Lögberg-Heimskringla - 02.09.1994, Blaðsíða 4

Lögberg-Heimskringla - 02.09.1994, Blaðsíða 4
4 • Lögberg-Heimskringla • Föstudagur 2. september 1994 By David Gislason CongratuCations ‘foCI&rama!!! We are delighted to have this opportunity to extend sincere congratulations to everyone involved in the 25th annual Folklorama, Canada’s Cultural Celebration. We commend the achievements and contributions of each and every one who has served to further our understanding and appreciation of the ethnocultural communities of our province and country. Through the continued enthusiasm, pride and commitment of thousands of dedicated volunteers, visitors from near and far have the opportunity to learn of others’ cultural heritages through delicious food, outstanding entertainment, colourful cultural displays, and warm and gracious hospitality. We especially acknowledge and thank the many volunteers of the Scandinavian Pavilion for your tireless efforts on behalf of your community. Your participation ensured the success of your pavilion, and of Folklorama 1994. Thank You Gary Filmon Premier Harold Gilleshammer Minister of Culture, Heritage and Citizenship Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism <$% Manitoba 1994 is a year of celebra- tion for Iceland, and peo- ple of Icelandic descent. While the occasion marks the fiftieth anniversary of the sec- ond republic of Iceland, a number of other events are taking place this year. One of these was the unveiling of a statue commemorating the mother of the first European baby bom in North America, Guðríður Þorbjarnardóttir and her son Snorri Þorfinn- son. The statue was presented as a gift from North Americans of Icelandic descent. On July 9, the people of Skagafjörður gathered to wit- ness the unveiling. It was a beautiful summer aftemoon at Glaumbær when President Vigdís Finnbogadóttir arrived to unveil the statue, a replica of one done by the sculptor Ásmundur Sveinson for the 1939 World’s Fair in New York. The occasion began with a service held in the church, and proceeded to the grounds outside. Glaumbær was cho- sen as the location for the statue because the explorers Guðríður and her husband Þorfinnur Karlsefni returned from their joumey to the New World to íive at Glaumbær. Icelandic hospitality, “Jóiakaka" and “kleinur" served by local ladies in their beautiful lcelandic costumes, (note the old wooden serving vessels). Photo: David Gislason The winter that baby Snorri was born, they had spent at the Vinland settlement, previ- ously established and later abandoned by Leifur Eiríksson about the year 990. The respect shown President Vigdís by her coun- trymen was tangible and obvi- ous as she unveiled the new memorial, making the day even more memorable as she moved among the people with her accustomed grace. The “Karlakór Heimir”, a male voice choir of 24 voices sang outdoors and unaccom- panied, a number of selections including a stirring rendition of Matthías Jochumson’s “Skín við Sólu Skagafjörður”. Coffee was served outdoors against a backdrop of sod walls of the old farm buildings at Glaumbær. Guðny Cronshaw was thrilled to have the opportunity to attend the unveiling of the Snorri Þorfinnson monument at Glaumbaer, Skagafjörd, dur- ing her recent trip to Iceland. A ceremony took place at the site and Vigdís Finnboga- dóttir, president of Iceland, unveiled the statue. The statue gives recogni- tion to the first European child bom in the New World, Snorri Þorfinnsson, as well as his mother Guðríður Þor- bjarnardóttir who has been portrayed as a very indepen- dent and courageous person. Snorri’s parents returned to Iceland from Vínland when he was a very young child and settled at G 1 a u m b æ r where his father Þorfinnur had come from. All three are buried by the church which was erected by Snorri, and this church still stands to this day. To be able to attend this ceremony was all the more meaningful for Guðny since she was aware that her genealogy had been traced back to Þorfinnur Karlsefni, Snorri’s father and even beyond. Guðny’s great uncle, Marteinn Jónsson, emigrated to America with his brother, Guðny’s grandfather, Josef Edvard Jónsson, from Lax- árdal, in 1879. Josef and his family eventually settled at “Bergstöðum” in the Minerva District near Gimli. Marteinn lived with Josef and his family until he mar- ried later in life. Marteinn traced the family tree, not only back to Þorfinnur Karlsefni, but back to the ____________ 800’s and to President Vigdís at the ceremony. Photo: Dilla Narfason Statue; “The First European Mother in North America” Photo: David Gislason

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