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. Nordic Spirit:

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Early Icelandic Settlements in B.C. and Point Roberts


Robert Asgeirsson, curator of the IABC, helps Carolyn Thauberger, Scandinavian Cultural Society host,
cut the ribbon and open the exhibit. There were eight freestanding display boards with photograph panels
on both sides. Altogether there were over 200 digitally restored images with accompanying text to peruse.
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A total of 250 people came to see the two-day exhibition that was widely promoted in Nordic community newsletters
and a local Burnaby newspaper. Five Icelandic settlements in B.C. & Point Roberts were presented.
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The exhibit was wheelchair accessible thanks to the Scandinavian Community Centre's entrance ramps.
Text blocks allowed visitors to follow the series of images within an historical context.
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Many expressed surprise at the existence of Icelandic settlements. Carl Olafson, former Osland resident,
is seen here looking at his grandfather, Hálvarður Ólafson, standing at the bow of a row boat that was
used by early Icelandic settlers when looking for land in the Queen Charlotte Islands, circa 1912.
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The closing reception, hosted by the ICC of BC, saw many special guests and visitors attend.
Seen above is Richard T. Lee, MLA Burnaby North; Carolyn Thauberger, SCS; Robert Asgeirsson, IABC.
Other dignitaries included: Heather Alda Ireland, Hon. Consul General of Iceland for B.C. & Yukon;
Gail Einarson McCleery, Hon. Consul for Iceland in Toronto; Anders Neumueller, Hon. Consul for Sweden in Vancouver;
Bill Siksay, MP Burnaby-Douglas; Derek Corrigan, Mayor of the City of Burnaby.
Also in attendence were a number of Nordic/Scandinavian Society presidents and officers.
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.........Sponsored by:
.........Icelandic Archives of B.C.
.........Scandinavian Cultural Society
.........Icelandic Canadian Club of B.C.

.........Press Kit, >>> Event Announcement Page