LUNDI THE MOOSE

Built in 2007, the Riverton moose statue stands proud in its prominent location next to the Riverton Transportation and Heritage Museum. Lundi received its name from the Village's original title, which was based on the Icelandic word lundur (meaning copse or grove). Many of the Icelandic settlers survived their first few harsh Canadian winters on the meat of the animal. Large numbers of moose once roamed nearby, enjoying the abundance of conifer trees and aquatic vegetation along the shores Lake Winnipeg. The region to the north of Riverton is now designated a Moose Conservation Closure area by the Province of Manitoba in order to protect the declining population.

Lundi the Moose is included on Travel Manitoba’s “6 giant roadside gems of the Interlake.”

RIVERTON WALKING BRIDGE

Throughout Riverton’s history, there has always been a pedestrian bridge spanning the width of the Icelandic River to connecting the two halves of one community. Over time five have been built in the same location, and each replacement has been spurred by the destructive forces of Manitoban flood events. The original bridge was built in 1892, followed by rebuilds in 1910, 1932, and 1974.

The current 90 metre long state-of-the-art structure was built in 2012 after ice floes during the 2011 flood knocked out two of four support piers. Stantec engineers and Sperling Industries builders used a single bevelled pier model with a resistance to ice up to one metre thick with four braced anchors driven 21 meters into bedrock for the newest construction. With a balcony viewing area at the very centre and embedded LED lights all along the decking, it’s a striking view as you approach it and as you walk across it during all hours of the day or night.

Included in Travel Manitoba’s "8 super cool bridges you MUST cross in Manitoba."

BETSEY RAMSAY’S GRAVE – MUNICIPAL HERITAGE SITE

Betsey Ramsay’s Grave is located in a farmer’s field at SE 11-23-4E. John Ramsay was a prominent member of a Saulteaux Aboriginal band in the Lake Winnipeg region. He and his family taught vital winter survival tips and hunting/fishing techniques to the first Icelandic immigrants. In 1876 a smallpox epidemic that struck the pioneer settlement also decimated the Indigenous community. John tragically lost his wife Betsey and four of their five children to the disease. In 1880 he walked over 200 kilometers to Lower Fort Garry where he traded furs to purchase a grave marker for Betsey. He hauled the stone back to the site and built a fence around it.

In 1908, Icelandic settler and skilled carpenter Trausti Vigfússon experienced a vivid dream in which a tall stranger identifying himself as John Ramsay emerged from the bush and asked him to repair the fence around Betsey’s grave, which had deteriorated over time. The power of dreams played a strong role in Icelandic culture, and Trausti felt compelled to erect a white picket fence around the gravesite. Locals have continued to maintain the gravesite and a commemorative plaque is now displayed.

Trausi Vigfússon’s home is prominently displayed at the Arborg & District Multicultural Heritage Village. An exhibit telling the tragic story of John Ramsay opened at the New Iceland Heritage Museum in Gimli in 2017. Part of that exhibit is a poignant short film, A Song for John Ramsay, produced by Manitoba filmmakers using music from Juno award winning William Prince of Peguis First Nation.

Photo Source: Rose Kuzina

SIGTRYGGUR JÓNASSON MONUMENT

The Sigtryggur Jónasson Monument is located in the heart of Riverton in a small park by the west end of the walking bridge, erected in 2012 to recognizes the 'Father of New Iceland' as an important local and national historic figure. The life sized bronze figure of Sigtryggur as a youth looks out at the Icelandic River towards the land he settled on, holding a telescope and a compass. Born in Baki, Iceland in 1852 Sigtryggur Jónasson couldn't have expected the future impact he would have on not only on the Interlake but Manitoba as well. He was schooled at home and flourished with exposure to literature, politics, and the natural world. This foundation would lead him towards the adventure of immigrating to Canada in 1872 and making his mark on the nation. Here he became known as a publisher, an entrepreneur, and eventually his most illustrious title 'the Father of New Iceland.'

Soon after his arrival Sigtryggur became am immigration agent, he brought over 1,000 people from Iceland and led them to settle in the Interlake, after an unsuccessful settlement in Kinmount, ON. Sigtryggur played a huge role in establishing laws and constitution of the republic of New Iceland. He founded two Icelandic language newspapers, the Framfari (rural areas) and Logberg (Winnipeg). These papers contributed to the successful survival of the Icelandic language here in North America. In 1896 Sigtryggur became the MLA for the St. Andrews, MB and was elected again in 1907 representing the Gimli constituency, making him the first Icelandic-Canadian legislator. In 1930 he was chosen to represent Canada at the celebrations of the millennium of Iceland’s parliament.

THE MUSIC OF RIVERTON

The musical talent of Riverton is legendary in the Interlake. All the dance floors filled up when Johnny and his musical mates hit the dance hall stage for local weddings and socials. Each town had its own waltz named after it.  Riverton, Hnausa and Gimli Waltzes were classics and each party lasted late into the night or until trouble broke out.

The Fine Country Folk with Lead Singer Roy Gudmundson (Mark’s Step Father) played across Manitoba from Lynne Lake to Boissevain, Pine calls to Roblin. Their recording studio still stands on the outskirts of RIverton where all their albums were recorded.

We provide you, our guest, with local records and a record player to enjoy the sounds that filled the hearts and halls of our community for so many years. Mark’s Favourite song is O’Holy Night on the Christmas Album, Sung by his Step Father.

Enjoy the sounds of our town.