The Swedes were given a warm welcome in Nýja Ísland (New Iceland) last weekend, with a guided tour through historic sites and stories that celebrated the deep Icelandic roots in the Interlake.
The group was greeted by Gunnvor Danielsdottir at Gimli’s New Iceland Heritage Museum, where they learned about the landing of the first Icelandic settlers at White Rock on Willow Island in 1875.
For Sonja Lundström, President of the Swedish Cultural Association, the experience was especially meaningful.
“My mother was Icelandic, my father from Sweden and that is who I am — with Icelandic roots being very strong,” she said. “My ancestors were with us as we learned about our people and their outstanding life in New Iceland. It’s in our blood. The visit meant a deep connection and appreciation of my roots that I feel so proud of.”
Riverton Centennial Park was the next stop, where the group paid tribute to the famous poet Guttormur J. Guttormsson. His poem Sandy Bar describes the hardships the Icelanders endured as they settled in their new surroundings. The visit also highlighted the close relationship between the Indigenous and Icelandic peoples.
“I wanted to share the closeness of the Indigenous and Icelandic people,” said Lundström. “This was only one of the many, but it was very significant, especially during this time of truth and reconciliation.”
Along the Icelandic River, the visitors viewed a statue of Sigtryggur Jonasson, who, in his 20s, founded New Iceland with its own government and rules. Lundström called it one of the outstanding moments of the tour.
“The monument to the young 20-year-old Sigtryggur Jonasson, who led the Icelandic immigrants through the many challenges they faced — what a leader at such a young age.”
At the historic Engimýri (Meadow Mire) home, Heather McDonald explained the significance of artifacts inside the house, while Nelson Gerrard spoke about ongoing renewal projects at the historic site.
The journey also included a stop in Hecla, where Maxine Ingalls guided the visitors through the museum of fishery, school, church and community hall that once served the early Icelandic community. For Lundström, the cemetery there left a strong impression.
“I think the cemetery at Hecla, with the plaque that identified all the people there and in such well cared-for grounds, really reflected the deep respect for our ancestors who created Hecla and New Iceland,” she said.
To honour their ancestors, Icelandic flags were placed on the graves of original Hecla settlers Stefan and Sylvia Sigurdson. The group also visited the former home of Sigurdson Fish in Riverton, a landmark written about in Glenn Sigurdson’s book Vikings on a Prairie Ocean.
The Swedish visitors, Lundström said, were deeply engaged throughout.
“They were so keenly interested in this history told by people of Icelandic descent, with their passion and commitment to tell the story of their people here,” she said.
As president, she hopes the story of New Iceland continues to resonate widely.
“I feel strongly we don’t know where we’re going until we know where we’ve come from,” said Lundström. “The legacy of the Icelandic immigrants with their creative ways of surviving and thriving in this new land is a message for all of us to learn from. Hospitality, generosity and helping your fellow man ran through everything.”
The trip, described as unforgettable, left participants with rich memories and a deep appreciation for the warm hospitality shown in true Icelandic style — and even included a taste of home.
“They served great Icelandic River coffee too,”Lundström added with a smile.
