University of Winnipeg’s Ryan Eyford Awarded Prestigious Vigdís Prize

Ryan Eyford, a professor at the University of Winnipeg, has been awarded the esteemed Vigdís Prize for his significant contributions to cultural studies. This prestigious recognition, which carries a monetary value of six million Icelandic krona (approximately C$67,000), is presented annually by the Icelandic government, the University of Iceland, and the Vigdís International Centre. The award ceremony will take place on Thursday in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Eyford expressed his surprise upon receiving the news via email earlier in July. “I was honestly shocked. It was a very pleasant surprise,” he remarked. The award coincides with celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of New Iceland, where Icelandic settlers first arrived at Willow Island, near what is now Gimli, in 1875.

Academic Contributions and Community Engagement

As an associate professor in the Department of History, Eyford specializes in Indigenous and Canadian history. His scholarly work aims to contextualize the history of New Iceland within Manitoba and Western Canada. “My purpose in first undertaking the project was to put New Iceland into its proper context,” he stated. Eyford has received positive feedback from the community, with many expressing gratitude for addressing their historical inquiries.

Eyford’s influence extends into the local community, particularly at the New Iceland Heritage Museum in Gimli, where he has contributed to curating exhibits. One notable exhibit features the life of John Ramsay, a Salteaux man credited with saving 75 Icelandic settlers from starvation. Eyford’s text in the museum highlights Ramsay’s advocacy for Salteaux land rights, a plea that was ultimately ignored by early legislative leaders.

Another section of the museum examines the evolution of Canadian multiculturalism, particularly how the federal government’s policies in the 1970s and 1980s have shaped the province’s Icelandic organizations. Eyford notes that local Icelandic leaders of that era recognized the importance of acknowledging contributions from diverse ethnic communities, moving beyond a binary view of Canada as simply English and French.

Reflections on Multiculturalism and History

Despite the celebratory nature of New Iceland’s anniversary, Eyford acknowledges the need for critical reflection on historical narratives. He emphasizes that the reevaluation of multiculturalism is not an act of self-flagellation but a necessary step towards inclusivity. “We’re moving away from that old idea of the immigrants coming to a new world,” he said, highlighting the importance of recognizing Canada as an ancient land with a rich history predating European settlement.

For descendants of the original Icelandic settlers, Eyford notes that this milestone is integral to their family stories. “Anytime that we’re thinking about the past in an anniversary year like this, we’re also thinking about the future,” he added. During the award ceremony, he will deliver a public lecture titled “Commemorating Colonization: New Iceland Anniversaries.”

In addition to the honor, Eyford plans to enjoy a brief vacation in Iceland, visiting friends and family while navigating the winter weather. “They just had a big dump of snow, so I’m not sure how that’s going to affect our plans,” he noted, expressing excitement for his trip.

Eyford’s recognition through the Vigdís Prize not only celebrates his scholarly achievements but also enhances the visibility of the cultural contributions of the Icelandic community in Canada and their historical interactions with Indigenous peoples.