 19 SEPTEMBER the 2021 festival was unavoidable. Exact dates Home Phone Business safety plan. icelandicfestival.com Chicago, IL: Icelandic Association of TBA in the coming months. hostfest.com Mobile Date SATURDAY 25 SEPTEMBER Kvennahlaup 2021 in Iceland and Gimli. A ARBORG PHARMACY Email notice will be sent out again closer to the walk SHARED WISDOM • SHARED COMMITMENT • SHARED VALUES Pre-Authorized Payments Available date with more details. Please contact: [email protected] | Tel: (204) 284 5686 Ext. 106 Box 640, Arborg, MB R0C 0A0 Fax: (204) 284 7099 | Toll-free: 1-866-564-2374 (1-866-LOGBERG) NEW ICELAND HERITAGE MUSEUM a charitable receipt will be issued for any amount over $20 Gimli, MB: The New Iceland Heritage Pharmacist: V. T. Eyolfson Ph: 204-376-5153 Museum. On display now "From the Attic." Mail or fax the completed form to: Lögberg-Heimskringla Inc. NIHM is allowed to operate under the fully Store Hours: Mon. - Sat. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. 835 Marion Street, Winnipeg, MB R2J 0K6 Canada Telephone: (204) 284 5686 | Fax: (204) 284 7099 | Email: [email protected] vaccinated requirement. Check website for Fri. 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sun. noon - 6 p.m. more details. nihm.ca. 108 - 94 1st St. 204-642- or donate online on our secure website: www.lh-inc.ca VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA 18 • Lögberg-Heimskringla • August 1 2021 DISCOVER How three damsels went to fetch fire THE here dwelt once an old meat for herself, without any Then she heard someone inside GIMLI man and old woman in delicacy. While she was eating, it say: “Will you have me with their cottage near the a fearful big dog came to her, you, or against you?” Helga T and went wagging round her, sea, but far away from all the answered: “It is a common SAGA populated parts of the land. as if asking her for something saying that nothing is so bad, They had three daughters, to eat. But she gave him a as not to be better with one than www.gimlisaga.com the eldest named Ingibjörg, kick instead of meat, which so against one. But not knowing the second Sigríður, and the roused the savage beast that he whether you are so bad, I will youngest Helga. The eldest bit off her hand. Ingibjörg was happily have you with me!” daughters were great pets, but so frightened that she dared to She then went on till she the youngest the parents visited stay no longer, but left without came to the same cave as her CHICKEN CHEF their spite upon, although she fire, and came home to her sisters had reached before her. FAMILY RESTAURANT was, in every way, better than cottage and told her mishap, When she entered it, it was all her sisters. Helga was not and the whole family wondered in the same state as before. But trusted to do anything, for the not a little at such a strange Helga proceeded differently DOWNTOWN GIMLI parents always said that she was adventure. than her sisters. She cooked the a good-for-nothing girl; and Although it was now meat in the kettle and baked the OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK therefore, her only work was deemed no pleasure-trip, nor flatbreads well and carefully to wait upon the family and run even an easy matter, to fetch without even tasting the meal, n NEWLY REDECORATED OPEN about for them. the fire, yet it was decided that although she was very hungry, BRIGHT DINING ROOM Once it so happened that the second pet-child, Sigríður, the scrapings and dirty slops that NOW FULLY the fire in the cottage went should go to fetch the much- she had been fed with at home n FULL SERVICE FAMILY DINING out, and it was a mighty long wanted tire. This the old parents no longer satisfying her craving LICENSED FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND way that one had to go to fetch settled because they feared that, stomach. Neither would she DINNER fire. Ingibjörg, therefore, was if the youngest was sent, she take the fire before she had the sent away to fetch the fire. would run away, most likely, permission of the cave-owner. n TAKE-OUT AND CATERING She started, and when she had and never show herself again, And as she was quite faint with SERVICES AVAILABLE ANYTIME walked for a while, she passed as she had but few pleasures weariness, she made up her mind a mound in which she heard a and less kindness to part from; to rest there and wait for the voice saying: “Which do you and if things should so happen, master; but all around her was like to have me, – with you, they saw that there would be so huge in size and appearance or against you?” Ingibjörg, nobody left at home to put their that she sat down and looked Gleðilega hátíð! thinking that this was addressed spite upon, nor who would about her with fear and awe. to herself, said: “It matters not; be as a slave to them and the While she was thinking I care not, in the least, which sisters. For this reason, Sigríður where she should fling you are.” Then she went on till was sent, and not Helga. Now, herself down, she heard great she came to a cave, where she to use few words, we may rumblings, as if the cave were saw fire enough. On the hearth say that it fared with Sigríður going to fall in. And she soon 28 Centre Street in Gimli (204) 642-8588 there was standing a kettle, full entirely as with her sister, save saw entering it a huge giant, of half- cooked meat. She also only that the big dog in the cave fearfully ugly, accompanied by saw some unbaked flatbreads in took leave of her by biting off a great and savage-looking dog. a trough by the hearth. But not her nose. Therefore, she came She was dreadfully frightened. one person did she see, nor any home again to the cottage, But she plucked up a little living being. noseless and fireless. courage when the giant spoke Now Ingibjörg was rather Now the old man and to her kindly, and said: “You hungry after the long walk, so his wife were quite out of have done well, and performed she kindled as big a fire as she themselves with anger, and in carefully what was needed here, possibly could under the kettle their rage, ordered the outcast, so it is just that you should Chartered roessional Accountants in order to get the meat done Helga, to go her way, as it was receive some reward for your more quickly, and baked the only painful to them to have her trouble and dine with me, and Martin K. Anderson, CPA, CA flatbreads at the same time. before their eyes. They bade her then rest yourself here tonight, One of these she baked well to bring back the fire. whether you sleep with my dog D. 780.420.4760 for herself, but the others she So Helga went her way, or with me.” burnt, so that they could not be and came to the mound, as her Then the giant brought food E. [email protected] eaten. After that she took of the sisters had done before her. for Helga, who ate as much Suite 1500, 9888 Jasper Avenue of it as she wanted. After that, she lay down in the dog’s lair, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 5C6 for as frightful as the dog was, the giant was ten times more nd so. When Helga had lain a little while, she heard such a Enjoy the 132 terrible thump that the cave all trembled. She was very much frightened at this, and the giant Íslendingadagurinn! called out to her, saying: “If you are afraid, Helga, you may creep up on to the footstool Gleðilega Hátið! at my bedside.” She did so, but soon there came another thundering thump, worse by far than the first one. Then the giant offered to let Helga sit on his bed, if she liked. She accepted the offer. Soon came a third and far louder thump than the first ones. Then, the giant said that Helga should come into the bed and sit at his feet. But no sooner was she there than a fourth crash came, so violent that VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA Lögberg-Heimskringla • 1 ágúst 2021 • 19 everything cracked, as if the crofter and his old wife to have cave were going to burst down. once more fire in the house. But Then the giant bade Helga to when Helga showed them the come and lie down at his side; chest, and the fine things in it, and in her deadly despair she they were all taken from her, did so gladly. And in the same and her parents and sisters were moment, the giant’s shape fell glad enough to have these costly off, and Helga saw a young and ornaments for themselves. Of beautiful prince resting in the the tunic, however, no one bed at her side. She did not delay knew a whit. an instant, but seized the troll’s- Now time passed on, and shape and burnt it to ashes. nothing of note came to pass Then the king’s son thanked in the cottage, until one day, Helga, with great affection, for a vessel was seen sailing up having released him from this from the open sea, and a stately loathsome spell. And thus they vessel it was. It anchored slept quietly in the cave, the rest opposite the cottage and the old of that night. man went down to the shore, Next morning, the prince for he was curious to know who told Helga all about his life – of was the master of it. He spoke the spell that had been laid on to the master, but neither did he him, of his wealth, family, and know him, nor did the other say kingdom. He promised to fetch who he was. The stranger was her later, if she would agree to very inquisitive, and wanted to marry him, and you may guess know, among other things, how how readily the poor man’s many people lived in the cottage IMAGE: KATERINA –ENRIQUE MESEGUER /PIXABAY daughter complied with the and how many children the man The third sister, Helga, returned bearing fire prince’s wish. She then told him had. The old man said that, in all about herself, of her errand, his cottage, there were only to be true, but when the other sudden change, all the others with her into his own kingdom, and of her sisters’ missions. On himself, his old wife, and two began to press him more about stood silent with astonishment. where he married her. They his departure, the prince gave daughters of theirs. The stranger it, he said he had a creature that Then the stranger turned to loved each other long and well, Helga a tunic and bade her asked to be allowed to see the he knew not whether to regard another style of speech, and had children and grandchildren, to wear it under her clothes, daughters, and the man said he as a human being or a monster. sharply scolded the parents and prospered till death. And letting nobody see it. He also was welcome. He now fetched The stranger asked to see her; and sisters for their unnatural farther this story is not known gave her a chest, with all sorts his daughters, who made their and the old man then went for treatment of Helga. He stripped to us. of precious things in it, and two appearance in the fine clothes Helga, and brought her back the elder sisters of their state A folktale from the collection beautiful dresses. He bade her that formerly were in the chest. with him, dirty as she was and attire, saying it was stolen, and of Jón Árnason (1819-1888), not hide the chest, but show it, The stranger told the old man he in ragged clothes. But when she flung to them the rags of Helga, Íslenzkar þjóðsögur og ævintýry as it would most likely be taken liked his daughters very much, came, the stranger tore off her telling them all their story and (Icelandic Folk Tales and from her when she got home. but asked why one had her hand rags, and lo! she came forth in who he was. Leaving behind Legends), adapted slightly from When Helga was ready to start, in her bosom and the other her a shining tunic, far finer than the crofter and the elder sisters, the translation by George E.J. the dog came to her, and gave handkerchief over her nose. the dresses of her sisters. At this he took Helga, and sailed away Powell and Eiríkur Magnússon. her its forepaw, upon which was They were obliged, willing or a beautiful ring that Helga also unwilling, to show the cause of took. After this, the king’s son this. The stranger thought their and the crofter’s daughter took beauty greatly impaired by this, an affectionate leave of one but could not get them to tell another, and Helga made her him how it had been brought A LONG STANDING TRADITION way home with all haste, along about. THE ONLY FUNERAL HOME OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE BARDAL FAMILY with the tunic, the chest, and the Next he asked of the old fire – not a little light in heart. man, if it was true that he had no She took the fire into the more daughters than these two. cottage, and happy were the This the old man declared at first

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VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA 20 • Lögberg-Heimskringla • August 1 2021 Anna Stevens symbolizes hope, happiness, and endurance as Fjallkona or the second year in Festival of Manitoba. “Anna league events ever since. a row, Anna Stevens is the perfect choice to lead Active in the Gimli Fwill be the Fjallkona at the festival out of these tough Lutheran Church for most of Íslendingadagurinn – a first times and serve as a symbol her life, she has always been in the history of the Icelandic of hope, happiness, endurance willing to take an active role and Icelandic pride,” said in church events. She sang in the announcement from the the church choir, directed the Icelandic Festival. Icelandic Children’s Choir, and “She is as quick with a cup frequently sings with the Happy of coffee and a dainty as she Hour group at Betel. is with a hug and a kiss,” said An avid knitter, she has IFM president Jenna Boholij created hundred of traditional last year, “and like everyone Icelandic sweaters, as well as that knows Anna would agree, mitts and hat and other woollen she is a ray of sunshine and an items. She was even featured eternal optimist.” along with her sister-in-law, Anna was born in 1923 Diddy Arnason, in Canadian – just one year before the Living magazine, where they first Fjallkona presided at introduced knitters across the Íslendingadagurinn – the country to the craft of knitting daughter of Jóhann Vilhjálmur Icelandic sweaters. (Villi) Jóhannsson and Guðrún “The Fjallkona is Iceland Björg Björnsdóttir Johnson. and the Icelanders are her PHOTO: ICELANDIC FESTIVAL OF MANITOBA She has lived in Gimli her children,” according to the Left: Anna Stevens on the entire life and has attended Icelandic Festival of Manitoba. Main Stage of Gimli Park, every Íslendingadagurinn since The earliest image of the where the Traditional she was born. She married Fjallkona appeared in a 1752 Program takes place. Elert Stevens and they raised poem by Eggert Ólafsson Above:Anna Stevens at five children together: Judy, and the ideal was given the PHOTO: LEIF NORMAN / ICELANDIC FESTIVAL OF MANITOBA Viking Park in Gimli. Heather, Sharon, Deanne, and name fjallkonan in Bjarni Glen. Through them, they have Thórarensen’s poem “Eldgamla dozens of grandchildren and Ísafold” in the early years of the great-grandchildren. 19th century. In 1924, the role Anna is a life member of of Fjallkona was introduced the Gimli Icelandic Canadian at Íslendingadagurinn as a Society, having become a personification of Iceland member of the Gimli chapter of – its beauty, dignity, and the Icelandic National League strength. The Fjallkona has when she was 16, and she has been the ceremonial centre of been an active participant in Íslendingadagurinn ever since.

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