Lögberg-Heimskringla - 14.10.1988, Page 8

8-LÖGBERG CENTENNIAL YEAR, FÖSTUDAGUR 14. OCKTOBÉR 1988
The ethnic press
An article in the Review, a publi-
cation of Imperial oil discusses eth-
nic press in Canada and the value it
has for its readers. The article has
been well researched and the values
and problems of the ethnic press
parallel closely the history of both
Heimskringla and Lögberg during
their formative years and our present
amalgamated version.
They mention and point out that
this is the 200th year in which the
ethnic press has been active and the
hundreds of thousands of men and
women in Canada are devotees of the
ethnic press. This is an interesting ob-
servation for the common trend with-
in the ethnic press is to rise to the oc-
casion within their own ethnic group,
do fairly well and die on the vine so
to speak. This cycle seems to fit into
a forty year time frame. The cycle is
probably governed by the fact origi-
nal arrivals to this country largely
disappear within this time frame and
the generation born here has ac-
quired command over the English
language and are busy establishing
themselves in the wider community,
while at the same time trying to shed
their ethnic origin as to language and
image. Who wants to read a foreign
language paper when the objective is
complete integration into the popu-
lation of this land the country of their
parents' choice?
On the other hand they point out
the high value of the ethnic papers to
new arrivals in this country. They
serve as a link with the language of
their native country also provide
news from their homeland and from
their people within Canada.
They point out while the diversity
of the 200 ethnic publications ranges
far and wide they have one thing in
common: unusually committed
writers and editors. They further
comment the ethnic press across
Canada simply survives on the dedi-
cation of its editors and writers.
They also note some of the ethnic
publications cover a wide range of
subjects while others have chosen
more specific areas of interest. They
mention Lögberg Heimskringla in
Winnipeg as a tenacious weekly
found in 1886 by Iceland settlers,
written in both Icelandic and English.
This interview must have taken place
with the previous editor Jonas Thor
as the content of the paper varies
from several years ago. We are in-
debted to Steinni Kristjansson for
pointing out this article in the Imperi-
al Review.
Hon. Barbara McDougall: "The Govemment of Canada is
dedicated to an immigration policy that is fair and equitable for
eveiyone seeking entiy into our coimtiy.
"Canada's Immigration Act upholds our country's traditions of
social justice and humanitarian concem while supporting the
country's economic and social development. The real dream of
immigrating to Canada means a new and better home for all."
For information or assistance, please contact your nearest
Canada Immigration Centre.
Employment and
Immlgratlon Canada
Barbara McDougall, Mlnister
Emploi et
Immigratlon Canada
Barbara McDougall, minlstre
Canada