Icelandic Manitobans kick off sesquicentennial at Government House
First Day of Summer | Sumardagurinn fyrsti

Author: Karen Botting

The year 2025 will be full of celebrations in Manitoba in honour of the 150th anniversary of the Icelanders settlement in Manitoba. What better way to begin these many events than to share a toast on the First Day of Summer / Sumardagurinn fyrsti? And to do just that, the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, Anita Neville, hosted a cocktail reception at Government House in Winnipeg.

Elder Ruth Christie opened the formal part of the program with a prayer. The Lieutenant Governor acknowledged the contribution of the Icelandic community to the development of Manitoba; Nellie Kennedy, the Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, lauded the impact the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba has on the province in many ways; while Ryan Eyford, professor of history at the University of Winnipeg, shared the Icelandic story as seen at the New Iceland Heritage Museum. Consul General of Iceland Vilhjálmur Wiium emphasized the excellent and long-lasting relations between Canadians of Icelandic descent and Iceland. The program ended with two songs by Jasmine Henry, a young musician from the Interlake.

Following the formalities, many a skál was heard as the guests enjoyed wonderful hors d’oeuvres, wine, and cold beverages as they look forward to the many activities planned to celebrate the 150th anniversary in the coming months.