The first Icelandic emigrants arrived in Manitoba in 1875 and settled along the shores of Lake Winnipeg in an area commonly referred to as "New Iceland." In 1876, the second group of Icelandic settlers arrived and called Hecla Island home, building it into a prosperous community for many years. 

Hecla Island remains one of the most beautiful areas in Manitoba and an important part of Icelandic history. 

Learn about the island fishing industry and medical services (including midwives and homeopathic medicine). Explore the Hecla Island Heritage Home Museum, which depicts the lifestyle of an Icelandic family from the 1920's and 1940's and features important Icelandic artifacts. 

Thank you to Maxine Ingalls for leading this project. 

Icelandic Hecla Video Premiere - Friday, July 30th, Noon 

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