A monument in the Municipality of Gimli, near Arnes, was erected in 1964 in commemoration of Arctic explorer Vilhjalmur Stefansson. Born at Arnes in 1879, Stefansson extended knowledge of the geography and people of the Western Arctic, in major expeditions in 1906-1907, 1908-1912 and 1913-1918. He was an early exponent of the idea that experienced Arctic travellers could live off the land as the natives did. As author and lecturer he became a persuasive advocate of Arctic development. A commemorative plaque at the site was installed in 1964 by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
At a site visit in July 2019, the two commemorative plaques, on either side of the smaller “iceberg,” were missing.
Stefansson commemorative monument near Arnes (September 2010)
Source: Gordon Goldsborough
Stefansson commemorative monument near Arnes (July 2019)
Source: Rose KuzinaSite Coordinates (lat/long): N50.80024, W96.99596
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Memorable Manitobans: Vilhjalmur Stefansson (1879-1962)
Famous Places: Federal Historic Sites in Manitoba by Sharon Babaian
Manitoba History, Number 4, 1982
We thank Rose Kuzina for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 9 September 2019
Historic Sites of Manitoba
This is a collection of historic sites in Manitoba compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. The information is offered for historical interest only.
Browse lists of:
Museums/Archives | Buildings | Monuments | Cemeteries | Locations | OtherInclusion in this collection does not confer special status or protection. Official heritage designation may only come from municipal, provincial, or federal governments. Some sites are on private property and permission to visit must be secured from the owner.
Site information is provided by the Manitoba Historical Society as a free public service only for non-commercial purposes.
Send corrections and additions to this page
to the MHS Webmaster at webmaster@mhs.mb.ca.Help us keep history alive!
