LÖGBERG HEIMSKRINGLA The Icelandic Community Newspaper • 1 August 2020 • Number 15 / Númer 15 • 1. ágúst 2020

Publication Mail Agreement No. 40012014 ISSN: 0047-4967 INSIDE There is no typical day in the life of an ambassador

Stefan Jonasson

No day is a typical day,” declared Bergdís Ellertsdóttir, Iceland’s ambassador in Washington, DC. “I check my calendar every morning when I wake up, but then everything changes. … Anything can happen.” She spent last Easter, for instance, calling Icelanders Dinged and across the U.S. and Mexico to see how they were doing. Deuced “Bergdís arrived in Washington last September, the first woman to serve as This month’s celebrations Iceland’s ambassador to the United States. / pages 2-3 “For us, Washington is a very important post,” she said, so she was “thrilled and honoured” to be named ambassador to the U.S. “It has been a very good experience” so far. The ambassador recently participated in a webinar sponsored by the Icelandic National League of the United States. The PHOTO: LINDA VOPNFORD RILEY event was hosted by INLUS president Dianne O’Konski and featured Bergdís in Íslendingadagurinn conversation with Katrín Sigurðardóttir, Ambassador Bergdís Ellertsdóttir honorary consul of Iceland in Minneapolis. memories “I grew up in Reykjavík, like most The many meanings of a people these days,” Bergdís replied when festival / pages 6, 8 and 9 asked where she’s from. “I even grew up in Breiðholt, which is the first kind of real suburb in Reykjavík.” But her ancestral roots are in the Westfjords, where her mother’s family is from, while her father’s family was from the rural district east of Selfoss in South Iceland. “When I was growing up, people in Iceland didn’t really travel,” she recalled. PHOTO: STEFAN JONASSON She first ventured abroad herself shortly INLUS President Dianne O’Konski Honorary Consul Katrín Sigurðardóttir after her confirmation when she visited her Outlaws paternal aunt in Denmark. When she was the economic relationship with the U.S.” This wide range of concerns and Famed figures from sagas and hired by the Foreign Ministry at the end Finally, the Arctic is an increasingly activities can be challenging for a small folklore / pages 12-13 of 1991, her friends joked, “That’s what important area of concern. “That is the diplomatic mission. “You never know you always wanted to do.” She worked in primary interest for the U.S when it comes what will happen. It’s very varied and you the ministry’s trade department before her to Iceland these days.” have so many issues. Maybe the downside first foreign posting to Bonn, which was “Our strategic importance is growing is that you have to try to look like an expert then still the capital of Germany. and the Arctic plays a big role here,” on many issues that you don’t know that Bergdís arrived in Washington well especially regarding security and defence, much about.” prepared for her role there, bringing a according to the ambassador. Recent “Things are relative,” when it comes wealth of knowledge on security and visits by Vice President Mike Pence to trade matters, so Iceland shouldn’t be defence issues, trade issues, and experience and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo deterred by its relatively small size as a from her earlier diplomatic posts. “When demonstrate that “there is renewed interest nation. “For the U.S., most partners are we are working on U.S.-Iceland relations, in Iceland in the administration.” And small partners. … That in itself is not an there are three main issues,” she noted. Iceland’s foreign minister, Guðlaugur Þór issue.” For instance, “Iceland provides 16 The first concern revolves around security Þórðarson, has reciprocated their visits. percent of all cod that is consumed in the and defence. “We still have the Bilateral While those three issues dominate U.S. That is a big thing. … We shouldn’t Defence Agreement with the U.S., even relations between the two governments, be thinking small or big partners.” The if our relationship has changed since the general public is more interested in important question to ask is: “What can they closed the base in 2006,” she said. education, culture, and tourism. And for we bring to the table?” Notwithstanding Trade and economic cooperation is also Icelanders living in the U.S., the embassy its size, Iceland is “an interesting partner important, and the current foreign minister provides consular services, “assisting for the U.S.” is “very keen on deepening and expanding Icelanders in various ways.” ... continued on page 4 FESTIVAL ISSUE 2020

VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA 2 • Lögberg-Heimskringla • August 1 2020 ICELANDIC AT HOME – the 131st Icelandic Festival of Manitoba takes to the airwaves slendingadagurinn is many the Icelandic community and Icelandic” video, and learn a things to many people, culture in a meaningful way. new phrase or two. Aspiring Íbut at the heart, it’s the The virtual festival content and writers can join Ben Sigurdson, celebration of Icelandic culture information can be found on literary editor and drinks writer, and heritage. This year, despite icelandicfestival.com, through for a video interview with best- the COVID-19 situation the festival’s social media selling Icelandic crime writer, affecting our ability to host channels, and on the Shaw Yrsa Sigurðardóttir. in-person festival events, we Spotlight Channel. Music lovers will be able will continue to celebrate and Arts and culture are to enjoy video performances bring people together from important aspects of Icelandic from Canadian and Icelandic across the street and around the heritage and both will continue musicians throughout the world with the virtual festival – to be showcased this year. This weekend. The Music on the “Icelandic at Home / Heima er year’s virtual fashion show Rooftop video, shot in beautiful Best (Home is Best).” video will highlight traditional Johnson Hall in Gimli, features “The Icelandic Festival dress from Iceland. The music from Todd Martin, Aaron was provided with the unique virtual art show will feature Shorr, David Landreth and opportunity to reach and photos and descriptions of the Cody Iwasuik. The Saturday involve people around the Icelandic Festival Purchase Nite Music from Iceland “Icelandic at Home” lawn signs are available from the world like we have never done Collection. This includes video takes us on a musical Icelandic Festival of Manitoba before,” says Icelandic Festival winners of the annual art show tour around the island. The president Jenna Boholij. since its inception. Alternative Folk Festival video, Arna Sigurbjörnsdóttir for special guest appearances “We’ve received heartfelt The virtual Icelandic shot at the West End Cultural (who will make an exciting throughout the virtual festival messages from people across Culture and Heritage Pavilion Centre, features performances announcement), Consul General videos. the continent who are thrilled features videos on how to make by Manitoba musicians Guðmundur Árni Stefánsson, The 52nd annual 10-Mile, with the chance to attend the delicious Icelandic delicacies; D.Rangers, Leaf Rapids, Efflo, and James Bezan, MP for second annual 5-Kilometre, and festival virtually this year.” rullupylsa, vínarterta and and The Mariachi Ghost. Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman. 28th annual 1-Mile races are still The Icelandic Festival pönnukökur. After you’ve Thanks to support from Jóel Friðfinnsson, an taking place – virtually! Over has created a series of online had your fill of those treats, our friends at Visit Reykjavík active member of the Icelandic 215 runners have registered so videos and virtual events practice your Icelandic with the and Visit Westfjords, we will Canadian community, will far to run and submit their times that will connect people to “Kaffi Tími – Conversations in feature videos that give you an deliver the Toast to Iceland. The between July 19th and August inside view of Iceland, in “Ask program will feature musical 2nd, 2020, with ages ranging an Icelander: Westfjords,” and performances by Icelandic from seven years old to 83 years “Reykjavík for Insiders.” mezzo-soprano Hanna Dóra old. The 5-Kilometre is sold out Explore the rich history Sturludóttir, accompanied by for the second year running, of Íslendingadagurinn and pianist Snorri Sigfús Birgisson. but spaces are still available Icelandic immigrants in the The Viking Park in the 10-Mile and 1-Mile Parade History video and the Connectivity Project has races. Runners can register at Icelandic Winnipeg Tour video begun, together with the Rural icelandicfestival.com with Stefan Jonasson. Municipality of Gimli and In keeping with tradition We are proud to host a Betel Home Foundation. This we will continue to print virtual Traditional Program project will connect Viking our festival program and Scott Johannson CPA, CA and bring video greetings from Park in Gimli to First Avenue offer festival souvenirs and Icelandic Festival President and Centre Street, creating a merchandise through our online d. 204.985.4008 GLEÐILEGA m. 204.985.6767 Jenna Boholij, Lieutenant park-like feel. Donation and store and gift shop in Gimli. f. 204.255.6045 Governor Janice Filmon, recognition opportunities will Those looking to get into HÁTÍÐ! e. [email protected] President of Iceland Guðni Th. continue to be available at a the festival spirit can take part 25 St. Anne’s Road Jóhannesson, 2020 Fjallkona variety of levels. in our Sandcastle photo contest, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2M 2Y1 Anna Stevens, Premier Speaking of Vikings, Family Scavenger Hunt, and Brian Pallister, Iceland’s Íslendingadagurinn wouldn’t be Lawn Parade contest. www.onbusiness.ca Minister of Justice Áslaug complete without them – look We will be able to host the virtual festival for all to enjoy with the support of our sponsors, including the Government of Canada, the Government of Iceland, Scholarships the Embassy of Iceland, the Province of Manitoba, the offered RM of Gimli, Honest Agency, Icelandair, Iceland Naturally, and other corporate and individual donors. The COVID-19 pandemic The Canada Iceland Foundation is an organization funded by Canadians of has significantly affected Icelandic descent, dedicated to the preservation of their cultural heritage the festival financially and any donations are greatly appreciated. Please THE FOUNDATION GRANTS SEVERAL SCHOLARSHIPS UPON APPLICATION EVERY YEAR donate via the website, the WE INVITE STUDENTS TO APPLY FOR THE SCHOLARSHIPS ON OUR WEBSITE AT: office, and facebook.com/ icelandicfestival. For a full schedule of WWW.CANADAICELANDFOUNDATION.CA virtual events please visit icelandicfestival.com or follow our social media channels. Application deadline September 30th, 2020 From the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba. VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA Lögberg-Heimskringla • 1. ágúst 2020 • 3 Icelandic Lopapeysa now a registered trademark

Háskóli Íslands – The “Icelandic Lopapeysa” is now a registered trademark, according to a ruling by the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority. The Handknitting Association of Iceland was the applicant, along with other vendors, and the application was based on the academic writings of Ásdís Jóelsdóttir, lecturer in textile and design in the University of Iceland’s School of Education. Ásdís has studied the origins, history, and design of the Icelandic Lopapeysa for years and issued a peer reviewed publication on her research in 2017. Ásdís, who has also been the spokesperson for the applicants, says this is a vital step for all knitters, designers, and producers of the Icelandic Lopapeysa. “It is an all Icelandic design originating in knitting and pattern traditions from the middle of the 20th century, but with roots in traditional Icelandic knitting techniques and its pattern prototypes date many centuries back,” says Ásdís. The application of the Handknitting Association of Iceland shows that sales and demand for the Icelandic PHOTO: UNIVERSITY OF ICELAND PHOTO: HANDKNITTING ASSOCIATION OF ICELAND Lopapeysa has increased considerably, and tourists are Ásdís Jóelsdóttir, lecturer in textile The Icelandic Lopapeysa has become increasingly more very interested in it. The registration of the trademark is and design at the University popular in recent years, not least due to the number of thus an important step in ensuring the authenticity (and of Iceland tourists visiting the country. traceability) of the sweater – to know that it is really made of Icelandic wool and handknitted in Iceland. wool used in the sweater must be new wool – i.e., not yoke, worked in the round; (5) the sweater must be There are seven main criteria for a sweater to be recycled; (3) the sweater must be knitted with wool, handknitted in Iceland; (6) the sweater must be knitted Icelandic Lopapeysa: (1) wool used in the Icelandic such as un-spun Icelandic lopi wheels, léttlopi, or in a ring without stitches (not assembled); and (7) the Lopapeysa must be sheared from Icelandic sheep; (2) Álafoss lopi; (4) the sweater should have a patterned sweater must be open or whole. DEUCE OF AUGUST PROCEEDING WITH THE ESSENTIALS

I am pleased to report caution everyone to remember The Deuce website.) come, first served basis. at noon. Details about these that the 121st Annual that “some events could be The Heritage Program will Icelandic Roots will open events are available at The Deuce of August subject to cancellation or be presented on the big screen its genealogy room online Deuce website. Icelandic Celebration will modification,” so it’s best to in the Mountain Community on Friday, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., “We hope to see you at The take place, but in the face of check online for the latest Center and it will also be and again on Saturday, 11:00 Deuce,” says Curtis Olafson, today’s pandemic, it will be updates about Deuce of August offered online in webinar a.m. to noon. The Icelandic “but our first and foremost modified to do everything activities at thedeuce.org. format. Limited in-person National League of the United wish is that we all stay safe we can to keep everyone The parade will make its seating will be available at the States will host an introductory and enjoy good health and as safe as possible,” states way along Main Street on community center on a first webinar online on Saturday happiness!” – SMJ Curtis“ Olafson, president of Saturday, August 1, at 10:30 the Icelandic Communities a.m. In addition to maintaining Association. “While we will appropriate physical do everything we can to distancing, participants in the provide as safe an environment parade are asked not to throw as possible, everyone needs to candy this year – a much-loved make their own decisions on tradition that will be revived whether to attend any of the at future celebrations when The Consulate General of Iceland events during the weekend. If it’s safe to do so. This year’s sends its very best wishes for a festive Íslendingadagurinn in Gimli you or someone close to you is honorary parade marshal is vulnerable, or if, for whatever George Freeman. The parade as well as to the August the Deuce festival in Mountain and reason, you are worried about will be broadcast live on KXPO to all the readers of Lögberg-Heimskringla. your health, you should stay 1340 AM. Souvenir sales and home this year and resolve to food vendors will be available “Like” us on Facebook: gear up for the celebration next on Main Street throughout the Consulate General of Iceland in Winnipeg year when we will hopefully day. The souvenir booth will be able to get back to normal.” also be selling harðfiskur and Consulate General of Iceland This year’s celebration will raffle tickets. (Some souvenirs 1 Wellington Crescent, Suite 100, Winnipeg, MB, R3M 3Z2, Canada proceed with the essentials: are already available online at tel: +1 (204) 284 1535 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.iceland.is/ca/win the Saturday morning parade, Saturday afternoon Heritage Program, the popular Icelandic Roots genealogy room, which will be offered virtually this icelandicfestival.com year, and a Sunday morning worship service at the Gardar Town Church. There are tentative plans to hold the Mountain American Legion fish fry on Friday evening, and a noon-hour car show-and- shine on Saturday. A pancake and sausage breakfast will be offered on Saturday morning. (Event details and times can be found in the Deuce of August ad on page 19 of this issue.) The celebration organizers VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA 4 • Lögberg-Heimskringla • August 1 2020 Stefan’s Saga Party like it's 1943 anticipation of this day) and my I’m something of a homebody the Þjóðræknisfélag Íslendinga grandmother prepared supper and I enjoy companions more meeting or Menningarnótt, as for the people who would gather than crowds. I had planned. But I’m puzzled later in the day to celebrate my So I have to admit that I’ve by those whose need to be part parents’ nuptials. They were been doing well during these of a crowd leads them to risk married, spent their wedding months of self-isolation. While their physical health during a Lögberg- night at the St. Charles Hotel others feel trapped and complain pandemic in order to satisfy because there was no room at of cabin fever, I enjoy the quiet their psychological needs. HeimskringlaPublished 24 times a year by Lögberg-Heimskringla, Incorporated the Marlborough – which may solitude of home. Of course, So I’m going to party Heimskringla stofnað 9. september 1886 be a good thing since there was a I’ve worked mostly from a like it’s 1943 – that is to Lögberg stofnað 14. janúar 1888 murder at the Marlborough that home office for three decades, say, I’m going to attend Sameinuð 1959 night, and on their second day as so my daily routine hasn’t Íslendingadagurinn in the same 835 MARION STREET a married couple, Dad boarded been affected much in recent way my parents got married – in WINNIPEG, MB R2J 0K6 Stefan Jonasson PHONE: (204) 284-5686 Editor the train for Camp Borden. He months. Other than needing the comfort of my living room. RECEPTION: EXTENSION 101 returned home on leave just to organize my shopping trips I’ll watch the videos, I’ll wave TOLL FREE: 1-866-564-2374 FAX: (204) 284-7099 y parents were married once before going overseas. more carefully, and cook more my flag, and I may even open a WWW.LH-INC.CA in a small ceremony When I asked my mother if home meals than I’m used to, bottle of brennivín and “ding” [email protected] in my grandparents’ she had any regrets about not I’m pretty much carrying on as myself. I’ll probably even sing M Ja, ja, ding dong just to amuse living room in 1943. It was having a big church wedding, normal. a modest affair, precipitated she said she didn’t and suggested I did miss being able to others. I might slip across the Office Hours: by the news that Dad was to she was glad that circumstances attend the Icelandic National virtual border and see what’s 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon. - Fri. leave the following day for eliminated the option. Besides, League convention and Jon happening on the other side of CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER training down east before being lots of people got married in Sigurdsson Day celebrations. the line. I’ll celebrate quietly Audrey Juve Kwasnica deployed to England with the ministers’ studies in those days, And it will seem strange to be with family and a few close 204.284.5686 Ext. 106 • [email protected] Canadian Army. They secured a so she was happy they could at home on the long weekend in friends, hoping that next year EDITOR Stefan Jonasson minister, picked up their licence, be married at home. No fuss, August, which would normally we’ll be together again and 204.284.5686 Ext. 102 • [email protected] got letters of permission from no bother, no pretence – just find me in Gimli – albeit I’ll hover near the edge of the PRODUCTION MANAGER / the company of family and a hovering around the edges of crowd. As Vera Lynn used to LAYOUT and DESIGN EDITOR Dad’s commanding officer and Catherine McConnell mother (since he was underage), few close friends. My parents the crowd – or slipping across sing, “We’ll meet again / Don’t 204.284.5686 Ext. 103 • [email protected] contacted friends, and dressed were the kind of people who the currently closed border know where / Don’t know when ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE / PRODUCTION ASSISTANT up for the occasion. In the preferred small cafés to crowded between Manitoba and North / But I know we’ll meet again Jodi Dunlop meantime, my grandfather bars, living rooms to ballrooms, Dakota to visit Mountain. And some sunny day.” 204.284.5686 Ext. 104 • [email protected] cashed in his ration coupons for and a few reliable friends to the I regret that I won’t make it to PRINTING: The Winnipeg Sun alcohol (which he had saved in uncertain multitudes. Like them, Reykjavík this summer to attend Commercial Print Division PM No. 40012014

No typical day ... continued from page 1 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT: Alicyn Goodman The Icelandic communities in the U.S., as most diplomatic of responses. “The thing with VICE PRESIDENT: Gunnvör Asmundsson TREASURER: BIll Perlmutter well as individual Icelanders, help Iceland’s racism is … it’s all over the place. It’s also in diplomatic efforts through networking and Iceland. … We all need to look into our own BOARD MEMBERS Margaret Amirault Kendra Jonasson educating people about Iceland, increasing societies and we need to see how we can fight Fred Bjarnason Dianne O'Konski awareness of the country, its culture, and its this. … I think we can all learn from each Shawn Bjornsson Erna Pomrenke trade possibilities. “It’s important that we have other.” Bruce Eyford Ian Wood people with local knowledge. … All networks Once it becomes safer to travel again, the NEWS CONTRIBUTORS can be useful to us.” ambassador hopes to visit different places in CANADA Karen Botting Winnipeg MB One of the positive consequences of the the U.S., including the country’s Icelandic Joel Friðfinnsson Geysir MB coronavirus pandemic has been increased communities. “There are so many places you Stuart Houston Saskatoon SK Signý McInnis Arborg MB coordination and collaboration between the need to see in the U.S. It’s such a vast and Paul Park Ottawa ON Icelandic embassies in Washington and Ottawa. beautiful country.” USA L-H DEADLINES Shirley J. Olgeirson Bismarck ND Bergdís meets virtually with Ambassador Bergdís has enjoyed her time in America, Rob Olason Bellingham WA Pétur Ásgeirsson, her counterpart in Ottawa, but she conceded there are some things she EDITORIAL SUBMISSION Steingrimur Steinolfson Bloomington MN DEADLINES FOR ICELAND and this will continue moving forward. misses about home. “I miss the pools – the Kent Björnsson Reykjavík Ísland Asked about Icelanders’ perspectives swimming pools, of course,” adding that, when AUGUST 15, ISSUE 16 Tuesday August 4 SUBSCRIPTIONS on civil unrest and racism in the U.S., as she returns home to Iceland, “I look forward to SUBSCRIPTION: 24 issues/year reported in the media, Bergdís offered the the air. I look forward to breathing.” FINAL EDITORIAL DEADLINE – Canada: $60 USA: $60 US BREAKING NEWS ONLY International: $70 US Friday August 7 L-H online is free to all print subscribers Please advise the editor in advance if you are Online only: $45 CAD, payable in advance sending a submission for the final deadline The Second Edition of this DONATIONS SILVER AWARD, CANADA FOOD CULTURE TASTE CANADA WINNER | GOLD AWARD, SPECIAL INTEREST FOOD & BEVERAGE FINAL ADVERTISING DEADLINE All donations to award winning book is Lögberg-Heimskringla Inc. are

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VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA Lögberg-Heimskringla • 1. ágúst 2020 • 5 Model T Every summer, at Íslendingadagurinn, we gather The long road to Íslendingadagurinn for the first long weekend in August. At one time, W.D. Valgardson for them. It was probably the air force kids whose lives had Victoria, BC unpredictability that the frost seemed so strange, we became I often set up a table at the dock on the Saturday, boils gave to the bounce. It took not immigrants but itinerant hen my father a lot of study to figure out what workers, pursuing jobs or then at the park for the Sunday and Monday, to needed some way of angle a ball might fly off in ambition or love. sell books. And doing that for a number of years Wtransporting himself when it came in contact with a Every summer, at and his fishing equipment, he frost boil. If they had frost boils Íslendingadagurinn, we gather bought a Model T. It was black, at Wimbledon we could have for the first long weekend in in a row, you end up seeing nearly everyone. Last had high square sides and a flat been champions. August. At one time, I often time, when people stopped to say hello, they roof and a battery that fell out Life in Gimli was as set up a table at the dock on if you hit a pothole. First he cut unpredictable as that court. the Saturday, then at the park were thinner on top, heavier at the waist, trailing out the back, then he ripped out There were the vagaries of the for the Sunday and Monday, to the rear seats. He could throw weather. Office workers can sell books. And doing that for a kids or, in recent years, grandkids. anchors, buoy poles, fish boxes usually ignore the weather number of years in a row, you full of nets, an outboard motor but there were only two office end up seeing nearly everyone. or two into it, and then drive workers in town. Most people Last time, when people stopped who commute to the city. Then cloak, and white elbow-length down to the dock. When he were farmers or fishermen with to say hello, they were thinner there are the retirees who don’t gloves no matter what the heat. came off the lake, he could pile lives governed by rain and snow on top, heavier at the waist, want to go to the West Coast She is not a beauty queen for in boxes of sauger and pickerel and wind. Besides that, there trailing kids or, in recent years, and think Gimli’s a great place the woman chosen to represent and sunfish. was an air base just outside of grandkids. They buy a book or to live. In the summer there are her is usually being recognized I learned to drive that car in town. Air force people came catch up on what has happened the cottagers. A lot of those who for a lifetime of service, for the Big Field. The Big Field (it and went without rhyme or to former classmates. have left used to live on small representing the spirit of all that was never known as anything reason. One day there’d be 25 of The tennis court has long mixed farms. They have been is Icelandic. else) had a baseball diamond us in our class and the next day disappeared. They bulldozed bought out by farmers who plant When it’s all over, when in the northeast corner with there’d be 26 and then 27. Then it, I think, when they took over and harvest many square miles the last drop of Black Death a backstop made of three there might be 24. Air force the Big Field to build a school. instead of a quarter section. has been drunk, when the last poles and wire mesh. In the kids appeared and disappeared It was a shame, I thought. It When we come back now, piece of brown bread and southeast corner there was a as if by magic. Now you seem seemed to promise a sort of we’re the cottagers, the strangers rúllupylsa has been eaten, tennis court. The tennis court them, now you don’t. elegance and sophistication from away. Our license plates we lock up our cottages or, if was sadly in need of repair but Most of the Icelandic and leisure that belonged to tell it all: Ontario and New we’ve been renting, return the still playable if you didn’t take Canadian families were another time but that might one Brunswick, BC, Saskatchewan, keys to the owner, and start our your tennis seriously. I never descended from immigrants day be ours. When they built Texas, New York. Rental car journey back to where we now was able to figure out who the who came in 1875 and 1876. the first school, most of the Big license plates. The three days live. Alone on the highway, tennis court was intended for. The Ukrainian kids were from Field was left untouched and of Icelandic celebration draw traveling from Gimli, circling It was a bit like the beautiful families that had arrived in the we continued to play pick-up people in the tens of thousands. around Winnipeg, now out wooden church that sat three 1890s. The air force kids were baseball and no-rules football We eat vínarterta, Icelandic toward the vast prairies, with blocks away, which had no an unsettling influence. They and you could still see cars brown bread, skyr, and even the mountains of Alberta and congregation. Someone cut were reserved, cautious – never going round and round as people harðfiskur imported from British Columbia ahead of me, the grass. Someone painted it letting anyone get too close to learned to drive. But then I came Iceland. We make speeches I’m amazed at how that young regularly. But the doors were them. They’d moved so often one year and there was a high about how wonderful we are. boy cranking that Model T never open. No worshippers that they didn’t want to make wire fence. I guess someone An Icelander gives the Toast to steering wheel, desperately ever went in or out. No friends with people they’d soon was worried about liability in Canada; a Canadian gives the grinding gears as he pumped minister stood at the front steps have to leave behind. case someone learning to drive Toast to Iceland. The Fjallkona, brake and clutch, has turned wishing his parishioners well. Little did we know that they were to run over someone the Maid of the Mountains, into me – has turned into a It and the tennis court were were the wave of the future. It chasing a football. There are appears wearing her white thousand me’s, ricocheting off great mysteries. The church, was us locals who had it wrong. more cars. It used to be if a car headdress, her long green home across half a continent. I assumed, must have had a We assumed we’d grow up, get went by we stopped our game to Best wishes for a successful congregation at one time and married, find a job in town, live see who it was. Now, the cars go First Lutheran Church the tennis court must have had inside the intricate, predictable by all the time and no one stops Íslendingadagurinn! players. I sometimes wondered web of relationships. Instead, because people don’t know each 580 Victor Street if the congregation were all we ricocheted off at impossible other anymore. There are all the Winnipeg R3G 1R2 DANIELSON’S tennis players and the tennis angles – to Toronto and people who have bought up the 204-772-7444 SALES • PARTS • SERVICE players were all congregants Montreal, Vancouver and farms and divided them into www.mts.net/~flcwin and they all mysteriously died Edmonton, to France and forty acres so they can pay farm during the Spanish flu and that Turkey and Australia. Like the taxes without farm work and was why both church and tennis court were unused. When we were teenagers, a couple of my friends and I, using wrist-crippling wooden racquets, knocked a ball back Worship with us and forth during lazy Manitoba PTH 6 afternoons. I once saw some Robert T. Kristjanson Sundays 10:30 a.m. Lundar Manitoba campers from Winnipeg use 125 5th Avenue Fax: 204-642-7306 Pastor Michael Kurtz the court but once was enough Gimli, MB R0C 1B0 Phone: 204-642-5283 762-5231

THE ICELANDIC NATIONAL LEAGUE OF NORTH AMERICA

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1195 Pembina Highway, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2A5 If you don’t have a club in your area but are interested in Tel: (204) 452-2689 Fax: (204) 452-2701 Toll Free: 1-800-260-3713 Tel: (204) 642 5897 forming one, please call the INL office. winnipeg.flagshop.com [email protected] Email: [email protected] Wouldn’t your amma and afi be proud? www.inlofna.org VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA 6 • Lögberg-Heimskringla • August 1 2020 THE LURE OF MUSIC AND POETRY, POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE However, this affinity may help to explain why I’ve been so devoted to the preservation of our Icelandic heritage and culture in North America. Whether it’s embedded in my DNA, the result of childhood conditioning, or somehow related to a hunger for reverence that I cannot escape, the Traditional Program speaks to me each and every year. Whatever else I may have on my agenda for festival weekend, I never miss the Traditional Program. The procession of the Fjallkona, the toasts to Canada and Iceland, the national anthems, and the music that punctuates the ceremony all stir my soul. So it was a special honour to be invited to deliver the Toast to Iceland in 2012, more than four decades after I made my first public appearance at Íslendingadagurinn. I left my ukulele at home that day, but I spoke from the heart. Quoting the first verse of Jónas PHOTO: LINDA VOPNFORD RILEY Hallgrímsson’s poem, Íslands minni, the Stefan Jonasson and his baritone ukulele original toast to Iceland, which he offered Below: Poets and Musicians Entertain at Festival as a tribute at a banquet in Copenhagen in (Lake Centre News - August 20, 1971) 1839, I observed that, “since that day, every Stefan Jonasson subsequent toast to Iceland has been, in some measure, a frail attempt to capture the crisp recently stumbled upon an old issue of the poetry, simple elegance and soaring inspiration Lake Centre News that brought back a flood of of Jónas’s original, which remains the epitome Imemories. In an article about the New Iceland of all tributes to the rugged and majestic land of Music and Poetry Appreciation Society, I was our forebears.” And therein lies my love for the identified, along with my father and older brother, Traditional Program. It has changed a little over Eric, among the performers at Íslendingadagurinn the years, but only a little. Each and every year, in 1971: “Stefan Jonasson, eleven year old son of since 1890, the Icelandic community has gathered Victor Jonasson who clearly follows in his father’s to honour the land that was once the home of our KENT LÁRUS BJÖRNSSON footsteps with an amazing repertoire for his age,” ancestors and which remains the home of our PROFESSIONAL DRIVER AND GUIDE the newspaper reported. That amazing repertoire cousins, to celebrate the new homeland where we mostly consisted of Irish drinking songs and a happily dwell today and claim our citizenship, and [email protected] | www.nordictrails.is bawdy song or two, which evidently went over to cherish the culture and traditions that, against a lot better at Íslendingadagurinn than they had all odds, have survived the passage of time. As the at a Lutheran church picnic a few years earlier. I ceremony draws to a close each year, I’m almost had nearly forgotten about the times I performed moved to take out my ukulele and sing, but instead in public with my baritone ukulele – something I just hum along to Eldgamla Ísafold as we depart that came to an end during my teenage years when in anticipation of next year in Gimli. self-consciousness displaced self-confidence – but faded memories of that day became vivid once again as I read the newspaper account. Most of my memories of Íslendingadagurinn flow together and there are times when I can’t recall clearly whether a memory was from when I was 15 or 52. Together, however, they The Embassy of Iceland in Washington reflect an annual ritual that has drawn meto sends its very best wishes for a festive Gimli almost every year of my life since my parents first owned a car. We would drive up Íslendingadagurinn and August the Deuce from the city in time for the parade and then make our way home in the dark. When he and to all the readers of Lögberg-Heimskringla. was still alive, my father always had work on display in the Art Show, and we would take in the musical presentations even though we no Information on the activities longer performed in them. When Dad died, I hung up my ukulele and it was decades before of the Embassy and Iceland I picked it up again. After the Lakeview Resort can be found on the Embassy’s website. was built, we’d sometimes rent a suite on festival weekend and watch the parade from www.iceland.is/us the balcony. Otherwise, we’d find a perch somewhere along First Avenue and watch from there. When I became editor of Löberg- “like” us on facebook and twitter: Heimskringla, I was expected to be in the parade, which means that I now associate it http://www.facebook.com/Icelandic.Embassy with sore feet and tired legs. The good news is @IcelandinUS that I only dislocated my shoulder once when I fell flat on my face on Centre Street. My favourite part of each year’s festival @IcelandinUS Embassy of Iceland is the Traditional Program and this has been mfa.is/washington 2900 K Street N.W. #509 true since I was an adolescent, which probably [email protected] Washington D.C. 20007 makes me something of an oddity. How many 12-year-olds bolt from the midway and its rides to sit on the lawn and listen to speeches? VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA Lögberg-Heimskringla • 1. ágúst 2020 • 7

Anna Stevens – 2020 Fjallkona Jon Sigurdsson Chapter IODE... women dedicated to a better Canada nna Stevens was born in 1923, the daughter Founded in 1900, IODE Canada is a national women’s charitable of Jóhann Vilhjalmur A organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals, (W.J.) Jóhannsson Árnason, or through education support, community service and citizenship programs. Villi, whose family immigrated from Syðri-Villingadalur in Eyjafjörður, Iceland, and www.iode.ca Guðrún Björg Björnsdóttir Like us on Facebook [email protected] Johnson, who immigrated from Egilsstaðir in Vopnafjörður, Iceland. Anna married Elert Stevens and they have lived all of their CHICKENJon SigurdSS onCHEF Chapter life in Gimli, Manitoba. Anna IODEFAMILY... women RESTAURANT dedicated to a better Canada has a very large family which includes five children; Judy, CELEBRATING 100 YEARS IN 2016 Heather, Sharon, Deanne, DOWNTOWN GIMLI and Glen, and dozens of IODE Canada is a national women’s charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals, through education grandchildren and great- support, community service and OPENcitizenship 7 programs.DAYS A WEEK grandchildren. Following in the footsteps of her mother, www.iode.can NEWLY REDECORATED OPEN Anna has been involved with Like us on Facebook BRIGHT [email protected] ROOM the Lutheran Church for most of her life, and was always NOW FULLY n FULL SERVICE FAMILY DINING willing to take on a big role LICENSED FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND in church events. She directed DINNER the Icelandic Children’s Choir and knows many of the old n TAKE-OUT AND CATERING favourites by heart. She has SERVICES AVAILABLE ANYTIME sung in the Lutheran Church Choir for many years and frequently sings with the Happy Hour group at Betel. Anna is a Life Member of Gleðilega hátíð! the Gimli Icelandic Canadian Society and has been involved with the chapter since she was 16. As a teenager, she would write out the meeting minutes in Icelandic for her father, PHOTO: ICELANDIC FESTIVAL OF MANITOBA 28 Centre Street in Gimli (204) 642-8588 Villi, who at that time was Anna Stevens the secretary-treasurer of the chapter. magazine with pictures and Icelandic language alive in our Over the years Anna has directions on how to knit community. been an active participant of Icelandic sweaters. Anna has In her life, Anna has made the Icelandic National League lent many of her pieces to the countless contributions to the of North American (INL) and Icelandic Festival over the community and encouraged her continues to attend INL events years for fashion shows and family, friends, and others to to this day. In 2018, at the age had members of her family celebrate their Icelandic culture of 95 years old, Anna and her model them. and heritage. Her positivity Chartered Professional Accountants good friend, Dilla Narfason, She loves to bake and and enthusiasm for life has drove into Winnipeg to attend many a dainty has gone out to endeared her to everyone that Martin K. Anderson, CPA, CA the INL banquet and had such functions and sales. Anna has knows her. a good time they didn’t make it also been very involved with She has never missed an D. 780.420.4760 back to Gimli until midnight! both the Gimli Curling and Íslendingadagurinn and we are Anna is an avid knitter Skating Clubs. so honoured to have her as the E. [email protected] and she has knit hundreds of Anna regularly attends Fjallkona of the 131st Icelandic Suite 1500, 9888 Jasper Avenue traditional Icelandic sweaters, the Wednesday afternoon Festival. Edmonton, Alberta T5J 5C6 mitts, hats, and more. Some Icelandic talk sessions at the From the Icelandic Festival years ago, she and her sister- Waterfront Centre and Gimli of Manitoba with contributions in-law, Diddy Arnason, were Icelandic Club meetings. These by Dilla Narfason and written up in Canadian Living “chats” are helping keep the Janice Arnason.

ICELANDIC Feed Your Icelandic Soul CONNECTION with delicious stories from ICELANDIC from our Icelandic community CONNECTION Each issue is filled with recollections, area histories, immigration sagas, photos, travels to Iceland and book reviews. IT’S EASY TO SUBSCRIBE 1. Contact Lorna Tergesen at 204-642-9650 or

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VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA 8 • Lögberg-Heimskringla • August 1 2020 A BULLETIN BOARD AND BOOKCASE OF MEMORIES

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SALÍN GUTTORMSSON A parade float from bygone days Ready to race – “I’m the one in the capris – good grief!”

(Herdís) Salín Guttormsson n the crowded bulletin handwritten on the back – “Ug of Thor.” I was the anchor easily identified by the number (née Reykdal) board, now faded, the “Married Women’s,” on the winning women’s team of red welts on his arms – Loni Beach, MB Odog-eared, and full the “Family Relay,” “The … for those who know me, you suddenly breaking away from of thumbtack holes due to 30m Girl’s Under 3 Run,” will know just how ridiculous his group and dashing madly, “Mem’ries, light the years of repositioning, a page and many, many ribbons that is! wildly towards the pavilion. torn from a magazine reads: merely acknowledging us as The Monday was always Perplexed, I then noticed corners of my mind ” “There is No Expiration Date “Participants.” These ones the best day – my mother used a dragonfly in hot pursuit. – Marvin Hamlisch, on Memories.” In this cottage, likely came from the Frisnok to describe it as being similar Knowing that mosquitoes do The Way We Were there is little risk of memories competition – highly popular to an old-fashioned Sunday not exist in Iceland (hence the of Íslendingadagurinn expiring in our family at one time – and I school picnic. This was the welts), nor dragonflies (at least or being forgotten; reminders believe it was a family friend’s day when relatives who we until recently), I could only are everywhere. lightening quick, potentially rarely saw at any other time imagine what this poor fellow Our bulletin board is home decapitating forehand that of the year came to Gimli must have been thinking. If an to a stash of ribbons from resulted in the institution of to celebrate. Not attending insect as small as a mosquito the Monday “Family Sports” the “unreasonable throw” rule. the parade was simply not creates these huge painful events, once imprinted with In 2011, I ran my 40th and an option. Out came the bumps, what will this large- actual dates. There is one from last race, at least until I meet paraphernalia: the Icelandic winged beast do to me? August 4, 1969, which does eligibility for the “Amma’s flag t-shirts, the plastic helmets Across from our cottage not say “Icelandic Festival of Amble.” The board also has (yes, with horns), swords, bulletin board is a large Manitoba” – only mysteriously, a 1976 enamelled, festival- even the vintage “Viking” bookcase. Here one finds intriguingly to those not in the logoed lapel pin – remember refrigerator ice-scraper would decades worth of the festival know: “Íslendingadagurinn.” those? – and a highly coveted make its annual appearance. program, along with other There is a third-place Track 1993 gold medallion for the And then over to the park for items relating to “being and Field from 1977. Others, Tug-o-War. This belonged to the Traditional Program and Icelandic” – at least for these without dates, have our me, even though my brothers traditional food – but never, few days of the year. Centred winners’ names and dates had the best team name: the ever vínarterta. (Not wanting prominently is the official to get into “that” debate, photo of my Amma and but nothing compares to our namesake as the Fjallkona in own.) Gnawing on harðfiskur, 1927. My father used to joke slathered in butter, this was that he, too, held this honour a treat that was forbidden to and as far as he knew was the come back to the cottage – or only male to do so, Amma if it made it back, was (and being pregnant with him at the still is) hung outside. And skyr, time! and pönnukökur, and all the Íslendingadagurinn 2020 “usuals.” will be different, for many Meandering the park, reasons. But to paraphrase The Embassy of Iceland eavesdropping on the another bulletin board conversations, and all the soft clipping, the best souvenir wishes everyone a wonderful Íslendingadagurinn: th-th sounds of the visitors from will be any time we are able to Iceland, I was witness to one – spend together. Gleðilega hátíð! A grea stay, a  beac! The Embassy is located at 360 Albert Street in Ottawa. Lakeview Gimli Resort Inviting you to enjoy: Information on the activities of the Embassy and Iceland • Indoor & outdoor pools • Free movies can be found on the Embassy’s website: • Free wireless internet www.iceland.org/ca • Exercise facility • Seagulls Restaurant • The Pier Lounge & Outdoor Patio Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/icelandincanada

EMBASSY OF ICELAND Book your stay today! 360 Albert Street, Suite 710, Ottawa, ON K1R 7X7 204.642.8565 • LakeviewHotels.com 10 Centre St. Gimli, MB ROC R Tel: 613 482 1944 Fax: 613 482 1945

VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA Lögberg-Heimskringla • 1. ágúst 2020 • 9 Íslendingadagurinn memory

PHOTO: STEFAN JONASSON Robbie Rousseau, past president of the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba

ÍSLENDINGA-LIFER Joel Anderson and Marla Tran get dinged at the 2019 Íslendingadagurinn Robbie Rousseau many wonderful evenings at the harbour and Winnipeg, MB Gimli Park listening to amazing bands from all across Canada and Iceland. My two years he Íslendingadagurinn has been part of as president of the festival hold a dear place YOUR ONE STOP SHOP ! my life since I can’t remember when. in my heart. It’s the special things like calling •window coverings by I’m serious: I was three months old at up the Fjallkona to be and asking her to be our T floor coverings my first festival and I have yet to miss one. I Maid of the Mountain and the Fjallkonamót, • remember being part of the Gimli Children’s a lunch with all the past Fjallkonur, is a very cabinetry Centre float as a young child. I remember my special afternoon that I won’t soon forget. It’s • whole extended family meeting at my Amma’s the friendships and fellowship, the traditions • countertops & more! on 3rd waiting for the parade to march on by, and storytelling that I love to share with all of us drinking coffee and eating vínarterta. anyone who will listen and if you think some Gimli (204) 642-8585 I remember joining the festival committee at of this sounds like fun, join us – we are always Hwy #9 & Colville Drive, Gimli, MB age 13 and all the responsibility that came looking for new members. www.thehomestoregimli.com with that. The Saturday and Sunday socials at Robbie Rousseau is a fan, life member, the Rec Centre – and some painful mornings director, and former president (in 2016 and waking up for the parade after those dances. So 2017) of Íslendingadagurinn.

Want to learn Feeling Better Starts Here Icelandic? Join the festival virtually this year August 1st -3rd, 2020. ARBORG PHARMACY Box 640, Arborg, MB R0C 0A0 275 Main Street

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YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBOURHOOD PHARMACY 10 • Lögberg-Heimskringla • August 1 2020 Icelandic Winnipeg WHEN ÍSLENDINGADAGURINN WAS A CITY CELEBRATION

PHOTO: STEFAN JONASSON Churchill Drive Park (formerly River Park)

its transition from parkland to End. The site is now occupied powerhouse, the change didn’t by Dufferin School, west of seem to matter much in the Isabel Street between Logan The pavilion at River Park Icelandic community. and Alexander Avenues, and a In 1891, the second new Dufferin Park was opened Stefan Jonasson enough venue and it continued that the park’s demise was Icelandic celebration took place a block further west in 1899. to be a gathering place for city somehow related to the city in Dufferin Park, which was While handy to most Icelanders’ fter the first residents until the Winnipeg fathers seeking to ensure that it located near the heart of the homes, the park lacked both Íslendingadagurinn at General Strike of 1919, after would never again be available old Icelandic neighbourhood – the amenities and the space Victoria Gardens in which Winnipeg Hydro built a as a haven for strikers. While that is, the neighbourhood that necessary for it to be a suitable A steam-powered electrical plant some may have remembered the 1890, the Icelandic celebration was the centre of gravity for home for Íslendingadagurinn. never returned to that on the site. It doesn’t take a site of the first celebration with the community before most of According to legend, picturesque park. It was a lovely conspiracy theorist to imagine fondness, and perhaps mourned its people migrated to the West Moses and the people of

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TRAVEL TO ICELAND, VISIT: ARE YOU TRAVELING TO SCANDINAVIA OR BEYOND? STOPOVER IN ICELAND WHEN YOU FLY ICELANDAIR TO SEE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY ON EARTH — WITHOUT PAYING EXTRA AIRFARE. WWW.ICELANDAIR.COM

VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA Lögberg-Heimskringla • 1. ágúst 2020 • 11

PHOTOS: STEFAN JONASSON Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years after when to hold Íslendingadagurinn for half a dozen the venue from 1914 to 1917 and then, after two years fleeing Egypt. Given the size of the Sinai Peninsula, years before the matter was settled once and for all in at River Park, the final Exhibition Park celebration was they must have meandered in circles. As it happens, 1898. The community’s two most noteworthy leaders, held in 1920. Íslendingadagurinn spent 40 years moving between Sigtryggur Jónasson and Baldwin L. Baldwinsson, took At the last celebration in Exhibition Park, three different venues: Elm Park, River Park, and the opposite sides in the controversy, Sigtryggur favouring Thorsteinn S. Borgfjörð presided over the Traditional Exhibition Park (now commonly known as the Old June while Baldwin held fast to August. In the end, the Program. There were three toasts and three poems. The Exhibition Grounds). This portable celebration wasn’t August date was favoured by a two-thirds vote. toast to Iceland was given by Halldór Hermansson, exactly nomadic, but it wasn’t established firmly in The third celebration was held at Elm Park in St. accompanied by a poem by Þorskabítur (Þorbjörn one place, either. And just as Exodus records that the Vital, the fourth in River Park, and the fifth at the Bjarnason); the toast to Canada was by Kristján “children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Exhibition Park (Sýningargarðinum), which was Austmann with a poem by Guttormur J. Guttormsson; Aaron,” the Icelanders did some murmuring of their own closer to the Icelandic neighbourhood. It remained at and the toast to the Western Icelanders was by Rev. during the 1890s before things finally calmed down. the Exhibition Park until the turn of the century. The Hjörtur J. Leo with a poem by Kristinn Stefánsson. One of the quarrels in the community was over the 1901 celebration was held in Elm Park, returned to the An address on behalf of the Icelandic National League date for holding a national celebration. The August 2nd Exhibition Park for two years, and then went back to by its vice president, Jón J. Bíldfell, completed the date was chosen in 1890 because it commemorated the Elm Park for another two years. In 1906, a four-year run formal program. A series of athletic competitions day on which Iceland received its constitution from King at River Park commenced and, after crossing the river followed with 35 different events – from shotput Christian IX in 1874. The second celebration was held to Elm Park in 1910, the celebration returned to River to races to glima – and prizes for every contest. in June, rather than August, and the community debated Park for another three years. The Exhibition Park was ... continued on page 14

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VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA 12 • Lögberg-Heimskringla • August 1 2020 underground room. One end of outlaws took refuge in the afraid to be alone in the dark. it opened on the river-bank and trackless spruce forest. In later For fourteen years Gisli OUTLAWS the other below the hall. One times another word came into succeeded in living as an outlaw, may see the ruins of it still.” use; the outlaw was called an and was, in this respect, second Outlaws, it appears, were as “out-lier,” an útilegumadr, one only to Grettir, who held the common in Iceland in the tenth thrust out – like Eyvind – from record of saga times, nineteen century and as well beloved by communion with domestic man, years a wood-man. Gisli was womankind as at a later time to live in the wilds. slain in 978, and Grettir the in Sherwood Forest in Merrie Three among the outlaws Strong was born some eighteen England. Outlawry was a of medieval Iceland achieved years later. Sentenced to distinctive Icelandic institution, the distinction of having sagas three years’ exile for his first and among the most picturesque written about them: Hord, manslaughter, Grettir later tales of that island of story-lore Gisli, and Grettir. The first suffered outlawry for life for a are the memoirs of its homeless of these represented best the crime of which he was guiltless. heroes, a lineage extending robber type, chieftain of a Despite his enemies and the from Gisli and Grettir down violent band retaliating against price on his head, there was an to the equally historic modern the community that excluded occasional farmer or housewife mountain-dweller celebrated in him. The second is a lonely ready enough to let him in, the drama Eyvind of the Hills. character, single-handed, driven especially when they found in “If any murder a man,” from place to place among those him a mighty champion, eager prescribes “Gray Goose,” the who were ready to take the risk to help them out of a difficulty. old Icelandic law, “he shall of harboring him, a dreamer and In the course of time stories be punished with outlawry.” soliloquizer, a poetaster of no of trolls and monsters were Murder was not the only mean verses. Gisli suffered from attached to this hero, and he offense punished in this way. the law because he had acted became in saga a specialist in For example, if a priest forsook according to the best dictates exterminating evil creatures. His the church to which he was of his conscience in a very fight with the ghost of Glam, a appointed, and any gave him complex situation: to avenge very substantial spirit indeed, shelter, that man was liable to his wife’s brother he slew his always bears requoting in the outlawry. It was the severest sister’s husband. He made stout translation of Magnusson and penalty known to Icelandic law, resistance whenever cornered, Morris. When Grettir had heard which did not provide for public and at last surrounded by those of the hauntings at Thorhallstead PHOTO: STEFAN JONASSON The Outlaw by Einar Jónsson execution. An outlaw must who sought his blood-money, he went up the valley and neither be “fed nor ferried.” He met death like a hero. Gisli’s bravely offered to become the was excluded from Christian character was noble throughout. guest of the unfortunate farmer. Henry Goddard Leach (1916) burial, his goods confiscated, His maxims – given him by his In the dark of night Glam his children disinherited. A “better dream wife” – were good entered the house, and a terrific Mery it was in grene forest, price was placed upon his enough great-hearted gentleman tussle ensued between him Amonge the leues grene, head, and any hand might, with of the forest: and Grettir in which the night- Where that men walke both east and west impunity, take his life, even in a walker struggled to pull the hero With bowes and arrowes kene. foreign land. The word the law “Man of noble nature, ever out of doors. – Ballad of Adam Bell used to describe outlawry was Help the weak, the halt, the “Now Glam gathered up his skóggangr, “forest-going,” and blind; strength and knit Grettir towards he Icelandic saga of Gisli housewife named Thorgerda, the criminal himself was called Hard the hand that opens him when they came to the outer the Outlaw relates how who bade him welcome. “She a “wood-man,” a term that never, door; but when Grettir saw that the fugitive, once, before was often wont to harbor would seem more appropriate Bright and blest the he might not set his feet against T that, all of a sudden in one rush dawn, came for shelter to a outlaws, and she had an in the English greenwood than generous mind.” in the lava fields of the Icelandic he drove his hardest against the wilderness. It may reflect an Gisli was under a curse, thrall’s breast, and spurned both earlier day when Iceland was marked by ill-luck, and before feet against the half-sunken blessed with more woodland his end was so affected by his stone that stood in the threshold than now, or perhaps the idea is solitary life, that, like other of the door; for this the thrall a heritage from Norway, where outlaws after him, he became was not ready, for he had been tugging to draw Grettir to him, therefore he reeled aback and spun out against the door, so that his shoulders caught the Greetings upper door-case, and the roof The Leif eiriksson burst asunder, both rafters and frozen thatch, and therewith he iceLandic cLub of caLgary fell open-armed aback out of the Winnipeg Homes sends Their very besT wishes for The house, and Grettir over him. 2020 ÍsLendingadagurinn “Bright moonlight was and Condos and augusT The deuce there without, and the drift was broken, now drawn over the moon, now driven from off her; and, even as Glam fell, a cloud was driven from the moon, and 204220 Glam glared up against her. And Grettir himself says that by that sight only was he dismayed amidst all that he ever saw. “Then his soul sank within him so, from all these things, both from weariness, and because he had seen Glam turn his eyes so horribly, that he might not draw the short-sword, and lay well-nigh ’twixt home and hell.” The dying ghost cast a curse on Grettir, before he drew his short-sword and cut off the creature’s head. The farmer “praised God therefor, VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA Lögberg-Heimskringla • 1. ágúst 2020 • 13 and thanked Grettir well for visited them. Sometimes they the story was told that way in leafy foliage of Sherwood than Leach (1880-1970) was that he had won this unclean even had farms of their own, order to eclipse Grettir’s record; the sturdy introspectiveness of editor of The American- spirit. Then they set to work and lived an organized social life, for outlawry was an indefinite the severe and lonely life on the Scandinavian Review and burned Glam to cold coals, there and attended worship like other sentence. They died, it was said, Hraun. One developed habits of secretary of the American- after they gathered his ashes Christians. No wonder that and were buried in Christian the Epicurean, the other of the Scandinavian Foundation. He into the skin of a beast, and dug Icelandic imagination built up soil, about 1780. Several proofs Stoic. was subsequently the curator it down whereas sheep-pastures whole communities of outlaws. of Eyvind’s skill as an artisan And last, a word must of Scandinavian history and were fewest, or the ways of They were an answer to the were preserved as curios after be spoken for the heroines: literature at Harvard University men.” Although he had laid the question: “What becomes of the his time, among them a spade Hereward’s Turfrida, Robin and editor of The Forum, a ghost, such was the power of forty thousand sheep a year that and a basket beautifully woven. Hood’s Maid Marian, Grettir’s public affairs monthly. He the spell that bad luck followed disappear from the high pastures Arnes Palsson, who joined mother, Eyvind’s wife. Faithful returned to the ASF in 1926 Grettir ever after, and he was into the interior of the island?” forces with Eyvind and Halla in helpmates they were to the as president, guiding the afraid in the dark. The curse Mr. Sigurjonsson had at his their exile, was himself a famous outlaws, not only long-suffering organization for 21 years troubled him in those lonely disposal a variety of conflicting character. He likewise returned but resourceful. Auda, Gisli’s before becoming professor of months that he came to spend, anecdotes about the great to the valleys and a peaceful wife, kept up the home for the Scandinavian civilization at the later, in Thorisdale, with sheep eighteenth century outlaw, life, died at the advanced age fugitive and concealed him University of Kansas. Along the and trolls his only comrades, in Eyvind, and his wife. The of ninety-one years, and was when he came thither by one way, he served as president of such a hidden mountain valley historical facts are few. We do buried at Reykjavik, September ruse or another. She pretended the Poetry Society of America, as many another fugitive must know that in 1764, Eyvind and 11, 1805. So passed the last of to accept money to betray her a trustee of the Council of have taken refuge. Halla and Arnes, all three, were the outlaws. husband only to throw the purse Religious and International “So Grettir went on till he captured and kept some time in From the North, England has into the face of the one who Affairs, vice president of the U.S. found a dale in the jokul, long custody, but made their escape borrowed the word “outlaw,” offered the bribe. branch of PEN International, and somewhat narrow, locked the same year. On July 9 of the the institution of outlawry, and and a member of the New up by jokuls all about, in such following year identifications of the motif in literature. Útlagr, This article first appeared York State Judicial Council. wise that they overhung the dale. the three outlaws were published “outlaw,” outside the protection as “Outlaws” in The American- Often mistaken for being He came down somehow, and at the Althing and the sheriffs of the law, was the term common Scandinavian Review (Volume Scandinavian, he was in fact then he saw fair hill-sides grass- ordered to recapture them. to all three Northern countries, IV, Number 6), November- English, but spoke Norwegian, grown and set with bushes. Hot Eyvind is thus described: “He and preferred to the Icelandic December 1916. The story is Danish, and Swedish fluently. springs there were therein, and is slender and may be classed designation “wood-man” in the now in the public domain. In He was decorated by every it seemed to him that it was by as a large man, has big hands Norwegian laws of the middle the interests of preserving the Nordic country except reason of earth- fires that the and feet, light blond hair falling ages. The word was introduced original essay, we have left the Denmark, receiving the Knight’s ice-cliffs did not close up over in curls, a narrow face pitted by the Scandinavians into Anglicized versions of Icelandic Cross of the Icelandic Order the vale. A little river ran along with smallpox, a somewhat England in Anglo-Saxon times. names and words in place. of the Falcon in 1927. He was down the dale, with level shores thicker upper than lower lip, The English outlaw stories grew At the time of this essay’s elevated to the rank of Grand on either side thereof. There the is agreeable in his speech and up at first in the fen country and publication, Henry Goddard Knight in 1954. sun came but seldom; but he amiable, neat, and clean, smokes the eastern counties inhabited deemed he might scarcely tell a great deal of tobacco, is quiet by Danes. Some of the heroes over the sheep that were in that in his manners, bland and a of these legends were surely Óska Öllum til valley, so many they were; and good worker, skilled in wood of Northern descent. And the far better and fatter than any and iron, can read a little, but traditions of greenwood life Hamingju með Daginn he had ever seen. Now Grettir cannot write, often hums rimes which later included areas as abode there, and made himself to himself, but usually twisted.” distant as Scotland and France a hut of such wood as he could Halla is to be recognized thus: show themes of action and come by. He took of the sheep for “She is short and sturdy, her habits of thought that betray his meat. … But every evening hands and coloring quite dusky, Scandinavian origin. Six of these at twilight he heard some with brown eyes and a frown, outlaw cycles stand out above one hoot up in the valley, and an open mouth, a longish face the rest: Hereward the Wake, Derek Johnson then all the sheep ran together and very ugly and unpleasant, Fulk Fitz-Warine, Eustace the MLA for Interlake-Gimli to one fold every evening.” dark hair, small thin hands, and Monk, Wallace, Gamelyn, and Year by year Grettir’s she uses no tobacco.” In better Robin Hood. Their deeds were friends fell away. His sentence days this dark-eyed outlaw’s enshrined, not as in Iceland was to have been commuted wife had evidently been such in saga prose, but in rimed after twenty years, but in the last a “nut-brown maid” for whose ballads and metrical romances. year, hiding with his brother, sake her yeoman lover would Although these heroes of bow on a lonely island in the north “to the greenwood go, alone a and arrow, brave, violent, and of Iceland, he was beset by his banished man.” generous, have much in common enemies while stricken with According to one account, with their Icelandic cousins, Contact illness and overcome. Eyvind and Halla were permitted there is often a jauntiness and The centuries that separate to come down from the hills abandon about their conduct 204.641.8525 Grettir Asmundsson and Fjalla after twenty years. Perhaps that is more in keeping with the [email protected] Eyvindur, the chief outlaws of ancient and modern times, supplied Iceland with many a tale of the strong-bodied but unfortunate dwellers of the hidden valleys in the otherwise uninhabited interior. Árnason, in his collection of modern Icelandic folk-tales, gives us no less than fifty-seven stories about outlaws. They came to be a folk between man and troll, superhuman in strength, skilled in handicrafts, true to Celebrating their word, extravagant like good fairies in their gifts to the needy, but terrible when opposed. They were often gifted Manitoba 150 with magical powers and able to produce dreams and to cast fogs & wishing everyone a joyous and snowstorms about maidens Find Your Story and others whom they might Connect with Your Cousins Íslendingadagurinn wish to en tice to them. Many strange accounts were brought WWW.ICELANDICROOTS.COM 764 Erin Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3G 2W4 back to the valleys by those who VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA 14 • Lögberg-Heimskringla • August 1 2020 Program were the home-grown When Íslendingadagurinn was a city celebration leaders of the community. ... from page 11 However, several Icelandic dignitaries travelled west across the sea to speak at Íslendingadagurinn, beginning with Rev. Matthías Jochumsson, author of the lyrics of Iceland’s national anthem, who spoke at River Park in 1893. Other dignitaries to appear during the Winnipeg years include Valtýr Guðmundsson, the first sitting member of Alþingi to attend, poet Þorsteinn Erlingsson, Prof. Jón Helgason (later Bishop of Iceland), author Guðmundur The old rollercoaster at River Park Kamban, poet Einar Benediktsson, and Prof. Ágúst on Osborne Street, River Park called upon to deliver the major H. Bjarnason. The first woman was a private recreational park speeches at Íslendingadagurinn; to enjoy a prominent speaking The pontoon bridge to Elm Park that was opened on Victoria today, the toast to Canada is role at Íslendingadagurinn was Day in 1891 by the streetcar generally offered by a visiting Margrét J. Benedictsson, who company, which also owned dignitary from Iceland while was one of the poets at the Elm Elm Park. Originally a picnic the toast to Iceland is given Park celebration in 1892. ground intended to entice by a respected member of the While the planned people to use the streetcar Icelandic Canadian community. races and dance at the first during low-traffic times, River The recitation of poetry has Íslendingadagurinn were rained Park grew to include a pavilion, diminished over the years while out, subsequent celebrations racetrack, roller coaster, zoo, musical performances, whether included robust athletic and many other amenities. It by choirs or soloists, have been competitions, covering the full was accessible and spacious. emphasized. range of Olympic sports and A daylong outing to River Park The major innovation then some, with dancing until was like going to the country. in the Traditional Program late in the evening. The Traditional Program was the creation of the role The decision to leave we know today builds upon of the Fjallkona, which was Winnipeg and its River Park the ceremony at the first added in 1924. “The Fjallkona for Gimli was a controversial Íslendingadagurinn in 1890. It is symbolic of Iceland as one, accompanied by heated follows a recognizable pattern Britannia is symbolic of debate, but it was fortuitous Elm Park during the early 1900s and the toasts to Iceland and England,” observed Wilhelm because River Park’s days were Canada generally develop Kristjanson in The Icelandic numbered. The park was already There were two hours of those who stayed until the end. familiar themes, the former People in Manitoba. “Seated on beginning to decay when the speeches, singing, and From 1921 until celebrating the beauty of her elevated throne, clad in the Icelandic celebration was held instrumental music beyond Íslendingadagurinn relocated to the Icelandic landscape and beautiful and dignified formal there for the last time in 1931, the main program and then an Gimli in 1932, River Park was richness of the culture, while Icelandic national costume and the Great Depression only evening dance and a variety home to the celebration. Located the latter often stresses the of white gown, green robe accelerated the decline. The of awards. It was a full day for at the end of the streetcar line welcome that the Icelandic trimmed with ermine, high- park closed for good in 1941 immigrants received in crowned head-dress of white and the following year most of LÖGBERG Canada and the importance veil falling over the shoulders to the land was sold for a housing of citizenship and relations the waist, and gold belt, she is development. Today, Churchill HEIMSKRINGLA between the two countries. the presiding genius of the day.” Drive Park preserves what The North American Icelandic Community Newspaper . Since 1886 In the early years, there was In the early years, the key remains of the most popular more fluidity about who was participants in the Traditional venue for Íslendingadagurinn Subscribe now to L-H during its Winnipeg years. the perfect investment in your Icelandic heritage 24 Íslendingadagurinn’s relocation issues to Gimli reinvigorated the Canada $60 Online subscription a year $45 CAD Give a Gift, celebration while maintaining USA $60 US An online subscription is available continuity with past. Over FREE to all print subscribers. time, the festival parade was Call or e-mail for details. annual giving Receive a Gift... 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VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA Lögberg-Heimskringla • 1 ágúst 2020 • 15 ICELAND AND ZUISM

Kevin Jon Johnson Iceland, this figure overstates the true the Lutheran church in Iceland, where born into membership. Sakai, Japan religious temperament of the island, as the state pays the salaries of pastors. Sometimes called the father of most are simply registered at birth in Even though his elder brother, Peter Christian existentialism, Kierkegaard n a December 2015 article in The the religion of their parents. Christian Kierkegaard, rose in the appears to advocate for the subjective Guardian newspaper, Harriet Secularism continues to increase Lutheran church of Denmark to become nature of religious experience, a leap ISherwood wrote that about one around the world, something that the bishop in Aalborg, Søren Kierkegaard of faith to embrace Jesus as God and percent of Icelanders, more than 3,100 Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard drew a stern lesson from the gospels: man, a duality essential to the religious people, joined Zuism – a worship of the noted in the nineteenth century; as the Christ advocates a life in antipathy to experience. Today, this leap appears to ancient Sumerian gods. On the surface, world becomes more objective, with money, the root of all evils in the Old many as more problematic and dubious. it appears that they have done so in the rise of science and Enlightenment Testament. For Søren, a true Christian For all of their merits, the Old Testament order to avoid the annual tax paid to ideas, the religious, which participates should resemble the lily of the fields, and the New Testament, though deep the Lutheran church. This annual tax in the subjective, becomes increasingly well arrayed but not employed. religious texts, grew to maturity in amounts to about $80 per taxpayer per imperiled. “According to the third Søren Kierkegaard’s position on cultures that had no scientific traditions. year. American Family Survey from 2019, this, though more politely written, Zuism in Iceland may be something Like many other young Icelanders, 33 percent of the U.S. population resembles the caustic joke of Friedrich of a joke, but it underscores an increase Ísak Ólafsson, the high priest of Zuism, identify as ‘nones’ (atheists, agnostics, Nietzsche: The last Christian died on in secular sentiments among the has had a distrust of national institutions nothing in particular), up from 30 the cross. To embrace the full, radical young, a common phenomenon in the since the financial collapse in 2008. percent in 2015.” (This comes from doctrine of Jesus is no easy task; West, with its traditions of science and Young Icelanders comprise the bulk of the Wikipedia article, “Irreligion in the Kierkegaard himself did not see himself humanism. In my mind, God does not the Zuist followers. Isaac Würmann, United States.”) capable of it. Kierkegaard died as a depend upon us for election, and God in his online article, “The Beautiful It seems the Zuists in Iceland would deeply religious man, but one somewhat has little concern for our beliefs; we Joke of Zuism,” suggests that while 70 fall under the category of nones if outside of the purview of the Lutheran are all immortal and at the end of our percent of all Icelanders are registered they lived in the United States. They state church of Denmark, at odds with pilgrimage on this earth, we will all adherents of the Lutheran Church of certainly want some distance from a state religion where one was simply return to Light. Amen. CALENDAR OF EVENTS Send information to appear in the Calendar of Events to [email protected]. Please include date, place, time and other details. Visit our website: lh-inc.ca. Follow us on facebook and instagram.

EVENTS of Calgary fall feast at the Scandianvian event as soon as possible. (We have asked Events Centre pending phase three of the relaunch. those who were scheduled to appear in As of print deadline Thursday 23 July 2020 if they can teach next year instead.) Edmonton, AB: Norðurljós, the Icelandic We will update our website as we confirm 31 JULY TO 2 AUGUST Canadian Club of Edmonton will hold its details for 2021's event and for our online Mountain, ND: 121st annual Deuce of Leifur Eiríksson Fall Feast. program in October. In the meantime, August Icelandic Celebration. See page 19 stay well and healthy and drop us a line for details. Toronto, ON: The Icelandic Canadian anytime if you have any questions. Details: 31 JULY TO 3 AUGUST Club of Toronto's Þorrablót will be held icelandwritersretreat.com. Online: The 131st Íslendingadagurinn – dependant on the appropriateness to hold Icelandic Festival of Manitoba – Virtual an event at that time. In preparation for the SUNDAY 29 NOVEMBER Festival. Appropriately enough, the theme event we ask that you consider donating Edmonton, AB: Norðurljós, the Icelandic for this year’s celebration is “Icelandic at an item to our auction: email president@ Canadian Club of Edmonton's Litlu jól. Home / Heima er best (Home is Best).” icct.info. Sign up to donate an appetizer or Festival plans to deliver a culturally dessert: email [email protected]. Please ExhibitEXHIBIT rich and educational experience. Five plan to join us and help us spread the different platforms will be used to take word! Visit icct.info for details. Gimli, MB: New Iceland Heritage Museum's festivitiesThe online: theL-H Icelandic FestivalPuffin Shop KvisualI artD exhibit.S On loan from the Manitoba website (icelandicfestival.com), Facebook 14 TO 18 OCTOBER Arts Network, it is called “Déterré/Unearthed”, (@IcelandicFestival), and Instagram Online: We hope you are all keeping healthy by Candace Lipischak. This exhibit speaks (@IcelandicFestival), YouTube (@ and well in these strange times and wanted of our environment’s adaption to evolution IcelandicFest), and Shaw TV Spotlight. to update you on the current situation with and issues impacting our society. Exhibit on Give a Gift, the Iceland Writers Retreat. display until the end of August. Manitobans SUNDAY 16 AUGUST Due to the ongoing situation regarding are encouraged to explore their province annual giving Receive a Gift... Calgary, AB: Leif Eiriksson Icelandic Club Covid-19 globally, we have decided not to during this time, and we are a short one hour Please consider a 5-year pledge of Calgary will hold their first event since hold the Iceland Writers Retreat in October. drive from Winnipeg. Staycations are going to January. Family picnic at Snowy Owl However, we are pleased to announce that be the norm this summer – so we are hoping picnic site/shelter in North Glenmore Park during those October dates (14th-18th) we for some repeat and new visitors. beginning at 3:15 pm. Since we are still will be hosting some free, virtual Iceland I love Amma My total Annual Gift will be: $ Beginning / not allowed to “share food” the club will Writers Retreat style events online that will MusicMUSICI love Afi Contributions will be: be providing beverages and snack foods be open to all. We'll announce the details toddler shirts One Time Monthly Annually 5-Year pledge for Kidseveryone. Pyjamas Site can accommodateDiscover once the they perfect are confirmed, gift for but any these Icelander! will THURSDAY 29 OCTOBER 100 people outdoors and the shelter likely include panels with various Icelandic Toronto, ON: Ólafur Arnalds re:act tour. Credit Card Cheque (Payable to Lögberg-Heimskringla, Inc.) has a capacity for VISIT:30 indoors. WWW.LH-INC.CA 7305 authors and a Q&A | [email protected] session / lecture by |Roy 204 Thomson 284 Hall.5686 60 Simcoe St. Crowchild Trail S.W. RSVP to Nancy Tarr at some previous IWR faculty. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. 403.253.7433. More details can be viewed We also confirm that we intend to host the 4 AND 5 NOVEMBER on LH events site. Iceland Writers Retreat and Iceland Readers Toronto, ON: Víkingur Ólafsson plays Mozart Credit Card # Expiry Date / Retreat from April 28 to May 2 next year. with Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Roy SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER We will open registration on October 1 on Thomson Hall 60 Simcoe St. Vikingur will Cardholder Name Calgary, AB: Leif Eiriksson Icelandic Club our website and will confirm faculty for the also be playing at Koerner Hall on 7 February. Signature

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VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA 16 • Lögberg-Heimskringla • August 1 2020 OPINION Arnes Pioneer Lutheran Church in jeopardy

Catherine Strong when a Lutheran minister or elderly and instead of calling in, and Council was placed in The reason for wanting Arnes, MB deacon could be prevailed on the community or the the position of having to call to hold this service at this upon to visit. In past years, congregation for help, they a Public Meeting to determine time was also so that people eaders of Lögberg- weddings took place there, made the unfortunate decision the opinion of the community. who may have on driven Heimskringla may be often with the bride and her to donate the church to the It was to have taken place in past previously could stop interested in a story family having to clean up the Arborg Multicultural Heritage Arnes Hall on June 20th. and see the building, perhaps R church prior to its use. Village. Councillor Thora Palson even look around inside, and that is unfolding in the Arnes area of the Rural Municipality The last board of trustees One issue with that is has been supportive of celebrate an important piece of Gimli. The events centre was elected to office many that there was very minimal keeping the church in its of the history of Icelandic around the historic Arnes years ago, probably decades, community consultation current location, and she is settlement in Canada – the Pioneer Lutheran Church, and the constitution of the before this action was cognisant of the regulations more so because this year which is the oldest church in church calls for election taken, and the first that the concerning heritage buildings, marks the church’s centenary the RM of Gimli. It was built of trustees every 3 years. community knew about and the requirement to keep in its present location. between 1911 and 1917, about So, the mandate of the it was when a local lady historic buildings intact and The committee wants to 1½ miles south of its present incumbents expired many looked out of her window to in place. Councillor Cody preserve the church, but also location, but was moved to years ago. However, they see a workman with a crane Magnusson declared that to adhere to its constitution, its current site in 1920, onto have kept the church repaired preparing to remove the top of he saw it as council’s job to which requires that three land which was donated by a and maintained, despite the tower. She and her cousin ensure that the building was services per year take place generous local farmer. Thus, many challenges. In 2007, sallied forth and staged an moved to Arborg as soon in the church and that one 2020 is the centenary of the they applied to have the impromptu sit-in to prevent as possible, demonstrating of them, at Easter, should church at its present location, church declared a Municipal further work from taking complete lack of knowledge be a service of communion, where it occupies an imposing Heritage Site in order to place. The RCMP were called on the topic, as it is legally which must be conducted by position at the heart of the access provincial and federal by the work crew, and then a quite the reverse. Mayor Lynn a Lutheran minister. As well hamlet of Arnes. funding for its repair. Also, municipal councillor arrived, Greenberg was initially not in as its traditional function Sadly, the church is no they received a quite generous with the chair of the Gimli favour of a public hearing, but as a place of worship, the longer used for regular worship private donation for the same Heritage Committee. After given the furore in the wake committee would like to but even so, occasional purpose. Unfortunately, the some discussion, the work of the newspaper article, explore the possibility of using services have been arranged trustees all are now quite was stopped. subsequently agreed to hold the building to host concerts, The other problem with the meeting. choirs, and other appropriate this situation is that, by Enter Covid-19, and purposes, including weddings, law, a designated Municipal everything ground to a halt. if possible. Heritage Site requires The public meeting at the I have laid out the sequence municipal permission even Arnes Hall has been postponed of events as best I can recall, to be repaired. It cannot be until after the pandemic has as I became aware of the Gleðilega Hátíð! moved from its site unless run its course. The committee situation only this year. I’m leaving it in place will lead to that wants to take over a long-time resident of Gimli its destruction. Even then, a the running of the church and have lived in Arnes for Greetings permit to move it is required, (including fundraising to cover 13 years. The Express Weekly and it is not allowed to be expenses estimated to be in the News article was the first I from Norðurljós, moved to a place outside region of $2,000 per annum, knew of any plan to move the the municipality where it and maintaining the building church. the Icelandic Canadian is located. No permit was and grounds, including grass- It is my hope that readers Club of Edmonton applied for, no documentation cutting and snow-clearing, etc.) will be very interested in was sought, and no community continued to communicate by the fate of a part of their consultation took place, text and email during the last heritage, and if that proves except for a brief meeting the three months. Unable to meet, to be the case, that some of previous summer in which and at a standstill regarding them would consider writing some local residents met the petition to keep the church to the council, or approaching with the board and expressed in Arnes, and distribution of their area liaison on council, concern about the future of pledge forms, they have been if they are summer residents the church, and some said waiting to get the rules around of the Gimli area. Dianne they would be willing to form public gatherings relaxed. Dzydz, who is the committee a committee to take over The committee was hoping chair, and Norma Cone, responsibility for the church. to hold an outdoor church who lives directly opposite The former Board of service on the grounds to mark the church, are remarkably Trustees applied for a moving the centenary of the church at brave and determined – and permit after the fact, but by its present location. However, knowledgeable about this then the Express Weekly News this required permission of the situation. It is very important Join us in Edmonton for our annual had reported on the debacle, board of trustees, and if it had that the community has its together with subsequent been approved, would have say on this issue, and people celebrations of Icelandic culture: delegations to Council to taken place on August 2nd on of Icelandic heritage can be present the points of view the grounds of the Church. assumed to have an interest Leifur Eiríksson Fall Feast of both factions. At that However, permission for the in the outcome, likely beyond point, other members of the outdoor worship service was that of residents of other September 26, 2020 community began to weigh denied. ethnic backgrounds. Though to be sure, anyone who cares Litlu jól about history and heritage November 29, 2020 will surely show an interest. Þorrablót For backgound Financial Advisor information, readers can February 27, 2021 consult the Express Weekly News stories online: “Arnes residents fight to keep heritage WWW.ICCEDM.ORG church” (November 7, 2019) and “Arnes Lutheran Pioneer Icelandic Canadian Memorial Church heritage Club of Edmonton building to undergo repairs” (May 28, 2020). VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA Lögberg-Heimskringla • 1 ágúst 2020 • 17 remaining in force through Huawei’s equipment. “The real access to telecommunications July 26. One could, therefore, nub of the discussion is the with allied states, and that NEWS BRIEFS suppose that it would be possibility,” said Hrafnkell. He they look upon Iceland as a New Icelandair agreement member states in this regard. extended without change at added that the foreign states’ secure telecommunications following compromise Travel restrictions ought not to least through Commerce Day (3 ban on Huawei could be related environment. This is nothing Various media – apply to citizens or those having August). to both political and security new regarding us,” he said, Representatives of the Icelandic valid residency permits in states concerns. adding: “We have always Cabin Crew Association of the EEA and EFTA and their Bill would ban Huawei emphasized looking to (ICCA) and Icelandair signed close family. Also, they do not equipment National security always takes neighbouring countries. We a new wage agreement in the apply to those having proof of Various media – A priority have thoroughly discussed early hours of Sunday, July 19. residence in one of the 14 states parliamentary bill on the mbl.is – “I was just seeing this with the Nordic countries, The agreement will be in force involved, who are coming to Telecommunications Act, this news and have yet to digest which we look to regarding through September 30, 2025. It Iceland from there: Algeria, if passed, would authorize it, but it indicates that they which measures are being taken builds mainly on the agreement Australia, Canada, Georgia, Minister of Transport and [Britons] think they must change there.” that the parties earlier signed Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Local Government Sigurður their previous course,” said on June 25, which was rejected Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Ingi Jóhannsson to ban Foreign Minister Guðlaugur Þór Way eased for non-Schengen by an overwhelming majority Montenegro, Tunisia, Thailand, communications equipment Þórðarson, referring to the UK’s spouses of union members. ICCA was and Uruguay. manufactured outside of NATO decision to ban equipment from visir.is – Minister of Justice scheduled to vote on the new and EEA countries. The ban’s the Chinese telecommunications Áslaug Arna Sigurbjörnsdóttir agreement on July 27. On Friday, Gathering restrictions planned terms will not be incorporated company Huawei in building up recently signed a regulation July 17, Icelandair laid off all in August in the Information Act. a 5G network in their country. easing the way for Icelanders’ cabin crew attendants in the Frettablaðið – At a recent Sigurður Ingi is responsible for “Britons always planned a non-Schengen spouses to come association after the association civil protection meeting, telecommunications. The bill different course than other to Iceland. The change ought declared that the parties’ wage state epidemiologist Þórólfur authorizes the communications countries did. They thought it to enable individuals in close discussions would progress no Guðnason announced that, other minister to set regulations would be better in achieving relationships to live together farther. Icelandair declined their things being equal, he would banning equipment from this since they have immensely in Iceland over an extended work contribution, and pilots on recommend that the Minister Huawei or other companies powerful security preparedness period regardless of current board were supposed to do the of Health ease restrictions on manufacturing outside NATO or in their country with a dynamic travel restrictions. “We are work of safety attendants as of large gatherings. This would EEA states. Before a regulation Secret Service,” he added. also renewing the regulation July 20. However, the Cabin allow up to one thousand people is set, the minister must obtain The Icelandic government that Iceland still marks the Crew Association requested to gather at the start of August. opinions from the Minister has closely monitored the outer boundary of Schengen,” that discussions resume. The However, Þórólfur reiterated of Justice and Minister for build-up of 5G systems in said the minister. Several meeting continued past midnight that everything would depend Foreign Affairs. Both Nova and neighbouring countries and the exemptions are already in force, at the state conciliator’s on the pandemic not flaring up Vodafone intend to purchase involvement of the Chinese such as those for students and offices and the parties signed again, and on its development equipment from Huawei to build telecommunications giant in that those coming to the country a new agreement. Following continuing as it has been in up the 5G network in Iceland. build-up. The foreign minister on employment assignments. that, Icelandair will reverse recent days. After the diagnosis Síminn plans to purchase said that the government’s “However, there are also the layoffs. Icelandair Group of several infections in Iceland equipment from the Swedish position has always been exemptions for families, and is planning a share offering two weeks ago, Þórólfur company Ericsson. “This could clear. “Our stance has always we have now expanded that in August. The company’s withdrew his plans to permit affect everyone using equipment been truly clear, and it doesn’t definition. Thus, those living financial reorganization is now more people to gather. He said falling under these conditions,” change at all. Network security together in some way – with in progress, which includes it would be best to maintain said Hrafnkell V. Gíslason, involves serious security non-Schengen girlfriends and long-term agreements with a 500-person limit through managing director of the Post issues, and national security is boyfriends – can come here on pilots, airplane mechanics, and the end of August. He called and Telecom Administration. something that we ought always that exemption,” said Áslaug. cabin crew attendants. Also, the attention to the minister’s On the other hand, he said that to prioritize. It is likewise company is holding discussions current announcement on the there has never been proof of a security issue for Iceland Reprinted with permission with creditors, airplane owners, restriction of large gatherings any unusual functionality in to continue having smooth from Icelandic News Briefs, and Boeing regarding its 737 Max planes. General Contractor Iceland will open for countries • HOMES EU deems safe • COTTAGES Various media – State • RENOVATIONS INSURANCE REAL ESTATE AUTOPAC BLUE CROSS epidemiologist Þórólfur • ROOFING Guðnason has added four • WINDOWS & DOORS PHONE GIMLI 24642851 countries to the list of countries 1888642851 deemed not to be coronavirus Gimli (204) 642-8488 AX GIMLI 24642845 risks: Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Germany. Hwy #9 & Colville Drive, Gimli, MB www.sveinsonconstruction.com 56 CENTRE ST, GIMLI, MANITOBA RC 1B Passengers coming from these countries who have been there for two continuous weeks will not be screened at Iceland’s border or quarantined upon arrival in the country. Previously, the Faroe Islands and Greenland Déterré/Unearthed were on the list of countries that are not considered risks. Þórólfur by said there was little COVID-19 infection in Icelandic society, Candace Lipischak and infection risk related mainly to Icelanders returning to the country as well as travellers having a broad network of contacts in Iceland. He said it was important for Icelanders to be prepared to respond if infection flared up, even though Museum there are few cases today. The Visual Arts Exhibition Minister of Justice extended on loan from Open 7 days/week the EU and Schengen Area’s 10:00 am–4:00 pm travel restrictions. She has also The Manitoba Arts Network #108, 94 1st Ave abolished restrictions, as of July July 1 - August 31, 2020 204 642 4001 15, on residents of 14 states in keeping with a decision of EU VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA 18 • Lögberg-Heimskringla • August 1 2020 What is the value of freedom from violence?

PHOTO: KRISTINN INGVARSSON / UNIVERSITY OF ICELAND The international and interdisciplinary team ConCIV is researching the financial damages suffered by individuals due to various diseases and other factors. The team is led by Tinna Laufey Ásgeirsdóttir, professor of economics, pictured here along with Icelandic participants in the project.

the financial damages suffered detailed analysis of the cost of PHOTO: UNIVERSITY OF ICELAND by an individual due to violence in Iceland. “By that I “Research like this gives us a clearer impression of the total cost of violence and gives emotional violence, sexual mean the intangible costs borne governments a better basis to evaluate the benefits that would be attained if additional violence and/or physical by victims of violence, e.g. funding was directed towards preventing violence. The findings may also be used to evaluate violence. The damages are due to suffering, but besides financial damages within the legal system,” says Brynja Jónbjarnardóttir, researcher at assessed using an income these there are also direct the University of Iceland. support method that reveals healthcare costs and possible how much an individual would loss of future earnings. A Háskóli Íslands – Violence 2018. At the same time, the result in charges being brought. need to be paid to compensate lot of previous research has is a cancer in society and rate of sexual offences rose But is it possible to measure for the loss of wellbeing that focused on domestic violence according to Icelandic National by just over 33 percent. This the financial value of being results from certain kinds of perpetrated against women, Police records, the numbers is clearly a cause for concern. free from violence of any violence,” says Brynja. The but we wanted to look at of acts of violence in Iceland However, police records do kind? Brynja Jónbjarnardóttir, research team she belongs violence in a broader context increased by about three not tell the whole story about researcher at the University to is called ConCIV and it and include both sexes.” percent last year compared acts of violence committed in of Iceland, has attempted to is looking into the financial to the averages for 2016 and Iceland, since not all incidents answer this question in her damages caused by various It is worth more to be free work on an international and diseases and other factors. of emotional violence than interdisciplinary team of physical violence scientists led by Tinna Laufey We need a better analysis of Brynja says that the Ásgeirsdóttir, professor of the cost of violence findings of the research show economics. Brynja explains that that financial damages due to “In the study, we evaluate scientists have lacked a emotional violence are higher than damages due to physical or sexual violence. “The reasons for this are unclear, but it might be that emotional violence more often continues for longer Velkomin heim than other kinds of violence, meaning that it involves a higher number of individual Non-stop flights to Iceland with connections to more than 25 destinations in Europe. acts of violence.” The ConCIV team’s research is hugely valuable for society – according to Brynja, it is vital that all the costs of violence are evaluated, including the intangible costs PROUD SUPPORTERS affecting victims of violence Gilbart Funeral Home Ltd. due to suffering. “Research like of the Lögberg-Heimskringla this gives us a clearer impression CHAPELS IN At Pharmasave Gimli our Live Well pharmacists care of the total cost of violence and SELKIRK AND GIMLI about the health and well-being of our customers. gives governments a better SelkirkSelkirk basis to evaluate the benefits We want to be with you every step of the way. of directing additional funding Four generations Toll free 1-800-230-6482 towards preventing violence. of devoted service 482-3271 The findings may also be used to evaluate financial damages in the Selkirk area within the legal system.” and throughout Brynja explains that the Interlake research like this increases knowledge and information since 1935. within society, which can be used to improve infrastructure Member Manitoba & Canadian and government, to the benefit Funeral Service Association 309 Eveline Street, Selkirk 204.642.5504 of all. VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA Lögberg-Heimskringla • 1 ágúst 2020 • 19 again drawing closer, he asked into such a high mountain that the cow: “What shall we do the lad could only see straight “BELLOW NOW, MY BUKOLLA” now, my Bukolla?” up into the clear sky. When the “Take a hair from my tail,” troll came to the mountain, she n old man and his wife world, not knowing where to chain and took her away with she said, “and lay it on the said: “This shall avail you not, once lived in a cottage. turn. He walked for a long, long him. When they had gone earth.” Then she said to the wretch that you are.” Turning AThey lived there with time, and at last sat down to eat. some distance, the boy saw an hair: “I will that you become to the smaller troll, she said: their only son but they were While he was eating, he said: immense troll stomping after so great a flame, that none but “Fetch my father’s drill, lass.” by no means fond of him. The “Bellow now, my Bukolla, if them, accompanied by another, flying birds can cross it.” At The other went back, returned old man and his wife likewise you are anywhere alive.” Then smaller troll. He realized that once, the hair was turned into with the drill, and the troll bored had only one cow and no other he heard the cow bellow from they would soon overtake him, a flame. When the troll came to a hole through the mountain. beasts. This cow was called far, far away. so he asked, “What shall we do it, she said: “This shall not avail But as soon as she could see Bukolla. After this, the boy again now, my Bukolla?” you, wretch! Go,” she said to through, she was too eager to When Bukolla calved, the walked for a long time, and She answered: “Take a hair the smaller troll, “and fetch my pass. She thrust herself into old woman helped her and, and when sat down to eat, he said: from my tail, and lay it on the father’s big bull.” The smaller the hole, which was too narrow once all was right again, the old “Bellow now, my Bukolla, earth.” He did so, and the cow troll went and fetched the bull, for her, and she became stuck, woman went into the family if you are anywhere alive.” said to the hair: “I will that you which sprayed all the water it turning to stone. And there she room where she stayed for a He again heard her bellow, become so big a river, that only had drunk from the river over is to this day. But the boy safely while. But when she returned somewhat nearer than the a flying bird can cross it.” the flame, putting it out. returned home with Bukolla, to look after the cow, it wasn’t first time. Still he walked on In the same moment, the Now, when the boy saw that where his parents were mighty to be found. for a long, long time, until he hair became a great river. And the troll would soon overtake glad. Now the old man and his came to the top of some high when the big troll came to it, she him, he asked: “What shall we This story is adapted and wife went in search of Bukolla. rocks. There he sat down to stopped and said: “This shall do now, my Bukolla?” modernized from the version They sought far and near, eat, and said: “Bellow now, my not avail you, lad! Run home, “Take a hair from my tail that appears in the collection but returned empty-handed. Bukolla, if you are anywhere wench,” she said to the smaller and lay it on the earth,” she said of Jón Árnason (1819-1888), So they bid their son go alive.” He heard then that the troll, “and fetch my father’s big before saying: “I command that Íslenzkar þjóðsögur og immediately in search of her, cow bellowed under his feet. bull.” The smaller troll went and you become so high a mountain ævintýry (Icelandic Folk Tales forbidding him to return unless He climbed down the rocks returned with a gigantic bull, that none but the highest flying and Legends), as translated he brought Bukolla with him. until he saw a huge cave, and, which drank up all the river. bird can pass it.” by George E.J. Powell They outfitted the boy, giving going into it, found Bukolla When the boy saw troll Then the hair was turned and Eiríkur Magnússon. him provisions and new shoes, inside, chained up under a and he went forth into the wide sloping rock. He undid the “Hvað er svo “What is as joyful Eating puffin glatt sem góðra as a gathering Kevin Jon Johnson vina fundur?” of good friends?” Sakai, Japan 121st Annual Deuce of August Icelandic Celebration ccording to Nico Borbely in The Reykjavík Grapevine, the hunting of the Atlantic puffin for food remains legal Árið tvö þúsund og tuttugu (2020) Ain Iceland and the Faroe Islands. He comments that eating Mountain, North Dakota puffin has declined, as most people find it “too gamey, tough, and briny.” FRIDAY, JULY 31ST SATURDAY, AUGUST 1ST CONT When visiting Iceland in 1999, I ate puffin at the home of Árni 1:00 PM ICELANDIC ROOTS’ VIRTUAL 12:00 NOON CAR SHOW AND SHINE Pálsson, the retired pastor of Kópavogur Lutheran Church. His son, GENEALOGY ROOM Main Street Þórólfur Árnason, along with his Icelandic sheepdog, picked me Live on the internet 1:00 PM INTRODUCTION TO THE ICELANDIC up in his car. His mother, Rósa, would prepare his favorite meal – 1:00 PM–4:00 PM NATIONAL LEAGUE OF THE puffin in a gravy. I quite enjoyed the taste and texture of it; the meat Join via Zoom-Information on how to UNITED STATES appeared very dark, even black. It tasted to me rather like bison. join will be posted on the “August the Online webinar Þórólfur Árnason would go on to serve as mayor of Reykjavík Deuce” Facebook Page and on our Information on how to join the from February 1, 2003, to November 30, 2004. My amma, website at http://thedeuce.org/ Webinar will be posted on the Rosa Johnson, is related to this family through her father, Pétur 4:00 PM MOUNTAIN AMERICAN LEGION FISH FRY “August the Deuce” Facebook Page Pétursson. The male lineage on this branch extends into the past Main Street and on our website at through a long string of Lutheran pastors. It extends to the brother SATURDAY, AUGUST 1ST http://thedeuce.org/ of Geir Vídalín Jónsson, the last diocesan Bishop of Skálholt 7:00 AM PANCAKE AND SAUSAGE BREAKFAST 2:00 PM HERITAGE PROGRAM (1897-1801) and first Bishop of Iceland (1801-1823). Mountain Chalet Mountain Community Center Historically, we know that Icelanders had to pick up their protein Free Will Offering Virtual Program on the Big Screen and when and where they could, so eating Atlantic puffin accomplished 7:00 AM–10:00 AM on a Live Webinar-Information on how to join the Webinar will be posted on this for some. Today, perhaps uniquely in human history, all of us in 10:30 AM PARADE the “August the Deuce” Facebook the developed nations have a panoply of foods to pick from. Such Main Street Page and on our website at bounty did not exist in the not too distant past. Parade will be broadcast live http://thedeuce.org/ In-person Besides puffin, Icelanders eat hákarl (fermented shark) and on KXPO AM 1340 seating in the Community Center will svið (singed sheep head). I also ate hákarl in northern Iceland, but Moore’s Icelandic Goodies and be limited and on a first come, first Souvenir Sales on Main Street it made me sick to my stomach. Japan also has someF unique foods, served basis and will be subject to Food Vendors available like raw horsemeat (an expensive delicacy) and entire sparrows change. Watch for announcements on cooked on a spit. One of my JapaneseFr girlfriendsiends toldo mef thatIc here lan11:00d, AM OICELANDICtta wROOTS’a VIRTUAL our Facebook page and website. father enjoyed crunching his way through skewered and roasted GENEALOGY ROOM ND sparrow. It was on the menu where we ate, but I declined to try it. Live on the internet 11 AM–12 NOON SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 The puffin is certainly the cutest animal I have eaten. Like Join via Zoom-Information on how to 11:00 AM WORSHIP SERVICE many foods, if properly prepared, it can satisfy our culinary wants. join will be posted on the “August the Gardar Town Church Deuce” Facebook Page and on our website at http://thedeuce.org/ PARADE GRAND MARSHAL BORG MEMORIAL HOME HONORARY PARADE Greetings ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF MARSHAL Greetings PAST & PRESENT GEORGE FREEMAN To All Delegates of the 2016 Wishing everyone a festive Moore’s Icelandic Goodies will be available during the Saturday events. The Souvenir Booth will also be INL of NA Convention in selling Icelandic hard fish and Raffle Tickets for the cash raffle-prize of $500 will be awarded, with the Íslendingadagurinn and a drawing to be held at 2 PM on Sunday at the Mountain Community Center. Raffle tickets also available at Joyous AugustVancouver the Deuce parade announcing stage. Need not be present to win. Parade will be broadcast live on KXPO AM 1340. For regular updates and new developments on Friends Fof Iceland, Ottawa events, follow us on Facebook at “August the Deuce” www.thedeuce.org Friends of Iceland, Ottawa VISIT OUR WEBSITE LH-INC.CA

Greetings 20 • Lögberg-Heimskringla • August 1 2020 Using virtual reality to develop treatments for anxiety disorders

Háskóli Íslands – They can occur even though Obsessive-compulsive disorder the person realizes that they is a disorder characterized are not based in reality. by intrusive thoughts, Compulsions are a kind of compulsions, or delusions behaviour related to these that cause anxiety. The latest obsessive thoughts, intended research of Ágúst Pálsson, a to prevent the obsessions from master’s student in clinical coming true. A simple example, psychology at the University and pertinent considering of Iceland, is intended to events in recent months, might shed new light on attentional be obsessive thoughts about function in people with such infection and constant hand disorders, which could also washing. However, concerns lead to opportunities to develop about COVID-19 and a lot effective treatments. of hand washing in recent “The goal is to develop months in general would not ways to measure attentional be considered an indication of function in anxiety disorders obsessive-compulsive disorder, such as obsessive-compulsive since there is a rational basis for disorder. We will develop visual the worries and the behaviour. foraging tasks, which is one It will be interesting, though, kind of attentional task used in to see how people behave once PHOTO: UNIVERSITY OF ICELAND psychological research, using the pandemic is over. Will Ágúst Pálsson, master’s student in clinical psychology, with Árni Kristjánsson, professor a virtual reality environment anybody develop the disorder of psychology at the University of Iceland. The latest research of Ágúst Pálsson is intended where people look for faces with after the pandemic?” wonders to shed new light on attentional function in people with such disorders, which could also negative expressions among Árni. lead to opportunities to develop effective treatments. faces with positive expressions. The research will be Participants’ performance in conducted using the Samsung experiences, which is key therefore to be able to more benefit of virtual reality is that it these tasks will be measured Gear 360 camera, which records to reducing fear and anxiety accurately measure attentional gives you the option of varying against measurements of a 360 degree environment, triggered by certain situations errors and also develop better the difficulty of situations. their anxiety,” says Árni making it possible to create or stimuli. Such methods treatments for people dealing Often, anxiety and fear are Kristjánsson, professor in the different situations in virtual are used to treat obsessive- with anxiety disorders,” says treated by starting with easier Faculty of Psychology and reality for the participants and compulsive disorder and other Árni. tasks and gradually working Ágúst’s supervisor. measure their reactions. The anxiety-related problems. Virtual reality enables up to more difficult tasks. The “Obsessive-compulsive researcher can fully control “Visual foraging researchers to create specific level of control offered by disorder is characterized by what people see within the measures attentional function situations and environments virtual reality should therefore recurring and unwelcome virtual reality environment significantly better and in a that, according to Ágúst, be useful in our research,” says intrusive thoughts. These and is thus able to significantly more variable way than other open up opportunities to Ágúst, who is working on the thoughts are the obsessions. impact their perceptions and attentional tasks. We hope research precipitating and research project with funding perpetuating factors in mental support from the Student disorders, including obsessive- Innovation Fund this summer. compulsive disorder. The goal of the fund is to give “Using virtual reality, it is universities, research institutes, A LONG STANDING TRADITION easy to create situations which and companies the opportunity THE ONLY FUNERAL HOME OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE BARDAL FAMILY would otherwise be difficult to to hire undergraduate and simulate. This technology is still master’s students for summer being developed and perhaps is jobs on ambitious and still in its infancy, but it opens challenging research projects up a lot of possibilities. One such as this one.

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