About Icelandic River Heritage Sites

Manitoba's Icelandic River district in the Rural Municipality of Bifrost is one of Canada's most unique and historically rich areas. Part of historic New Iceland, established on Lake Winnipeg in 1875, the Icelandic River district has been the setting of both hardship and achievement. Here Icelandic settlers transplanted their ancient language and culture - still evident in the area’s wealth of placenames and traditions - and here they forged unique relationships with their aboriginal neighbours and newcomers of other origins.

Map of New Iceland

The scene of many milestone events over a century, Icelandic River (Riverton) was an outpost of culture, commerce, and transportation. The settlement has also been home to many notable figures: visionaries, poets, musicians, scholars, innovators, adventurers, entrepreneurs, and larger-than-life characters. Today it remains one of Manitoba’s most culturally and geographically unique districts.

On Oct. 22, 2006 (one day after the 131st anniversary of the landing of the first Icelandic settlers on Willow Point), a group of individuals sharing an interest in the rich heritage of this area formed a committee dedicated to honouring the memory of the pioneers who laid the foundations for the communities of the Icelandic River area, by ensuring this unique heritage is recognized, protected, and celebrated by present and future generations.

In March 2007 the organization registered as Icelandic River Heritage Sites Inc., and was incorporated as a ‘not for profit organization’ under The Corporations Act of Manitoba. IRHSI was subsequently registered as a Charitable Organization by The Charities Directorate effective February 23, 2008.

Icelandic River Heritage Sites Programs and Services

The Icelandic River Heritage Sites, Inc. programs include the following:

  • Restoration and Enhancement of Historic Cemeteries and Burial Sites.
  • Restoration and Designation of Heritage Buildings and Sites.
  •  Commemoration of Icelandic Canadian People of Historical Significance.
  • Commemoration of Events of Historical Significance.

The corporation provides valuable community benefits through its programs, including:

  • Enhancement and preservation of historical sites;
  • Increased public awareness of the rich history of the area through promotion of its programsthroughout North America and Iceland;
  • Development of a broad sense of community pride and stewardship through outreach initiativesto involve children, youth and adults alike in heritage projects;
  • Increased knowledge and appreciation of the history of the area;
  • Positive indirect impacts on the local economy through increased numbers of visitors and tourists to the area;
  • Direct contributions to the local economy through the purchase of goods and services.

History and Organization of Iceland River Heritage Sites

Icelandic River Heritage Sites, Inc. (IRHSI) was incorporated on March 26, 2007 as a non-profit organization under The Corporations Act of Manitoba. Its founding directors were Harley Jonasson, President; Nelson Gerrard, Vice-President; and Joel Fridfinnson.

Directors and Officers

IRHSI is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors consisting of eight directors and four officers, and a growing number of dedicated volunteer stewards.

Officers include the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. Directors and Officers are elected for a term of three years.

Objectives

Undertakings of the corporation are those activities and events that identify, support, protect, celebrate and otherwise contribute to the recognition, preservation and sustainability of heritage sites, resources, people and culture associated with the Icelandic immigration to Canada and the Icelandic settlement in Manitoba.