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INTRODUCING
ESJAN
The Esjan chapter of the I. N. L. was formed in Arborg,
Manitoba in 1937, with 47 members. Esjan had it's roots
in a literary organization, "Frodleikshvot" (a passion
for learning) which was formed in this same area in
1908.
These two societies had much the same objectives, i.e.
the preservation of Icelandic language and culture, and
to make Icelandic literature available. It was natural
that the two organizations should amalgamate, which they
did in April of 1941. Esjan then assumed responsibility
for the library, adding to the book collection each
year.
Over the years Esjan members have undertaken various
activities to further their goals. Icelandic language
classes have been held from time to time, and in the
early years, from 1944, members took part in poetry
competitions, some of their material being published in
Winnipeg weeklies, Logberg and Heimskringla, and some in
a local paper called "Stormur" which was edited by Valdi
Johannesson and printed and distributed by local Esjan
members. During the fifties, annual competitions for
young people reciting Icelandic poetry were popular. The
chapter supported a youth choir, conducted by Johannes
Palsson, accompanied by his sister, Lilja Martin.
In the winter of 1970-71, Icelandic classes were once
again instituted, this time by Gudrun Gislason. Classes
were held in her home on Saturday afternoons. Interest
was keen and, with the aid of parents, the students
staged a concert at the end of the term, highlighted by a
play in Icelandic. Interest blossomed and eventually
classes were moved into the regional schools at Arborg,
Riverton and Gimli. This was supported by the department
of education for several years.
At former meetings of Esjan, a variety program
followed the regular agenda. This might consist of films,
songs, reading of poetry (often original) and the age-old
art of "kveda rimur" (chanting verses) and mimicry.
Minutes of meetings were recorded in Icelandic until
1977. Today the membership numbers 33. It can be said of
Esjan members that all of us understand Icelandic, and
most read and write and are fluent in the language.
In recent years, the main focus of Esjan, besides that
of promoting Icelandic culture, has been offering
financial assistance to the weekly,
"Logberg-Heimskringla", the Icelandic language camp at
Gimli and the Icelandic chair at the University of
Manitoba. The Gunnar Simundsson Memorial Scholarship was
established, and a cairn has been raised in memory of
Johann Magnus Bjarnason at Arnheidarstadir in Geysir.
Esjan provided financial support for the Guttormur J.
Guttormsson memorial cairn which was unveiled in Riverton
in 1994.
Esjan
always looks forward to hosting groups of visitors from
Iceland. This summer was especially exciting with the
visit of the men's choir "Heimir" from Skagafjordur.
Esjan hosted the entire group to an evening meal after
which Heimir sang in concert to a capacity crowd in the
Arborg Community Hall.
In 1980, Esjan held it's first annual Thorrablot. This
was very well received and has become a popular annual
event.
by David Gislason: dgisla@mts.net
INL
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