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Harold Jonasson and wife Norma are co-chairs of the Icelandic National League of North America’s 93rd annual convention, being held in Brandon this weekend.
Hundreds of people from across Canada, the United States and Iceland are in Brandon this weekend to reconnect with their roots and celebrate Icelandic culture.
It’s the Icelandic National League of North America’s 93rd annual convention.
"We’ve got all three countries well represented," said event co-chair Harold Jonasson. "And Brandon, because of our location, we have more people attending because more people can drive."
Jonasson said they expect about 200 people to attend the banquet today, which will be the highest attendance in recent history.
The convention moves from city to city in North America, held recently in Edmonton and Toronto.
"It used to be mostly in Manitoba, because there’s such a large settlement of Icelandic people in Manitoba," Jonasson said.
Glenboro, Cyprus River, Baldur, Gimli and the Interlake area are all areas with Icelandic roots.
The four-day event started Thursday with registration and a meet and greet at the Victoria Inn. Friday included presentations on a variety of topics, all connected with Icelandic heritage. Opening ceremonies were also held Friday. The convention also includes the league’s annual general meeting as well as a tour of Icelandic communities, grave sites and churches.
"It helps bring us all together," Jonasson said. "It helps unite the Icelandic community in all three countries."
Icelandic Ambassador Ægir Oskarsson is a featured keynote speaker at the convention.
The event is hosted by The Icelandic Canadian Club of Western Manitoba, which has about 30 members.
"We were asked to sponsor the event, although we’re a very small club, we did agree to take on the challenge," Jonasson said, adding he is pleased to see such a great attendance number.
This year marks the 140th anniversary of Icelandic settlement in Canada, initiated in 1872 by pioneer leader Sigtryggur Jonasson.
Three local members — Ed Gillis, Bob Isleifson and the late Gordon McInnis — were presented with honorary life membership in the Icelandic National League of North America.
» jaustin@brandonsun.com
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition May 5, 2012
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Hundreds of people from across Canada, the United States and Iceland are in Brandon this weekend to reconnect with their roots and celebrate Icelandic culture.
It’s the Icelandic National League of North America’s 93rd annual convention.
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Hundreds of people from across Canada, the United States and Iceland are in Brandon this weekend to reconnect with their roots and celebrate Icelandic culture.
It’s the Icelandic National League of North America’s 93rd annual convention.
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