The Icelandic Canadian - 01.04.2006, Qupperneq 36

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THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
Vol. 60 #1
Celebrating over a century of Icelandic
settlement in British Columbia
Press Release
Kristjan Kristjansson and Ellen Kristjansdottir
(Victoria, B.C.) April 3, 2006 - Iceland
Naturally, a renowned North American
celebration of food, fun and travel will
mark its first appearance in Victoria,
British Columbia from April 17th to 23rd,
2006. Currently in its sixth year, Iceland
Naturally has enjoyed great success in
many major cities including Toronto,
Ottawa, Edmonton, New York, Boston,
Washington and Minneapolis.
For over a century, Victoria has
enjoyed an historic and cultural connection
to Iceland. The first settlers arrived in 1883
- 1887 from Manitoba and a few from
North Dakota. Many settled around
Spring Ridge, which is now know as the
Fernwood District. Here they built homes,
started businesses, organized a church and
became productive members of the com-
munity. These early Icelandic settlers were
one of the first pioneers to help build the
Canadian Pacific Railway, establish team-
ing and supply businesses and even become
an elected member of government serving
as a past Premier of British Columbia.
“Boss” Byron Ingimar Johnson was
elected Liberal Premier of British
Columbia and served from 1947 to 1953.
To commemorate this milestone, the
Government of Iceland will be hosting a
series of activities in the province. These
prestigious events will feature musical per-
formers from Iceland. Victorians are invit-
ed to enjoy the lively sounds of Ellen
Kristjansdottir and Kristjan Kristjansson.
These talented artists will be performing
from April 19-21, 2006 at the Hotel Grand
Pacific and from April 19-22, 2006 at the
Blue Crab Bar & Grill.
Besides enjoying international musical
talent, Victorians will be treated to the culi-
nary delights of Chef Siggi Hall. Chef Hall
has pleased the palates of some of the
world’s top dignitaries and soon he will be
tantalizing the tastes of Victorians.
Iceland’s certified master chef, Siggi Hall,
has appeared on over 300 international tele-
vision shows such as CBS Early Morning
Show, Fox Morning Show, National
Geographic TV and various Scandinavian