Gimli Icelandic Canadian Society

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About Us

Originally formed in 1943 and incorporated in 2007, the Gimli Icelandic Canadian Society (GICS) is a member organization of the Icelandic National League of North America (INLNA). Since the landing of the first Icelandic immigrants in October 1875 to establish Nýja Ísland or New Iceland on Willow Island, Gimli has been home for many Icelandic Canadians. The mission of the GICS is to support, grow and sustain Icelandic Canadian culture and language for our members and our community. We participate in numerous activities both as a chapter and in coordination and cooperation with our partners such as the New Iceland Heritage Museum, other chapters and clubs under the INLNA umbrella and maintain a connection with Iceland frequently receiving visitors from Iceland, both individually and in groups. GICS works with other local groups to display and interpret Icelandic heritage and to showcase the unique story of New Iceland within the history of Canada.

The Gimli Icelandic Canadian Society meets four times a year (February, May, September and November) where we gather as members to be updated on activities for the next period, participate in planned activities, such as guest speakers or films and spend social time together. We hold an Annual General Meeting in February at which time we consider motions and other business and elect new officers.

Activities & Events

January - Gestamót (Strawberry Short Cake Tea) at Betel Home Foundation

February – New Iceland Heritage Museum’s Bolludagur (Bun Day)

May – INLNA AGM or in-person Convention

June – Spring/Summer Newsletter

July – Icelandic Language and Cultural Camp - volunteering to support kids at camp

August – Icelandic Festival of Manitoba (Pavilion Table & Parade Float)

September – Tombola – family fun with silent auction, games and prizes for all ages

October – Walk to the Rock commemorates the 1875 arrival of the first Icelandic pioneers

November – Fall/Winter Newsletter

December - Jólagleði

Kaffitimi is held every Wednesday (3:00 – 4:00) September through May where attendees bring their own coffee or tea and then prepare to immerse themselves in Icelandic conversation for the hour focused on learning to use Icelandic in regular conversation.

From time to time, we offer conversational Icelandic lessons.

Membership

Membership is our most important resource.  All our members are important in fulfilling our mandate to support, grow and sustain Icelandic Canadian culture and language.  A strong membership base provides us with both the financial resources and the person-power to continue to thrive.  Belonging to GICS provides information about Icelandic Canadian culture, opportunities to participate in activities and events offered by the INLNA and other clubs and chapters.  Membership gives us the ability to be rooted in our collective past and focused on our future and to explore Icelandic heritage for anyone interested.  Becoming a member is easy – just follow the link provided here or sign up at the New Iceland Heritage Museum in person.  Everyone is welcome.

Donations

A reminder to our friends that GICS has registered charitable status with Canada Revenue Agency.  Monies donated to GICS go to support Icelandic Cultural & Language Camp, the Snorri and Snorri West programs, Evergreen Festival of the Arts, INLNA Convention as well as other community cultural and historical preservation activities.  Tax receipts will be issued for donations over $20 to be used when filing your Federal and Provincial income tax.

GIMLI ICELANDIC CANADIAN SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIPS

The Gimli Icelandic Canadian Society offers two opportunities for bursaries as follows:

1. A bursary of $1000 to a child or grandchild of a GICS member in good standing* who is accepted into the Discovering Your Roots in Iceland Snorri Program.

2. A bursary of $100 to attend Icelandic Language and Cultural Camp, a child must be sponsored by a GICS member of at least one year who will submit an application on behalf of the child. In the case of multiple children in a family where a member is applying for bursaries, once all the single applications have been awarded, a second and/or third child may be awarded a bursary dependant on the financial resources for scholarships in that given year.

Contact the Gimli Icelandic Canadian Society via e-mail at gimliics@gmail.com for more information.

* A GICS member in good standing is deemed to be one who has been a GICS member for at least five years.