Season 2 Epsiode 1 - Julianna Gudbjartsson (Roberts) and New Iceland

Join us as we dive into the exciting world of Gimli, MB with Julianna Roberts!

The director of the New Iceland Heritage museum also happens to be Owen's Mom!

 

New Iceland is the historical term used to describe the Icelandic settlement in Manitoba, (Gimli & Riverton) Canada in the late 19th century. A group of Icelandic immigrants established a community and government in the area now known as Gimli, which became the center of Icelandic culture and heritage in Canada. They faced many challenges including a smallpox epidemic but were able to establish a thriving community based on their shared Icelandic heritage and culture. Today, the community is still active and vibrant, and it continues to celebrate its rich cultural heritage through the now 134th year at the Icelandic festival and other community events throughout the year. New Iceland's relationship with the Canadian government and other neighboring communities developed over time and they did join the province of Manitoba.

 

Julianna Roberts (Gudbjartsson) has been involved in the Icelandic community for her entire life, taking university classes at the University of Manitoba when she was younger, attending the Icelandic festival in Gimli every summer, speaking Icelandic, her passion and knowledge of the culture has spurred her to be a leader in the community, managing the New Iceland Heritage Museum in Gimli, MB.