Icelandic Canadian Relations, Past and Present

In celebration of Icelandic Canadian relations, past and present, the University of Iceland hosts a symposium on 5 December, in Veröld ‒ House of Vigdís, in collaboration with the Canadian Embassy in Iceland.

Katrín Jakobsdóttir, the prime minister, gives the opening remarks. Rev. Stefan Jonasson, the editor of Lögberg‒Heimskringla, is the guest of honour. He is an ordained Unitarian minister, a widely-respected community leader, authority on organizational development, and award-winning historical scholar and folklorist. He lives in Winnipeg.

Programme

15:00-15:10 Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Prime Minister: Opening Remarks.
15:10-15:20 Dr. Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector, University of Iceland: The University of Iceland’s Relations with Canada and the Stephan G. Stephansson Endowment Fund.

15:20-15:30 Dr. Birna Bjarnadóttir, Project Manager, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir Institute:
Icelandic Canadian Research Relations.

15:30-15:40 Hjálmar W. Hannesson, Ambassador: The Icelandic National League in Iceland.
15:40-16:10 Rev. Stefan Jonasson, Editor: Lögberg-Heimskringla. A Mirror of Icelandic Life Among North Americans.*

16:10-16:30 Discussions, Chaired by Dr. Birna Arnbjörnsdóttir, Professor and Director of the Vigdís Finnbogadóttir Institute.

16:30‒17:00 Refreshments.

*Abstract: The oldest continuously-published ethnic newspaper in North America, Lögberg-Heimskringla maintains a publishing presence that has connected and informed North American Icelanders from the 19th century to the present day. Now published in English, it continues to reflect the life of the Icelandic communities in Canada and the United States, inform them about current events in Iceland, and nurture an awareness of Icelandic history and culture.