Hekla Club Samkoma  
Over 100 attend annual celebration 

Author: Diane Greenwood & Dianne O’Konski, Minneapolis, MN

For the second year, the Icelandic Hekla Club held its Samkoma celebration April 27 at the Norway House in Minneapolis. The event highlighted the 100 years this club has been in existence. The role Samkoma was to play in the future of the club is noted from the onset. Samkoma was mentioned by the Icelandic Hekla Club at its initial meeting on January 30, 1925. According to meeting minutes: “Samkoma was discussed but no action taken in view of the fact that we are just starting out and it would be better not to rush things.”

Not rushing paid off as Samkoma has continued throughout the history of the club. Its venue may have changed, as well as the menu, but it stays true to its Icelandic roots. 

This year’s event began with a social hour where we (over 100 of us) caught up on the latest news from members and friends. Kari Shogren, vice president of the Hekla Club, then invited us to a delicious luncheon buffet.

Elin Hansen, president, introduced video greetings from: Svanhildur Hólm Valsdóttir, Ambassador of Iceland to the United States; Jón Átli Benediktsson, rector of the University of Iceland; Gwen Morgan, president of the Icelandic National League of North America (INLNA); and Douglas Hanson, president of the Icelandic National League of the United States (INLUS).

Adriana Castelo, assistant director of exchange programs at the University of Minnesota, brought in-person greetings from the university’s International Student and Scholar Services. She highlighted the relationship between the Icelandic Hekla Club and the Val Bjornson Student Exchange Scholarship that began in 1982. It was the first formal student exchange agreement for the University of Minnesota.

Jónína Kardal, president of the UMN Iceland Alumni Network, followed Adriana. Her remarks, as well as Jón Atli’s, focused on the student exchange between the University of Minnesota and the University of Iceland. This exchange is formally renewed every five years and will be renewed in 2027 in Iceland. She went on to reminisce as a former Hekla Club member about attending the meetings and events and the importance of the friendships and relationships that were formed. Adriana concluded by announcing Jeannie and Matt Entenza’s donation of $100,000 to the Val Bjornson Fund.

Jeannie Isfeld Entenza, Honorary Consul of Iceland for Minnesota and North Dakota, introduced the keynote speaker, Margrét Hallgrímsdóttir, former director general of the National Museum of Iceland and current director general in the Prime Minister’s Office. In recognition of the Hekla Club being a women’s club until 2019, Margrét acknowledged the role that women have played throughout the history of Iceland. Using the Lady of the Mountain, the female incarnation or personification of Iceland, as a starting point, she highlighted the many roles that women played throughout the history of Iceland. She graciously took questions following her remarks.

The year 2024 marked 80 years since the founding of the Republic of Iceland in 1944. As a remembrance of the occasion, Margrét brought lapel pins for all attendees and the copies of the book Fjallkonan, inspired and instigated by former Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir. Interestingly, each chapter of the book is printed in Icelandic, English, and Polish.

Following her talk, Margrét had the honor of drawing the winner of the raffle held for vouchers worth $1,000 on Icelandair, compliments of the airline. James (Jimmy) Johnson, Honorary Consul of Finland, won the vouchers. He serves the Northern Finnish communities and is based in Virginia, Minnesota. He was not present at the event but was delighted when told. The Hekla Club uses proceeds from sale of tickets to donate to the Val Bjornson Scholarship Fund.

President Elin Hansen ended the event with an acknowledgment and thanks to all who stepped up to serve, by donating their time, talent, and energy to make this centennial celebration a success. She added a special thanks to the people serving on the 100th Anniversary Committee. Getting down to business.

Getting down to business 
INLNA annual meeting in Gimli

Author: Stefan Jonasson

While other attendees at the recent Icelandic National League of North America convention headed off to tour Gimli, visit the exhibit hall, or attend Eliza Reid’s book reading, which was hosted by H.P. Tergesen and Sons at the Gimli Unitarian Church, scores of devoted delegates remained at the Lakeview Resort to transact the business of the INLNA at its annual general meeting on Saturday, May 3, 2025. President Gwen Sigrid Morgan convened the meeting shortly after 2:00 p.m. and its business was conducted fully but efficiently, the only reward for the delegates and individuals who attended being vínarterta and coffee after the meeting concluded.

“The Icelandic National League of North America has hosted over a hundred conventions since its founding in 1919. The years have seen much change, and yet much stays the same,” observed Gwen in her president’s report. “One factor that has remained consistent through the years is the importance of volunteers. I wish to take this moment to thank my team of volunteers on the board and the committees of the INNA, who I trust and lean upon to fulfil the mandate of the INLNA.” She extended special thanks to board secretary Daphne Egilsson, “who efficiently manages our schedules and reports – and so much more – keeping us all on track” and also treasurer Dawn Harris, “whose wise counsel on financial management is like the rudder of the INLNA, keeping the ship on a clear course providing financial reports, projections and seasoned advice.”

Gwen went on to highlight the unique gifts and work of each and every board member: Jody Arman-Jones, Tammy Stefansson Evans, Loren Gudbjartsson, John Hofteig, Nancy Tarr, and former board member Dennis Oleson, before adding: “I am most grateful for the support, guidance, energy and commitment of our vice president, Mark Petursson, and past president, Ashley Thorvaldson. I appreciate their knowledge and experience.” She also acknowledge two volunteers who work as volunteers in the background: social media chair Signý McInnis and webmaster Matt Gaudet.

“Many of the INLNA board members were new to their positions this year, and it takes a while to learn about the organization and one’s role in it,” she noted. “The team is well-grounded now.”

“It has been a privilege to serve my first term as the president of the INNA this past year. I have had the opportunity to meet online, and in person, many dedicated INNA volunteers and leaders in our Vestur-Íslendinga community,” Gwen indicated. “It will be an exciting time for the Western Icelandic community during this year of the 150th anniversary of Nýja Ísland and as we gather in the heart of New Iceland in Gimli for the convention and 106th Annual General Meeting.”

Gwen thanked the Gimli Icelandic Canadian Society for all its work in hosting this year’s milestone convention, naming chairperson Vivian Painter and her team: Tammy Axelsson, Serena Goebel, Gunnvör Daníelsdóttir Asmundsson, Svala Þrastardóttir, Chris Magnusson, Candice Murphy, Gwen Grattan, and Oliver Cunningham.

Gwen highlighted the activities undertaken by the board and other volunteers throughout the past year, including monthly board meetings, executive meetings, quarterly newsletters, bimonthly chapter presidents’ meetings, an Everything Icelandic webinar and a joint webinar with INLUS, INLNA Reads, and other activities. “The INLNA Reads online club has a core of dedicated and perceptive followers who astound me with their insightful conversation. It has blossomed into a delightful exchange at each meeting and the group was keen to choose the next book to read,” she observed.

“The biggest highlight of my first year as INLNA president, by far, was being invited to be part of the official delegation at Íslendingadagurinn,” Gwen noted.

Treasurer Dawn Harris presented the treasurer’s report, year-end financial statement, and budget for the coming year. INLNA generated an operating surplus of $4,840 in 2024, which reversed the previous year’s deficit of $3,037. (The budget had actually projected a loss of $6,585.) Year over year, revenue increased from $14,499 to $18,722, while expenditures declined from $20,195 to $18,634. Membership dues increased slightly, but calendar sales accounted for most of the increase in revenue, followed by a significant increase in interest income. On the expenditure side, there were marked increases in insurance costs and grants, offset by decreases in marketing costs and convention expenses (now that INLNA has moved to biennial in-person conventions), while other expenses remained more or less the same.

The treasurer presented a budget for 2025 anticipating total revenues of $21,400, including interest income, and authorizing expenditures of $32,310. The anticipated shortfall of $10,910 would be drawn from reserve funds. The major element in the increased expenses consists of anticipated convention expenses of $8,350. In her written reports, the treasurer advised, “there is nothing wrong with running a deficit providing there is cash in the bank to fund it and there is prudent fiscal management to oversee that expenditures do not outpace the ability of an organization to fund them.” After a careful analysis, she concluded that the proposed deficit was manageable.

The increase in insurance costs during the past year is related to a change in coverage, which resulted in INLNA taking out a commercial general liability insurance, which it did not have in the past, alongside its existing directors and officers insurance coverage.

Officers and board members elected to serve for 2025-2026: Gwen Sigrid Morgan, president Mark Petursson, vice president Daphne Egilsson, secretary Vivian Painter, treasurer Ashley Thorvaldson, past president; Jody Arman-Jones and Natalie Wirth, Snorri West co-directors; Tammy Stefansson Evans, fundraising director; Nancy Tarr, membership director; John Hofteig, special envoy for US membership; and Loren Gudbjartsson, governance director. Mark Petursson was named as the INLNA representative to Þjóðræknisfélag Íslendinga and Loren Gudbjartsson was named the INLNA representative to the Canada Iceland Foundation

Delegates voted to accept the financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2024, prepared by Cheri Vohs, and reappointed Cheri Vohs to review the financial records and prepare the year-end financial statement for 2025.

A variety of additional reports from INLNA programs and committees were also received.

When the meeting adjourned, delegates and individual members lingered for a while over refreshments before heading off to get ready for the gala dinner later that evening.

Honouring our finest
Award recipients at INLNA convention

It’s a time-honoured tradition to gather on the Friday evening of Icelandic National League of North America conventions to formally recognize the recipients of the various INLNA awards. This year, President Gwen Sigrid Morgan and Vice President Mark Petursson presided over the awards ceremony. Following their words of welcome from Gwen and a land acknowledgment by Mark, Kerrine Wilson and Bethany Butler Wong led the assembly in the three national anthems – Iceland, the United States, and Canada – and then the members of the INLNA board were introduced.

In his keynote address, which set the tone for the awards ceremony, W.D. (Bill) Valgardson declared: “People risked everything – everything – for opportunity on this ground. A hundred and fifty years ago, our opportunity seekers came here to New Iceland. It was such a short time ago that I knew two of my great-grandparents who were among the original settlers of 
New Iceland.”

“I see these people as heroic,” he later observed. “I see these people’s stories as part of our Icelandic immigration history that must be preserved. …

“At the beginning of the Icelandic immigration, there were fears that our heritage would be lost. We would forget the Golden Age of the Vikings, the Sagas, our history, but that has not happened. We are here today, in the heart of New Iceland, celebrating our history and our heritage.”

After Bill’s stirring address, Edda Langworth, a member of the Icelandic Canadian Club of British Columbia, performed a selection of songs on classical guitar. The ceremony then proceeded to recognize the 11 recipients of awards.

Lifetime Achievement Awards: The Laurence S.G. Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award was initiated in 2003 to be bestowed upon a recipient for contributions not only to the Icelandic community but also in the community at large. This year, awards were presented to two distinguished Icelandic Canadians.

Norman Eyford
Icelandic Canadian Club of British Columbia
For three decades, Norm Eyford has been a tireless volunteer with the Icelandic Canadian Club of British Columbia. Norm has held leadership roles within the ICCBC and the Scandinavian Community Centre Society of British Columbia earning recognition for his long-standing and profound contributions. Norm chaired the 2016 INLNA convention which was held in Richmond, BC. For over twenty years, Norm has worked tirelessly with the Icelandic Care Home Höfn Society – as President since 2009 – ensuring that Icelandic culture and heritage are preserved and celebrated. Norm also shares his many talents with Lögberg-Heimskringla.

Norm’s father Thorhallur (Halli) was born in Iceland. He was nine months old when his family arrived in Manitoba in 1905. Norm was born in British Columbia but spent his childhood in Manitoba, returning to BC after he completed Grade 11.

From his childhood in Manitoba to his leadership in Icelandic organizations today, Norm’s commitment to his heritage has been a defining aspect of his identity. Norm also has made significant contributions to the Métis community, the Delta Heritage Society and the North Delta Advisory Group. Norm is known for his dedication, leadership and ability to connect and inspire others.

Margaret Grisdale
Leif Eiriksson Icelandic Club of Calgary
Margaret Indridason Grisdale was born in Oxbow, Saskatchewan. Her parents were Sveinn and Olafia Indridason. Following her marriage, Margaret found herself very busy as the mom of four active sons - participating in and supporting their many activities.

In 1999. Margaret became president of the Leif Eiriksson Icelandic Club of Calgary. In this same year Margaret hosted President of Iceland Ölafur Ragnar Grimsson during his visit to Banff.

In 2004, Margaret was proud to be chosen the Alberta Fjallkona. Margaret worked to expand the Calgary club through improved finances and the growth of membership – adding programs specifically designed for youth and seniors. Margaret is thrilled that the LEIC provides the Lögberg-Heimskringla newspaper as part of club membership. Margaret ensured that the history of the LEIC was preserved as newsletter editor and publisher for about 25 years, just recently retiring from this role.

Margaret was co-convenor with Gwen Mann of the very successful 2008 INLNA convention. Icelandic culture and heritage were spotlighted beyond the convention when Calgary proclaimed Icelandic week in the city. Margaret also contributed to the 2023 INLNA Convention in Banff.

Margaret was Membership chair for the INLNA in 2007 and 2008. Margaret continues today acting as a highly respected mentor for the sitting executive members.

Cadham Award: The Joan Inga Eyolfson Cadham Award is presented for outstanding contributions in literature, arts, or media.

Glenn Sigurdson
Icelandic Canadian Club of British Columbia
Glenn Sigurdson, CM, KC, a long-standing member of the Icelandic Canadian Club of British Columbia, was presented with the Joan Inga Eyolfson Cadham Award, which was established in 2017 to recognize individuals who have been outstanding in the promotion of Icelandic culture and heritage by way of literature, arts, or media.

Among a long and prestigious list of roles and recognitions, he currently serves as Honorary Consul General to Iceland in Vancouver, as an adjunct professor at Simon Fraser University and Chair Emeritus at RESOLVE. In 2022, Glenn was awarded the Order of Canada, which recognizes his outstanding achievement and service to Canada.

Glenn’s great grandparents came from Iceland. He grew up with the Icelandic and Indigenous communities on Lake Winnipeg working for Sigurdson Fisheries. The hard work and community spirit than he experienced as a child in a family fishing enterprise is vividly described in his book, Vikings On a Prairie Ocean (2014). In 2021, Glenn published My Viking Lady of the Lake: A Collection Inspired by the Pandemic.

In addition to his personal writing, Glenn has also penned a vast library of professional publications on a wide range of topics. A common thread to Glenn’s work is conflict resolution and sustainability in environmental and resource disputes. Glenn’s publications are the gold standard for professional practice in their area of use.

Römm er sú taug Award: This award recognizes significant contributions that promote ties between Icelandic communities on an international level.

Nelson Gerrard
Þjóðræknisfélag Íslendinga
Nelson Gerrard, of Riverton and Hnausa in Manitoba, was named as the recipient of the Römm er sú taug (Strong Is the Bond) Award, although he couldn’t be present in person to receive it owing to lambing season. This award is granted to a member of either Þjóðræknisfélag Íslendinga or the INLNA who has strengthened the bonds of the Icelandic community and its organizations across borders.

Nelson is well known and held in high regard in the Western Icelandic community and beyond. Teacher, author, historian, genealogist, preserver of culture and history. His books: The Icelandic Heritage and Icelandic River Saga are considered treasures.

Among many and varied projects and accomplishments, he is a founding member of the Icelandic River Heritage Sites which has renovated and restored homestead properties in the area of Nýja Ísland. He was part of the project which commissioned the statue of Sigtryggur Jónasson, the “Father of New Iceland.” In 1988 he established the Eyrarbakki Icelandic Heritage Centre. He created the crest for the INLNA with the motto Römm er sú taug. He purchased and restored the homestead Engimyri.

Nelson has been awarded the Canada 125 Medal (1992), the Queen’s Jubilee Medal (2002), and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012). Nelson was also presented with Iceland’s most prestigious award, the Order of the Falcon, in 2002.

Honorary Lifetime Membership Awards: Four individuals were named as Honorary Lifetime Members of the INLNA, which recognizes individuals who have been nominated by their member club for having shown outstanding service to the INLNA through service in their member club.

Karen Botting
Icelandic Canadian Frón
Karen’s club, the Icelandic Canadian Frón in Winnipeg, nominated her for this prestigious award to recognize her many years of dedicated service, leadership and contributions to the Icelandic Canadian Community. A former Fjallkona (2016), Karen is currently the President of the Board of Directors of Lögberg Heimskringla, a position she has held since 2021. Karen is an alumna of the Snorri Plus Program (2007). Karen is a dedicated community volunteer – serving her community in a variety of roles.

JoAnne Gullachsen
Gimli Icelandic Canadian Society
JoAnne has been a long-standing member and very active volunteer with the Gimli Icelandic Canadian Society. JoAnne is a direct descendent of the very first Icelandic baby born in the New Iceland Reserve in that fall of 1875.

Janet Isfeld
Gimli Icelandic Canadian Society
Janet is a long-standing member of the Gimli Icelandic Canadian Society, recently retiring from the position of treasurer which she held for some 15 years. Janet continues to be an enthusiastic member of the GICS volunteering with activities throughout the year.

Dorothy May Murray
Stephan G. Stephansson Icelandic Club
Dorothy (Swainson) Murray is a long-time member of the Stephan G. Stephansson Icelandic Society and Vonin Icelandic Ladies Aid. Being of Icelandic descent through her parents, she has inherited a rich cultural legacy that she has embraced and celebrated throughout her life.

Convention Registration Awards: Convention Registration Awards are presented to young persons, aged 13 to 35 years, who show interest in exploring their Icelandic heritage by participating INLNA conventions.

Atli Geir Halldórsson
Icelandic Canadian Club of British Columbia
Atli is an Icelandic national, born and raised in Reykjavík. He has relatives in North America on both sides of his maternal family tree. Atli serves the Icelandic community as co-project manager of the Snorri Programs.

Rebecca Rae Hayman
Icelandic Club of the Okanagan
Rebecca has embraced her Icelandic heritage her entire life. She is a Snorri alumna (2016) and is learning the Icelandic language. Rebecca started the Icelandic Club of the Okanagan. Rebecca also volunteers every year for the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba.

Emilia Ljos Odegard
Icelandic Canadian Frón
Emilia (Emmy) Ljos Odegard was born in Reykjavík and moved to Winnipeg at 18 months old. She has Icelandic heritage on both sides. Her amma grew up in Arborg, Manitoba. Emmy’s langamma and langafi were Solborg Gudlaug (Lifman) Olafson and Theodore Einar Olafson. Emmy is taking Icelandic lessons and hopes to attend university in Iceland in the future.