Dear friends in North America,
You probably all know about The Snorri Programs, which will be 20 years old next summer. But you may not know much about the new chapter, Snorri Deaf.
We aim for the same ideals with the Snorri Deaf Program as with the other Snorri programs with an additional plan to see and learn from the deaf communities in North America and likewise the deaf communities in Iceland on mutual visits.
The work of this project is carried on by volunteers who offer their time, talents, and finances. Families are very generous and hospitable, offering sightseeing, lodging, and meals for the Snorri West and The Snorri Program participants. The same is true for the upcoming Snorri Deaf tour to North America this September and we are so thankful for this opportunity.
The Snorri Deaf Program will send two participants from Iceland across the ocean during September of 2018. Their photos are below - Júlía and Heiðdís. A translator from Iceland will accompany them on this tour. They will visit Minnesota, North Dakota, and Manitoba. We will invite two deaf participants from North America in the summer of 2019. We need your help to find deaf people of Icelandic families or those with sign-language knowledge. Statistics tell us there should be about 200 deaf people of Icelandic origin in North America. Please help us to find our Cousins Across the Ocean. We really believe this program will be of great value and benefit to the deaf people of Iceland and in North America.
Bryndís, Valgerður, Halldór, Júlía, og Heiðdís
Here in Iceland, we have a team of people working to make this dream a reality including those pictured above. Halldór is the Chairman of The Snorri Foundation. He has been doing voluntary work for the Snorri Programs for many years and sees that all is properly managed. We are so appreciative of his work and the donations from organizations and people in Iceland and North America. We are working with Sunna who is connected with the Icelandic National League of North America and also Icelandic Roots organizations in North America. These two groups will be helping to organize the itinerary, find host families, help with financing, setup meetings with other Deaf Associations, and also to find families and relatives of our Snorri Deaf participants on both sides of the ocean.
How can you help?
1) Whether you are deaf or not: Please fill out a “Cousins Across the Ocean” form (if you have not completed one previously.) This is for all people wherever you may live in the world but are Icelandic or have children who are Icelandic.
2) Please send information regarding people of Icelandic ancestry in North America who are deaf and / or those who know sign language to IR Support
Thanks so much and have a great day!
