LK Bertram on the Life of Icelanders that Emigrated to Canada in the 1800s

During this week’s episode, I spoke with LK Bertram about the very large emigration of Icelanders to Canada in the 1800s.

LK Bertram is the author of The Viking Immigrants: Icelandic North Americans, and is an associate professor in the Department of History at the University of Toronto. Born and raised in Winnipeg, she also has family roots in Öxnadalur and is the proud parent of twin 3-year olds. For some fab intel on Icelandic North American culture, history, and life, check out her instagram @thevikingimmigrants.

Because LK lives in Canada, we did a virtual interview. It was such a blast to chat with her. The insight she shared about the Icelandic settlement in North America was beyond fascinating. I look forward to reading her book to learn more.

The Questions I asked LK Bertram during the Interview

• Can you give us a little background about you?

• You are grew up in Canada but have Icelandic roots. Until I looked into it, I wasn’t aware of the pretty big migration of Icelanders to Canada. Can you talk a bit about why they migrated?

• Did Icelanders face any prejudice or difficulties as immigrants?

• How is it for Icelanders living there in present day?

• You wrote a book called The Viking Immigrants. What inspired you to write it?

• Have Icelandic immigrant traditions had any impact on Canada or North America?

• Who are some of your favorite historical figures who are Icelandic immigrants to Canada?

• Did you grow up learning Icelandic?

• On your Instagram page, you posted about the significance of supernatural beliefs to Icelandic immigrants and especially women in Winnipeg. Can you talk a little about what that was so important?

• Have you visited Iceland, if so how did that feel? Were you seeing similar cultural traditions as in Canada?

• What is your favorite Icelandic word or phrase?

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Thank you kindly for listening (and reading) and see you soon!