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Iceland in the 1970s | Fishing, Language & Brennivín: A Western Icelanders Experience
Episode 32

Iceland in the 1970s | Fishing, Language & Brennivín: A Western Icelanders Experience

The Icelandic Roots Podcast

March 6, 20251h 3m

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Show Notes

Mark Petursson is the president of the Leif Eiriksson Icelandic Club in Calgary and a dedicated member of the Western Icelander community. In this episode, we discuss his journey of reconnecting with his Icelandic heritage, from working in Iceland’s fishing industry as a teenager to his ongoing efforts in cultural preservation.

Mark shares his experiences learning the Icelandic language firsthand, offering humorous anecdotes and reflections on the challenges of embracing a new culture. From incredible days at sea to wild nights with Brennivín, he recounts how the warmth of the Icelanders—and a few drinks—helped him pick up the language faster than any textbook.

We explore the deep connection between language, family, and identity—with plenty of laughs along the way.