Janice Templeman

Janice was born in Winnipeg, Canada. Her interest in Icelandic heritage stems from curiosity sparked during her childhood in a non-Icelandic community, where she knew only a few of her father’s cousins, aunts, and uncles. Her Amma (grandmother) was one of six children born to Icelandic parents. Janice has fond childhood memories of her great-grandfather, whom she visited almost every weekend.

Some of her mother’s relatives were keen on genealogy and tracing family roots, including early settlers in Nova Scotia, Canada, dating back to the 1770s. This family enthusiasm ignited Janice's own desire to uncover more about both sides of her heritage.

Over the years, most of the family photographs and written records have come into her possession, and her home office is filled with boxes dedicated to each family line. She also assists her husband in researching his family history. Her family—particularly her father—had a strong interest in preserving history, both familial and local. This influence led Janice to take an archives course and volunteer with museums after essentially growing up in one: her father’s basement, where he stored every historical item he encountered through his work and hobbies. He later acquired a building and transformed it into a proper museum, while Janice continued gathering family information whenever possible.

During more than 20 years working in various Canadian government departments (and in other countries), Janice was responsible for ensuring that files crossing her desk were accurate and thoroughly researched. This detail-oriented approach has remained with her in retirement.

Early in her travels, she met a friend and roommate who also had Icelandic heritage. The two promised one day to visit Iceland together—a dream realized in 2025. That trip has inspired Janice to help others explore and learn more about their own family histories.

Janice looks forward to the challenges of this new adventure.