New Iceland represents a distinctive episode in the early settlement of the Canadian West. In 1875 and 1876, more than a thousand Icelandic immigrants settled a large tract of land reserved for them by the federal government along the western shore of Lake Winnipeg. Before 1887, the reserve was essentially self-governing under its own constitution, and the settlers were primarily of Icelandic origin. New Iceland enabled them to preserve their language and cultural identity. Numerous descendants maintain vibrant traditions and close ties with Iceland. In 1999, this plaque was unveiled in Gimli by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
New Iceland commemorative plaque (2010)
Source: Gordon GoldsboroughSite Coordinates (lat/long): N50.62922, W96.98584
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Manitoba Plaques for Persons, Events and Sites of National Historic Significance
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 4 February 2022
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