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Saturday

Laura Ford: Icelandic Sheepdogs in N.A. 9:15am                                                                  I have been an avid student of the breed for just over 5 years.  My  special interest is in preserving the genetic diversity of this versatile, heritage breed.   Breeding dogs of health, strength and intelligence is a passion and a challenge to which I bring  a background in animal science and a keen interest in the dog-human relationship.  We participate with our dogs in conformation shows, agility and obedience training and trials, and events that promote the breed and educate the public. 

Edda Kristinsson: Young Performers, 11:15am                                                                           Edda Kristinsson, actor, who is writing a short one woman play specially for us.  We invite other young people to submit ideas for this segment ... between 5 and 15 minutes each. 

Dr Tinna Grettarsdottir: Icelandic North America Relationship, 1:45pm                                          In my presentation I address the revitalized relations between Iceland and Icelandic-Canadians in recent years. These reconfigured relations are reflected in increased participation in various activities that have taken place in Iceland and Canada. I frame my discussion by focusing on the role of the Icelandic state in strengthening the relations and the Icelandic identity in Canada.

Icelandic Financial Meltdown: 1:45pm

Jon Johnson

Joe Martin                                                                                                                                 Joe Martin, F.C.M.C., LL.D., is Director of Canadian Business History at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. He is also the author of ‘Relentless Change, A Casebook for the Study of Canadian Business History.” His mother’s parents established the Logberg settlement in eastern Saskatchewan in 1890.

Donald K.Johnson

Sturla Gunnarsson: Interpreting Beowulf: The Creative Process, 2:45                                     Born in Iceland, raised in Vancouver, Sturla started his career with documentaries, one of which was nominated for an Oscar.  His films have been recognized with many awards, including Emmy, Genie and Gemini Awards, and a Prix Italia.  His recent documentary on Air India received critical acclaim and he is now working on a film about David Suzuki.  He and his wife Judy Koonar live in Toronto.

 
Betty Jane Wylie: Memoir Writing, 2:45pm

ICCT member Betty Jane Wylie is a published, produced author and playwright with  a D.Litt. (U. of Man.) and an Order of Canada. She has published about 20 plays and 3 dozen books, everything but fiction, including LETTERS TO ICELANDERS: Exploring the Northern Soul.  Wanna-be writers enjoy THE WRITE TRACK, about the business of writing in Canada.

 

W. D. (Bill) Valgardson: ‘Lögberg-Heimskringla’ , 3:45pm                                                      Novel, short story writer, dramatist, poet, now editor of Logberg-Heimskringla

Lorna Tergesen:‘The Icelandic Connection’, 3:45pm                                                               Lorna (Stefanson) Tergesen was brought up in Gimli on a farm.  She married Terry Tergesen and they raised 5 children in Winnipeg.  In 1970 when multiculturalism became the buzz word, Lorna joined Icelandic groups as a volunteer.  Her enthusiasm has not waned.  Moving back to Gimli has only allowed her more time and energies to pursue her interests.

Donald G. Gislason: Icelandic Culture & Music, 3:45pm

 

Sigríður Anna Þórðardóttir, Icelandic Ambassador to Canada: Gala Speaker 
Born in Siglufjörður, northern Iceland. Sigríður became Iceland´s Ambassador to Canada in September 2008.  After receiving her BA in Icelandic, History and Classical Greek at the University of Iceland, she took linguistics at University of Minnesota, and then had an early career as a schoolteacher, before becoming a politician. She was Member of Parliament, Alþingi 1991 - 2007. During her time in Parliament, she chaired many Committees, and was Minister for the Environment 2004-2006 and Minister for Nordic Co-operation 2005-2006.  She is married to Rev. Jón Þorsteinsson.


They have three grown up daughters and seven grandchildren.