Review of Icelandic Winnipeg

Authors

  • Dr. Brian Hubner University of Manitoba

Keywords:

Icelandic Canadian history, Icelandic Canadian Frón, Signý Thorsteinson, Katrín Níelsdóttir, Charlie Thorson, New Iceland 150

Abstract

Dr. Brian Hubner reviews Icelandic Winnipeg, a 2026 publication from Icelandic Canadian Frón that documents forty-two sites connected to Winnipeg’s Icelandic-Canadian community. Developed from the New Iceland 150 Tour and Exhibition, the book combines photographs by Signý Thorsteinson with historical texts by librarian Katrín Níelsdóttir and a foreword by Stefán Jónasson. Hubner highlights the book’s value as a record of churches, schools, businesses, residences, publishing sites and community institutions, many of which are disappearing, deteriorating or being repurposed. He also reflects on his personal connections to several locations, including the Winnipeg Clinic, sites associated with illustrator Charlie Thorson, the Baldur Stefansson bust at the University of Manitoba, William Stephenson’s Point Douglas home and the Scandinavian Centre. Praising its photography, historical research and attention to built heritage, Hubner recommends the book to readers interested in Icelandic-Canadian history, Winnipeg history and architectural heritage, and the changing urban landscape of Manitoba’s capital city.

Author Biography

  • Dr. Brian Hubner, University of Manitoba

    Brian Hubner is currently an archivist with the University of Manitoba Archives & Special Collections. He has a BA and MA in History, from the University of Saskatchewan, and a MA (Archival Studies) from the University of Manitoba. He received his PhD from the University of Amsterdam in 2020. He has researched and written on several topics including military history; Indigenous people and archival records; and spirit photographs. His current research focus includes architectural history and educational board games related to Canadian topics.

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Published

01.10.2026