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Swedish Press N Y A
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Swedish Minnesota – A Unique Confluence
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July/August 2017 Vol 88:06 $4.95
06 2017
Interview with Bruce Karstadt Klas Bergman’s New Book Fika Café
Atlas Copco Canada Congratulations Canada for celebrating 150 years www.atlascopco.com
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Swedish Press is the world’s leading magazine on all good things Swedish. An authority on design, business, culture and travel since 1929, Swedish Press delivers insightful news and commentary in a visually striking format. With a nod to the past, and a peek to the future, Swedish Press is your go-to source for updates and inspiration from Sweden. SWEDISH PRESS (ISSN 0839-2323) is published ten times per year (Feb, Mar, Apr, May, June, July/Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec/Jan) by Swedish Press Inc, 862 Peace Portal Drive, Suite #101, Blaine WA 98230 for $39 per year. Periodical postage paid at Blaine, WA 98230-9998 (No. USPS 005544). US POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Swedish Press, PO Box 420404, San Diego, CA 92142-0404 OFFICE: 9040 Shaughnessy Street, Vancouver, BC V6P 6E5 Canada US MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 420404, San Diego, CA 92142-0404 WEBSITE www.swedishpress.com E-MAIL info@swedishpress.com TEL +1 360 450 5858 TOLL FREE +1 866 882 0088 PUBLISHER Claes Fredriksson Claes@swedishpress.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Claes Fredriksson Claes@swedishpress.com ART DIRECTOR Joan Law Joan@swedishpress.com COPY EDITOR Alisha Fredriksson Alisha@swedishpress.com
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4 Letters to the Editor 5 From the Editor’s Desk Swedish Headlines 6 Headline News – Nazis in Almedalen 7 Swedes in the News 10 Landskapsnyheterna Business 8 Business News 9 Company File: Sandgrens Clogs Heritage 11 The History of Swedes in Minnesota
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Hemma Hos 20 Design: Golden ‘Solar Egg’ Sauna – a Symbol of New Beginnings 21 Treats à la Blake Meier Swedish Press Connects 22 SCA – Swedish Council of America 23 SACC – Swedish-American Chambers of Commerce 24 SVIV – Svenskar i Världen 25 SWEA – Swedish Women’s Educational Association International 26 MIG Talks – Migrationsverket Road to Community 27 The Insider Perspective In the Loop 28 Calendar and Events 29 Ads and Info
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Swedish Press
The skyline of Downtown Minneapolis. Photo: Meet Minneapolis
Feature 12 Swedish Minnesota – A Unique Confluence Interview 14 Bruce Karstadt – A Cross-Cultural Success Global Swedes 16 Neil Carlson – Honorary Consul of Sweden in Winnipeg, Canada Lifestyle 18 Top Sju 19 Book: Scandinavians in the State House by Klas Bergman
30 Sista Ordet Hunnestárevyn Genom Tiderna
Cover images: (1) Saint Paul skyline Photo: Nattapol Pornsalnuwat (2) Prince Mural in Uptown. (3) (4) (5) Artist: Rock “Cyfi” Martinez. Photo: (6) Meet Minneapolis (3) Young Minnesota Vikings fan. Photo: Meet Minneapolis (4) Split Rock Lighthouse. Photo: Minnesota Historical Society (5) Spoonbridge and Cherry, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen 1985-1988. Collection Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Gift of Frederick R. Weisman in honor of his parents, William and Mary Weisman, 1988 Art © Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. Photo: Meet Minneapolis (6) The Nelson Cultural Center and the historic Turnblad mansion. Photo: ASI
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Letters to the Editor Hej Joan, Vi ser fram mot varje ny upplaga och har gjort så sedan vi först började prenumerera. Jag skulle gissa att det var ca 1965-70 när Matthew Lindfors fortfarande var redaktör. Det var en informerande, rolig, tidning då och är så fortfarande. Keep up the good work. Stig Skarborn Fredericton, New Brunswick
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Kärä Swedish Press, Thanks for reminding me to renew! Don’t want to miss any numbers. Glad sommar! Anita Rossing Honolulu, Hawaii
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Participants at the 2017 Newport Beach Film Festival. Annette Åberg (top left) and film students from Los Angeles enjoy reading Swedish Press between breaks. Photos: Birgitta Lauren
Enjoy reading Swedish Press? Email us your pictures along with your name and comments to info@swedishpress.com and we’ll be happy to publish them.
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Swedish Press | July/August 2017 4
Dear Swedish Press, A few weeks ago Swedish singer-songwriter Sofia Talvik performed at my son Leif’s ‘Concert in the Garden’ in Chester, Connecticut. Fortunately the weather permitted the event to take place in his outdoor amphitheater. It was a delightful show of original music. Ms. Talvik and her husband Johann had been traversing the USA in their SUV and stopped by on their way down the coast from Maine. For an intinerary of the intrepid nomads checkout www.sofiatalvik.com Carl Nilsson Chester, Connecticut Leif12@nilssonstudio.com
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from the Editor’s Desk
Exploring Swedish Heritage in Minnesota We need your support! Swedish Press strives to create a high quality magazine for you, but the costs are considerable and everincreasing. Please consider making a generous donation to help keep your publication, and Swedish heritage, alive. You’ll find a form on page 29. Tack!
GRATTIS PÅ FÖDELSEDAGEN July 15 Jonathan Taylor, 16 år July 24 Arram William Gavin, 6 år July 28 Samantha Hill, 16 år July 28 Amelia Neugebauer, 12 år Aug 19 Erik Jagrelius, 15 år Aug 21 Freya Stano, 3 år Aug 26 Annika Lara Gavin, 8 år Aug 30 Gunnar Trankalis, 13 år
J
une is probably the favourite month for Swedes. With the anticipation of a fantastic summer drawing near, Swedes start celebrating the beginning of the season with the National Day. This year Swedish Press participated in the National Day festivities in the harbour of Kullavik just south of Gothenburg. It was a beautiful sunny day ( just like it should be in June) and people were out in big numbers to celebrate. Meanwhile at the United Nations in New York, the Ocean Conference took place and was co-chaired by Sweden and Fiji. It was a big success and over 1300 voluntary commitments were made in order to save the world’s oceans. The ocean, as we know, is in poor health in many ways, and marine litter, one of the more pressing issues, is increasing dramatically. Measures to reduce plastic pollution are urgently needed and it is positive to see that Sweden is taking an active role in making this happen. As we in Scandinavia like to use the ocean for recreation, food, farming, energy and transportation, we are very dependant on a healthy and clean ocean. One oceanbound group, the Swedish Americas Cup team… almost made it to the finals against America during the races last week. Team Artemis was very close but will have to come back for the next challenge. At Swedish Press, we are getting ready for a summer break, with just this Jul/Aug issue to complete. It has been a great spring with very positive feedback from our readers on both the Swedish Press Connects series and the City Highlight issues. In this edition we are very pleased to have “Svenskar i världen’’ (SVIV) joining Swedish Press Connects as well. SVIV represents some 600,000 Swedes living abroad and is a fantastic organisation that has been active since 1938. Another Swedish Press partner SWEA has its summer convention in Helsingborg on June 17th. Swedish Press has been invited and will be speaking at the event. In this month’s City Highlight, we are pleased to present Minneapolis, Minnesota. More than any other region in the US, Minnesota has been influenced by Swedish immigrants and, in this issue, we learn all about it. Bruce Karstadt and Karen Nelson of American Swedish Institute, provide an overview of all things Swedish in the feature interview (page 14) and story (page 12). Klas Bergman, an international journalist on American politics, has recently published a book about how Nordic immigrants shaped Minnesota politics. Bergman provides historic insights and also tells us about Swedish things that are no longer in Minnesota (page 19). As this is the last issue before the summer, may I recommend that you read it slowly since the next one will only reach you in late August! Wishing you a very enjoyable and relaxing holiday!
Claes Fredriksson Editor-in-Chief Claes@Swedishpress.com July 2017
Clive Tompset
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‘Swedish law protects free speech...’ Nazis in Almedalen By Marcus Andersson
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ounded in 1968, Almedalen’s week is a unique event in Swedish democracy, a week in which all political parties have a chance to give speeches, hold seminars, and disseminate information. For nearly fifty years now, citizens and party representatives have convened in the town of Visby, Gotland to debate important issues and catalyze the political process. Each party in parliament is given its own day to spread its message, and, this year, the week will begin with the Left Party and end with the Moderates. 2017’s Almedalen, however, will be different from any other. The neo-Nazi Nordic Resistance Movement, or NMR, has been confirmed as one of the participants, which sets a precedent in Almedalen history. Never before has a party with such radical, Nazi-inspired ideology been granted permission and space to rally its supporters and defend its political positions. The NMR is a fringe movement, associated with right-wing violence and organized crime, whose political stance explicitly threatens LGBT activists, immigrants, Jews, and leftists. NMR’s presence in this year’s Almedalen already had many consequences. Several organisations have chosen to boycott the event, including the Feminist Initiative (FI). Party leader Victoria Kawesa claims that by refusing to participate, FI is fighting the “legitimation of racism and nazism, while also standing in solidarity with the people and organizations that are being silenced because of the NMR’s admittance.” Police have informed some groups, like the RFSL (Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
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News at a Glance
Transgender and Queer Rights), that they can’t guarantee the safety of their annual parade and congregation, and have therefore asked them to move to another location. Mia Stuhre, Almedalen’s event organizer, has faced harsh criticism over the past weeks. She defends her decision by pointing out that Swedish law protects free speech, and that she is incapable of revoking NMR’s invitation unless the laws are changed. Amidst the controversy, Pär Öberg, leader of the NMR, has tried to assuage concern, stating that his party only intends to “present their program, give speeches, distribute flyers,” and nothing more. The Civil Rights Defenders (CDR), however, are making an effort to prevent Öberg and his group from any involvement during the week. Robert Hårdh, CDR’s president, argues that police ought to prioritize the fundamental democratic rights and safety of the people over the free speech rights of a small group of NMR members. Despite the outrage and boycotting, the committee hasn’t yet withdrawn NMR’s invitation. The political week will be held from July 2nd until July 9th, and NMR has been granted permission to gather from the 7th until the final day of the event. This year’s Almedalen will, needless to say, be a charged and uncomfortable test for Swedish democracy.
Aung San Suu Kyi visits Sweden Aung San Suu Kyi, one of the world’s most renowned political prisoners and current state counsellor of Burma, visited Sweden this month. She spoke in the Riksdag during her stay in Stockholm and met with Prime Minister Löfven, as well as several other politicians. Suu Kyi is the first female Minister of Foreign Affairs of Burma, and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 while serving a fifteenyear-long house arrest. Eight new “No-Go Zones” The Swedish police recently added eight new suburbs to the “especially vulnerable areas” list, an index of high crime and poverty afflicted suburbs throughout the country. The list was created in 2015, when the national police categorized fifteen suburbs as particularly dangerous for citizens and state employees to visit. Dagens Nyheter announced that the new additions are: Norrby and Hässleholmen/Hulta in Borås, Tynnered/ Grevegården/Opaltorget in Göteborg, Karlslund in Landskrona, Nydala/ Hermodsdal/Lindängen in Malmö, Fittja and Alby in Stockholm and Gottsunda in Uppsala. Terror in Sweden After terror struck Stockholm in April, the threat of lone-wolf jihadi attacks still lingers in the minds of citizens and government officials alike. Earlier in June, an ISIS-inspired blog posted a message calling for more terror attacks in Sweden, citing Riksdag’s involvement in the al-Raqqa offensive as grounds for retribution. Unlike other ISIS posts encouraging jihadis to strike Europe, this entry was written in Swedish, authored by a man who’d previously resided in the country. Though the blog is active, its readership is limited, and Säpo is closely monitoring its resources and networks.
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Swedes in the News
Swedish Politics, Pop and Golden Awards Sweden’s first Cardinal
Swedish Roman Catholic Bishop Anders Arborelius, born in Switzerland in 1949, was appointed cardinal by Pope Francis on May 21 – making him Sweden’s first cardinal. Cardinals are considered part of the Catholic Church’s elite and the pope’s closest advisors. As long as the cardinals are under the age of 80 they may also take part in the appointment of new Popes. The Catholic Church, therefore, aims to keep approximately 120 cardinals under the age of 80. Pope Francis also announced the appointment of four new cardinals from Spain, Mali, Laos and El Salvador. Arborelius will be made Cardinal at an official ceremony on June 28. Boyband on tour With a newly released CD, Swedish pop boyband FO&O is ready to tour Sweden this summer – visiting scenes where they have not previously performed. According to band members Felix Sandman (18), Oscar Enestad (20) and Omar
Rudberg (18), the show is going to be more scaled down this year, with fewer props. FO&O are well known for hits, such as; “So so good”, “Summer love”, “Hurt like we did”. During this years’ Melodifestival, the group made it to the finals with “Gotta thing about you”. FO&O has also experienced success oversees by opening for One Direction and Justin Bieber, as well as going on their own US tour. This summer’s tour includes stops in Västervik, Linköping, Båstad, Borås, Trollhättan, Eskilstuna, Karlskrona, Älmhult and Södertälje.
she hoped would dominate the Alliance’s reform agenda. Kinberg Batra expressed that she hoped for a new start and invited the other Alliance leaders for a visit, in order to work on a reform agenda focusing on what the next government should prioritize. “Sweden has problems and together we can solve them,” she said.
in 2011 and his celebrated fourth feature “Tourist” won the jury’s award in “Un certain regard” in 2014. Gold for a goalie
Ruben’s Golden Palm
Batra’s summer speech On June 6, Anna Kinberg Batra, leader of Sweden’s Moderate Party, held a summer speech for the third consecutive year in Stockholm. Kinberg Batra, who has received a lot of criticism for her leadership, has even been asked to resign by influential party members. Three political issues dominated the Moderate leader’s speech: integration, employment and safety. These were also questions
Swedish film director Ruben Östlund has been awarded the film world’s most prestigious award “Palme d’Or” (Golden Palm) for his satirical drama film “The Square” at the Cannes Film festival. “The Square” takes place in the art world, starring Danish actor Claes Bang, American actress Elisabeth Moss and English actor Dominic West. Östlund has previously participated in the Cannes Film Festival three times. His second feature, “De ofrivilliga”, competed in the “Un certain regard” category in Cannes in 2008, where it also premiered. The director’s third feature “Play” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival
Swedish ice hockey goalkeeper Henrik Lundqvist (born in Åre in 1982) became a hero when he stopped the shots he faced in the shootout during the world hockey championship final on May 21 in Cologne, Germany. Sweden’s victory has dethroned two-time defending champion Canada. Lundqvist, who has played for Frölunda HC in the Swedish Hockey League and currently plays for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL), said “It’s a great feeling, I’ve dreamed of it since I was little.”
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[Business] News ‘Det är en svår tid för branschen...’ Att vända Ericsson/beror inte på person Av Henric Borgström
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ricsson som koncentrerar sig på utrustning för överföring och transmission inom telekom, fick se aktiekursen hoppa upp halvdussinet procent efter finansmannen Christer Gardells stora aktieköp för riskkapitalbolaget Cevian. Därmed är aktien tillbaka på nivån över 60 kronor per aktie. Under tiden har Ericssonaktien varit nere i drygt 40 kr i höstas i samband med att Hans Vestberg fick sparken som VD. Efterträdaren dröjde men när Wallenbergarnas betrodde Börje Ekholm utsågs kom aktien tillbaka till ca 60 kr, ett utslag mer av aktiemarknadens märkliga psykologi än fakta i verksamheten. Det dröjde dock inte länge förrän en del aktieägare kritiserade att Ekholm skulle fortsätta bo med familjen i Colorado, USA trots att Ericssons huvudkontor finns i Kista norr om Stockholm på väg ut till Arlands flygplats.
Ericsson office in Kista, Sweden. Photo: Ericsson
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Finansfolk har en övertro på vad en enda person kan göra inom telekom. Gardell får dock ingen plats i Ericssons styrelse utan får nöja sig med en blygsam roll i valberedningen där han kan påverka, men endast påverka med argument om vilka övriga som ska sitta i styrelsen plus de högsta cheferna. När ingenjörsfacket på Ericsson välkomnar Gardell som större aktieägare med orden ”I grund och botten är det intressant att någon vill komma in och lägga in pengar i bolaget” så handlar det inte om nya pengar, Gardells köpesumma går till de ägare som sålt sina aktier. Däremot när Ericsson var i svår kris 2002 tvingades Wallenbergarnas man Michael Treschow resa runt och övertyga tvehågsna kapitalförvaltare att satsa uppemot 30 miljarder kronor i friskt kapital för att företaget skulle stå på säkrare mark. Ericssons framtid handlar om att hitta rätt i övergången till nästa generation 5G i den mobila världen. Problemet delas med andra tillverkare av utrustning för överföring av tele och data. Kunderna, alltså teleoperatörerna,
vet inte idag vad de ska fylla den allt snabbare tekniken med, alltså nya betaltjänster för oss konsumenter och företag. Vi vet ju inte ens själva vad vi ”behöver”. Att då som tvärsäkra ekonomijournalister och bankanalytiker slå fast att huvudägarna Investor (Wallenbergs) och Industrivärden (Handelsbanken) misslyckats med styrningen av Ericsson, att de varit värdeförstörare, att bolaget är i total kris, är att kraftigt överdriva. Det är en svår tid för branschen, att då dessutom kräva att de två huvudägarna självmant ger upp skillnaden i rösträtt mellan A- och B-aktier ter sig orealistiskt. Svenska regeringar har efter hård kamp fått EU att godkänna röstskillnad. Argumentet är att få företagsägare skulle gå till börsen om de visste är de förlorar kontrollen när nya aktieägare bjuds in. Köpare av B-aktier är informerade om att de inte får samma röst, men de blir delaktiga i företagets vinst på samma villkor. Ericsson har närmare en halv miljon aktieägare och har därmed tillsammans med Telia flest aktieägare. Christer Gardell utan branschvarna har knappast något nytt att tillföra. Hans idé att sälja av delar av företaget har redan stötts och blötts. Vad som är rätt återstår att se. Det vet ingen långt i förväg.
Henric Borgström är ekonomijournalist, grundare av det dagliga radioprogrammet Ekonomi-Ekot i P1 Sveriges Radio och numera Nordenkorrespondent för den finlandssvenska tidskriften Forum för Ekonomi och Teknik i Helsingfors. Blogg: henricborgstrom.wordpress.com
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Company File
Century-Old Clogs with a Modern Touch By Arkus Fredriksson
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f all designs commonly associated with Scandinavia, clogs are among the most iconic. With a wooden base and leather covering, clogs have grown from a genre of footwear concerned with function to a stylish and popular trend. At the forefront of the growth of modern
clog popularity is Sandgrens, a Swedish company with roots that stretch back for centuries to a leather tannery founded in the 1800s. As one of the oldest clog companies in the world, Sandgrens brings the best of traditional clog design with modern nuances that encapsulate style and comfort. Sandgrens clogs are handmade, giving each a unique character. Generations of nurtured and inherited skill ensures that all clogs are crafted with the utmost care and quality. Thanks to their innovative design, Sandgrens clogs can be found all over the world both near and far from the quaint factory in Påryd, Sweden. With a strong base in Minnesota, Sandgrens has become rooted in the US market,
bringing true Swedish design and production from across the Atlantic. At the core of Sandgrens’ values is the company’s dedication to quality. Sandgrens sets to produce the highest quality Swedish clogs and aims to achieve this by utilizing time-honored techniques used for centuries. Production has remained true to its roots, despite increasingly complex designs, which allows the company to uphold its goal of bringing the highest quality clogs to its valued customers. Although the footwear industry has witnessed automation and production moving overseas, the family-owned company has further maintained its quality and care by keeping production facilities in
Sweden and in the hands of masterful clog makers. Two such makers, father Sven Carlsson and son, Christer Carlsson, are each equipped with over 50 years of clog-making experience. They assume both managerial and mentorship roles in the Påryd factory. Much of the success of Sandgrens clogs can be attributed to the company’s dedication to the heritage and tradition of clogs. Yet to maintain pace with constantly refreshing trends, Sandgrens offers a multitude
Clog master Sven Carlsson and son Christer.
of styles that build upon the traditional clog, including high-heels, boots, and sandals. These footwear styles are complete with genuine Dutch and Italian leather atop wooden bases that boast both comfort and health benefits. The shoes are additionally suitable for those who are flatfooted or affected by the heel-afflicting Plantar Fasciitis condition. With production techniques dating back to the 1800s, Sandgrens is committed to ensuring Swedish clogs remain a pillar in fashion footwear. With timeless designs and incomparable quality, they are both modern in style and reverent to centuries of heritage. www.sandgrensclogs.com
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[Landskapsnyheterna] SKÄNE En bank på Carlsgatan i Malmö utsattes nyligen för ett rånförsök. Rånet ska ha ägt rum på eftermiddagen då en maskerad man bärande på en väska försökte tvinga till sig kontanter på banken. – Han fick inget med sig och ingen är skadad. Just nu pratar vi med personalen på plats, säger Kim Hild, informatör på Polisens ledningscentral. Gärningsmannen lyckades fly från banken och polisen söker nu i närområdet kring Centralstationen i Malmö. Än så länge har man inte hittat någon misstänkt. BOHUSLÄN En polisbil parkerad på Dalaberg i Uddevalla har utsatts för skadegörelse. Polisen hade varit ute på ett uppdrag när de upptäckte att bilen vandaliserats. – Den hade fått vindrutan krossad och det var skador på bakrutan och en backspegel, berättar Stefan Lång, jourhavande förundersökningsledare på polisen i Uddevalla. – Nu är det ett tag sedan vi råkade ut för nåt sånt här, men det händer ibland, fortsätter han. Polisen vet ännu inte vem som ligger bakom skadegörelsen. De bevittnade ej skadegörelsen och har än så länge inga vittnen. Polisen efterlyser vittnesuppgifter på Facebook. ÖSTERGÖTLAND En 106-årig kvinna, vid namn Ingrid Sandberg, boende i Vadstena,
Östergötland har blivit kallad till Sankt Persskolans förskoleklass i Vadstena efter att kommunens system misstagit hur gammal hon är. – Jag fick som de andra barnen som skulle börja skolan nu, en vanlig kallelse. Jag började skratta när jag såg den, säger Sandberg. Missen kan bero på att de som skickat ut kallelsen tagit fel på de första siffrorna i Sandbergs personnummer. De barn som kallats till förskolan är födda 2010. Sandberg är född 1910. UPPLAND
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JÄMTLAND
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ÅNGERMANLAND
MEDELPAD HÄLSINGLAND
DALARNA GÄSTRIKLAND
En kvinna har omkommit efter att hon skadats svårt i en brand i ett radhus i Knivsta, Uppsala. Kvinnans man skadades också i branden och tas nu om hand på sjukhus. Branden, som påverkade en hel radhuslänga, ska ha brutit ut i en bastudel i ett av husen. – I radhuset där branden började bor det ett par, båda fördes till sjukhus, säger Torbjörn Karlsson, vakthavande befäl vid polisen region mitt. Brandförsvaret hade svårt att släcka elden. – Man försöker lägga en begränsning så att branden inte sprider sig mer. Det är flera radhuslängor i området som har utrymts, säger Torbjörn Karlsson. Några timmar senare var räddningstjänsten fortfarande på plats. – Branden är inte under kontroll men det går åt rätt håll. Det är svårsläckt, säger Ulf Blomqvist vid Storstockholms brandförsvar, till TT, vid tre-tiden på natten.
Foto: Katarina Hydén/MVT
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LAPPLAND
VÄSTMANLAND VÄRMLAND
UPPLAND
SÖDERMANNÄRKE LAND
DALSLAND ÖSTERGÖTLAND BOHUSLAND VÄSTERGöteborg GÖTLAND SMÅLAND HALLAND SKÅNE
Stockholm
GOTLAND ÖLAND
BLEKINGE
Malmö
LAPPLAND Ett strömavbrott har drabbat flertalet fastigheter i Kiruna centrum. Alla gallerior och frisörsalonger i Kiruna centrum påverkades bland annat av strömavbrottet som totalt drabbade 419 kunder. – Vi vet inte just nu vad felet är, vad vi gör just nu är att vi leder om strömmen andra vägar så att kunderna kan få tillbaka strömmen lite snabbare. Vi har tekniker på plats i Kiruna som felsöker vad det kan bero på, så förhoppningsvis så har alla strömmen tillbaka om inte allt för lång tid, säger Vattenfalls pressekreterare Lars-Åke Linander. Man misstänker att felet uppstått vid elstationen nära Centralskolan. – Det här är ett tekniskt fel som kan uppstå ibland så vi håller på och felsöker på det, säger Lars-Åke Linander. Elfelet kunde åtgärdas efter att man hittat och lagat ett kabelbrott.
H E RI TAG E
“Swedes formed tight-knit communities...” The History of Swedes in Minnesota By Karen R. Nelson
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Photo © American Swedish Institute
ince the era of mass Swedish emigration to North America, no other ethnic group has been so closely identified with a single state as Swedes are with Minnesota. Between 1850 and 1930, about 1.3 million Swedes arrived in the U.S. By around 1910, Swedes were the largest ethnic group in Minneapolis. Northwest of the Twin Cities, in Chisago or Isanti counties, Swedish Americans were almost 70 percent of the population. In neighboring Illinois, about 10 percent lived in Chicago, making it the second largest Swedish city in the world, only after Stockholm. It is partly a myth that Swedes moved to Minnesota because it looked like Sweden. There were “push and pull” factors on both sides. Religious and political reasons were certainly factors, but famine and a lack of land in an agricultural-based society were most important. Many were lured by the promise of a better life. Young and healthy men
and women were encouraged by letters home or by land agents. The Homestead Act of 1862 made public land available cheaply to any “citizen or intending citizen,” provided they lived on the land for at least five years. Railroad lines delayed by the Civil War were completed, making travel easier. Swedes formed tight-knit communities and intermarried. A cultural life quickly developed, much of it centered on religion or the Swedish language. Newspapers were important, including the Minnesota-based Svenska amerikanska posten, published by American Swedish Institute’s immigrant founder Swan Turnblad. Theater and singing were a vibrant part of community life, with Midsummer celebrations as early as the 1870s. Swedish-Minnesotans managed to leave their mark on the state. They founded colleges, including
Gustavus Adolphus and Bethel, churches, hospitals, newspapers, businesses, lodges, neighborhood associations and cultural institutions. Scandinavian immigrants became involved in politics, attaining the state Governorship multiple times. We like to think they brought good values, civility and a belief in education. They strove to become American, yet maintained ties to Sweden. Not all Swedish immigrants were successful. As Dr. Rudolph Vecoli, scholar-director of the Immigration History Research Center at the University of Minnesota, observed: “Discussions of current immigration are often colored by a mythological view of the immigrant past… Industrial accidents, unemployment, exploitation, alcoholism, familial abuse, crime and vice were facts of immigrant life in the Twin Cities a hundred years ago, just as they are today...” Immigration was often a mixed bag. John Rice, an historical geographer, has called the emigrants “movers”... people willing to accept the challenges of uprooting themselves and moving to another world. It has also been said (by an unnamed source) that it was “the best Swedes” who left. Minnesota perhaps got a certain type of person who contributed with important energy. Regardless, Minnesota remains the state that, with an estimated 587,000, is the most dense with Swedish Americans. There are a lot of Swedes in Minnesota, and a lot of Minnesota Americans with Swedish roots who are very proud of their heritage and of Sweden.
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Swedish Press | July/August 2017 11
Swedish Minnesota – A Unique Confluence By Karen R. Nelson, American Swedish Institute
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any Minnesotans proudly claim Swedish heritage, and Swedes find Minnesota to be quite characteristically Swedish, in a rough translation of Svenskbygderna. Minnesota and Scandinavia have been intertwined since the mid-1800s immigration surge. As part of this month’s Swedish Press focus on Minneapolis, the de facto capital of Scandinavian America, we asked a variety of people with strong Swedish/Minnesota connections for their opinions on what has become uniquely Swedish-Minnesotan. Responses ranged from choirs, cabins and sports, to crafts, food and immigration. Roland Thorstensson, a native Swede, 45-year Minnesota resident and professor emeritus of Scandinavian Studies at Gustavus Adolphus, suggested that with the unique aspect of Svenskbygderna, Swedes visiting Minnesota find much Midsummer celebrations at ASI. evidence of “Swedishness,” Photo © ASI especially around the Chisago Lakes area, northwest of the Twin Cities. While many Swedes did settle there, it gained a mythical quality as the setting for Sweden’s extremely popular novels by Vilhelm Moberg (1950s), the films based on them (1970s), and later the highly successful musical Kristina in Duvemåla (1990s) by Benny Anderson and Björn Ullvaeus of ABBA and Mamma Mia fame. Thus, the mix of fact and fiction strengthened the aura of connection. Travelers and residents alike encounter signs in Swedish, the Swedish flag and names of Swedish sister cities.
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Founded by Immigrants If you wonder why Scandinavian knowledge and cultural traditions remain so vital in Minnesota today, look no further than the many organizations that were founded by Nordic immigrants. Educational and cultural institutions see the Nordic influence as dynamic and ever-changing and want their programming to reflect that, observed Thorstenson. Concordia College and its language villages, Gustavus Adolphus, the University of Minnesota and Saint Olaf College, for example, all have Scandinavian study opportunities. The American Swedish Institute (ASI) offers workshops, language and genealogy classes, exhibitions, festivals and more. Various Nordic churches, clubs and organizations including Gammelgården and Nisswa Stämmen host traditional celebrations like Midsommar and Lucia. While not founded by immigrants, the Vikings, Henrik Williams from Uppsala Minnesota’s professional University advised on the authenfootball team, is the most ticity of Vikings symbols depicted in the Minnesota Vikings logo. obvious example of a uniquely Nordic-Minnesotan icon. With a new billion dollar stadium set to host the 2018 Super Bowl game, the name and symbols are clearly inspired by Scandinavia, yet the team is irrevocably Minnesotan. Food and Family Traditions Literally ‘taking the cake’ of Swedish-Minnesota icons, are food and holiday rituals that have helped to generate the longest-lasting cultural links (and strongest aromas). Swedish meatballs, lutfisk, lefse, pepparkakor and glögg are staples of many Midwestern holiday tables. Ironically, these food traditions may have memorialized immigrant food items from a lost moment in time. According to acclaimed Swedish Chef Magnus Nilsson, who visited ASI in 2016 along with his Nordic cookbook and photographs exhibition, what diner in today’s
Sweden would opt for the reconstituted, lye-treated lutfisk when you could easily have a nice fresh piece of cod? Yet, lutfisk lives on in Minnesota. Notable too, is the proliferation of top-notch Minnesota restaurants focused on modern Nordic cuisine. Among these are Upton 43, named 2016 Restaurant of the Year by the Star Tribune, the awardwinning FIKA Café at Photo: Susanne Walström/imageASI, and Bachelor Farmer, bank.sweden.se whose Chef Paul Bergland earned a 2016 James Beard Award. Related, Ingebretsen’s market in Minneapolis, has been the go-to place since 1921 for herring, lingonberries, blood sausage and all things Scandinavian with lines out the door during the holidays. Craft, Art and Culture Similar to the food revival, the tradition of slöjd or handcraft revered in Swedish culture is very much in vogue now, as evidenced by participation in workshops at places including North House Folk School in Grand Marais and ASI. Chelsea Bowen, ASI’s Educational Programs Coordinator, says, “We see a pronounced interest by makers and art lovers in the traditional connection between the natural world and creative expression. Slöjd has shifted from a utilitarian necessity to an art form. Eating lunch with a spoon that you hand carved from fresh cut birch is a win-win.” What’s more, some crafts like woodworking and blacksmithing that have been, and in many cases still are, considered men’s territory are increasingly mastered by women, both in Sweden and Minnesota. Women’s Woodshop, now open in Minneapolis, empowers women through the art of woodcraft. Bruce Karstadt, President/CEO of ASI, notes other cultural trends that have branched out from Swedish roots. According to Sveriges Körförbund (the Swedish choir union), Sweden has the largest number of choirs per capita in the world, strong choral traditions and a deep-seated culture of singing folk songs. Minnesota shares this choral affinity with its abundance of professional, amateur and church choirs.
“Cabin Culture” – or the sommarstuga, adds Karstadt, is another shared institution. There are nearly 600,000 summer houses in Sweden. Minnesotans, with their 10,000 lakes, long-ago discovered the attraction of a Swedish-like summer cottage, regularly going ‘Up north to the cabin.’ Swedes and Minnesotans also possess a love of nature and a desire to share the landscape with others – hence Sweden’s allemansrätt – the right of people to wander freely in the countryside. Minnesotans, likewise, have a statewide park system and voted years ago to establish a Legacy fund to protect the wilderness. The Future Some educators in the Twin Cities say they are witnessing something remarkable: the birth of a new and vibrant Scandinavian-American scene from the old immigrant foundation. Interest in genealogy is fed by increased access to digital records and Turnblad Mansion. Photo © ASI there is a growing interest in travel, learning languages, Nordic music (My Bubba and First Aid Kit), crime novels, films and TV series like Bron/Broen, and shopping at IKEA, H&M and Fjällräven. Younger people are embracing Nordic ideas regarding sustainability, gender issues, multiculturalism and fashion. The internet and social media easily feed these flames. Sweden and Minnesota have both welcomed large populations of Somali and other immigrants that continue to shape their futures. Swedish-American journalist Klas Bergman, author of Scandinavians in the State House: How Nordic Immigrants Shaped Minnesota Politics, commented that this state’s identity is now its own. “We should not say that Minnesota is the new Scandinavia. It has got its own strong political tradition and culture. It’s that spirit — and not the national origin of the people who articulate it — that will give Minnesota a 21st-century advantage. In this century, societies that can incorporate immigrants successfully will have a competitive edge. They’ll benefit from fresh ideas, entrepreneurial energy and multicultural savvy in a global economy.” Or, put another way, it’s part of being uniquely Minnesotan. www.asimn.org
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A Cross-Cultural Success By Sofie Kinnefors Tell us about your Swedish heritage. My mother’s family is Swedish. My great-grandmother, Tensa (given name Potentia) Swanson, was the nearest relative to me who was born in Sweden. There wasn’t much Swedish spoken in our family while growing up, but we were quite mindful and proud of our roots in Sweden. For example, my mother, Patty Karstadt, taught Swedish folk dances to every child in the Lindsborg elementary schools for many years and their performances even today remain a great highlight. Where did you grow up? I was born in Lindsborg, Kansas, a small town nestled in the Smoky Valley which was founded by Swedish immigrants from Värmland in 1869. I attended public schools in Lindsborg and graduated in 1973 from Bethany College in Lindsborg with a degree in history and political science. Following completion of my undergraduate studies, I obtained a law degree from Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas. After a few years in private practice, I was enlisted to join the administrative staff at my alma mater, Bethany College, where I served several years as executive assistant to two presidents of the college. I left my work at
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Swedish Press | July/August 2017 14
Bethany to become head of the Associated Colleges of Central Kansas, a consortium serving several independent colleges through shared management services and academic programs.
Growing up in a household where Swedish traditions were celebrated, ostkaka devoured during Christmas and folkdance practiced regularly, Kansas native, Bruce Karstadt has always been proud of his Swedish roots. Swedish Press spoke to the President of the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis about work duties, Minneapolis highlights and why he is proud of one particular fiddler. The Nelson Cultural Center and the historic 1908 Turnblad mansion. Photo: ASI
What does your job as President and CEO of the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis entail? I was selected to become the executive director of the American Swedish Institute in 1990. This November marks my 27th anniversary here. In my capacity, I report to a 21-person Board of Directors, and in general, I am responsible for overall strategic and operational responsibility for the execution of ASI’s mission, which is “to serve as a gathering place for all people to share experiences around themes of culture, migration, the environment and the arts, informed by enduring links to Sweden.” One of my great joys is the chance to work together with 40-some colleagues (and nearly 200 volunteers) as a team in developing plans for exhibitions and programs, raising funds, and creating collaborations with community organizations to broaden their impact.
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What does the Swedish Community look like in Minneapolis? There are about 500,000 people who, in the last Minnesota state-wide census, self-reported that they have Swedish ancestry. So, it’s a large community and as such, their interests are as broad as their compatriots in Sweden. You’ll find Swedes here whose interests range from soccer to hearing the latest Swedish band in concert at First Avenue. Swedes have moved here for work (whether in academia or in the medtech industry, for example) or they’ve traveled here with an American spouse. Swedish-Americans are certainly interested in their heritage and the stories of their ancestors who settled here to start a new life – but they might equally be interested in attending the latest concert of Martin Fröst as artistic partner with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra or enjoying the exhibition of watercolors by Lars Lerin that was featured here at ASI in 2016 or taking part in midsummer at Svenskarnas Dag. How does the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis support Swedes living in Minneapolis/the US? In 2015-16, a little more than 156,000 people visited the ASI campus for one reason or another – whether to take a class, dine in our café, attend a public event or visit the museum. In one sense, the American Swedish Institute has always functioned as a “home away from home” for many Swedes who live here. As one example, a faculty member from Uppsala University law school was teaching at the University of Minnesota law school for a semester, and had brought his family with him. They discovered ASI, which quickly became a place for them to connect with their home country, to speak Swedish with others, and to carry on various traditions of
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importance to them with others in the community. Their children took part in our Sankta Lucia choir that December, and they were often here, as a family, taking part in other museum activities. This inspires me to say that ASI truly functions as a third space, which, in the lexicon of Ray Oldenburg in his book The Great Good Place, is a social surrounding separate from home (“first place”) and the office (“second place”). It is an important place for civic engagement and nurturing a sense of place or belonging. Have you done any research on your Swedish roots? I have done some genealogical research and know of relatives who live in Värmland and in southwest Sweden. My great-grandmother came from a little town, Långaryd, which has one of the most extensively researched family associations in Sweden. My grandfather’s side of the family came from the parish Rämmen, which is north of Filipstad and situated beautifully on a lake. Do you visit Sweden often? It’s important for me to spend time in Sweden, to connect with museums, cultural and educational organizations, as well as governmental agencies, which would be beneficial to our efforts to serve as a link between Sweden and Minnesota. I visit fairly often, usually 2-3 times annually. You’ve been honored with numerous awards for your work to strengthen the cultural relationships between Sweden and the United States. Which one are you the proudest of? I’m most proud of a medal that was given not to me but to Paul Dahlin, a fiddler and heir to a rich folk music tradition from Dalarna inherited
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from his grandfather, Edvin Johnson, an emigrant from Rättvik. Paul has been an enormous influence upon the growth of interest among musicians in traditional Swedish folk music – not only here but around the country. He founded a fiddling group, ASI Spelmanslag, which now has more than 40 members and which performs regularly throughout the Midwest. This group meets for rehearsal at the American Swedish Institute – I consider it our “house band”. Paul had earlier been named an NEA Heritage Fellow in 1996, and it was extremely satisfying for me to see Paul’s contributions to the cultural relationships between Sweden and the United States recognized by His Majesty in 2010 with the presentation of the Polar Star medal. This also was a great recognition of the work done by the American Swedish Institute in preserving and sharing these important traditions. What shouldn’t a person visiting Minneapolis for the first time miss? I’m a museum person, and so I think that taking in the exhibitions at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, or the contemporary collections at the Walker Art Center (including Claes Oldenburg’s Cherry Spoonbridge in the sculpture garden) are important – as is the Minnesota Historical Society’s first rate museum. For food – try The Bachelor Farmer, Spoon and Stable or Upton 43 for Nordic-influenced food. Lent a bike to cycle around the city on our amazingly well-designed bike trails that link every part of the city with our natural wonders – the chain of lakes, Minnehaha Falls, and the Mississippi River. But the most important thing not to miss would be the American Swedish Institute and our award-winning café, FIKA.
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Swedish Press | July/August 2017 15
Global
‘People are the most valued asset...’ Neil Carlson, Honorary Consul of Sweden in Winnipeg, Canada and Director of Carlson Commercial and Industrial Services.
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Neil Carlson joined the family business, Carlson Decorating Co. in 1964. Under his leadership, the company became Carlson Engineered Composites. His company is strategically situated in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, an inland port. Centre Port offers access to rail, road, and air transportation systems throughout North America and internationally. Among other roles, Carlson is a past Chair of the Construction Labour Relation Council, Past Chair of the Trade Section – Winnipeg Construction Association and was awarded the Insignia of Commander of the Royal Order of the Polar Star Sweden. He also sits on the Board of Directors of the Swedish Council of America and since 1980, has served as Honorary Consul of Sweden. Interview by Laurel Anderson-McCallum
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n March 23, 2017, Winnipeg’s Swedish Consul, Neil Carlson was inducted into the Manitoba Hall of Fame of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. From Swedish immigrant beginnings, Neil had quietly grown the company from 35 to 350 employees with sales of more than $50 million. The Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association recognizes individuals and companies who have achieved notable success in initiating, improving, or growing a manufacturing business in Manitoba. What inspired you to diversify your father’s 1939 company? I joined Carlson Decorating Co. at 21, now Carlson Commercial and Industrial Services. I had loved racing super modified cars and bought a fiberglass body from the U.S. Then I began creating with fiberglass in the garage. It was fun! But at the Company we needed a
Honorary Swedish Consul Neil Carlson at the 2017 CME (Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters) Gala Awards Dinner.
steady yearround product and I didn’t want to make shower stalls! So in 1980 we developed Carlson Engineered Composites, becoming a composites supplier to Original Equipment Manufacturers in the transportation industry.
Lynn and Neil Carlson at the 2017 CME Awards Banquet.
We supply components to OME’s such as New Flyer, MacDon Industries, truck companies, Crestline Coach Medical Transportation, Case New Holland, food processing and recreation industries. We are a Tier I supplier. As a Tier I supplier to so many other companies, how has this affected the composition of your organization? There are now three Canadian and two American companies in the Carlson Group. In Canada these are: Commercial and Industrial Services (1939), Carlson Engineered Composites Inc.
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Putting Sweden on the Map Abroad
Swedes
‘... a company can have’ My father also started in his garage on Spruce Street, then later at 1369 Erin Street.
(1980), and Carlson Truck Outfitters Ltd (2010). In the United States there are Carlson Engineered Composites Inc. in St. Cloud Minnesota (2007) and Carlson Engineered Composites Inc. in Anniston Alabama (2015). With the American companies, 100% of the manufacturing is done in the U.S. To support the “Buy America” policy.
Carlson Commercial fiberglass reinforcement services.
In researching your website, I was fascinated with the water jet robotic cell, the “Swede” Jet. Would you tell us about this? They’re all Swedish robots from ABB in Sweden! Hundreds of perfect copies are made, which eliminates a great amount of scrap and gives excellent uniformity between the Composite pieces. What aspect of your company resonates with you? I like them all, but… I really like sandblasting and painting bridges!
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You have made a strong impact in Manitoba. Would you share some highlights? We supply and install raised flooring in modern and historical buildings. Major work from our companies defined the Eaton’s Centre, the Legislative Building, the Manitoba Hydro Office Building downtown, Polo Park, Great West Life, the Journey to Churchill Exhibit and our exciting northern projects with Manitoba Hydro, involving their dams, converter stations and most recently the Bi-Pole III converter stations. What was your reaction upon learning of the Award? I couldn’t believe it. I thought CME (Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters) wanted me to refer someone for the award. It was very humbling. I deeply thank my employees, the people I partner with, and the understanding and support of my family. People are the most valued asset a company can have. It’s like a perfect pie with all the essential ingredients. What are your visions for the future? I want to introduce Carbon Fiber technology, which is lightweight, strong and would export more easily. It would be a whole new process… but we would keep our Swedish robotic water jet cutters!
Your accomplishments are so many. You received the Insignia of the Commander of the Royal Order of the Polar Star of Sweden? Yes, in 1989 and in 1997 I received the awards. I have thoroughly enjoyed my appointment as Honorary Consul for Sweden. It has been an honor to represent the Swedish community in Winnipeg and the Swedish government. Neil Edwin Carlson Neil is married to Lynn and has three children: Terri, Marni and Neil. • Board Member of Composite Innovation Centre • Member of National Association of Corrosion Engineers • American Composites Manufactures Association • Manitoba Wall and Ceiling Association • Past President of Winnipeg Executive Association • Director of Sylvia Recreational Co. • Director of Swedish Council of America • Past President of Strindburg Lodge Winnipeg • Vice-President of Vasa Lund Estates Non Profit 55+ Housing • Board Member of Swedish Association Manitoba • Member of the Scandinavian Cultural Centre of Manitoba • Swedish Consul of Manitoba since 1980 • President of Carlson Group
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Swedish Press | July/August 2017 17
[Lifestyle]
Top Sju
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Hold those noses! August 17 marks the premiere of “surströmming” in Sweden. It’s a time when brave Swedes feast on surströmming – fermented Baltic Sea herring – usually along with potatoes and onions on flat bread (tunnbröd). Surströmming is very salty to the taste and has a strong smelly scent. The fermented Baltic Sea herring has been part of the traditional northern Swedish cuisine since the 16th century. Enjoy your surströmming with a beer or “snaps” or perhaps a glass of must or milk.
Fans of Nordic design take note. Formex – the biggest exhibition for Nordic interior design – takes place between August 23 – 26 in Älvsjö, Stockholm. Formex was founded in 1960 and takes place twice a year. The exhibition hosts around 900 exhibitors displaying products within interior design, garden design, edible items, kitchen supplies, children’s clothes and toys, fashion and accessories. About 23,000 visitors and 800 media representatives visit the exhibit yearly. Information: www.formex.se.
300 ÅF Off Shore Race (previously known as Gotland Runt) – is a sail boat race in the Baltic Sea arranged by Kungliga Svenska Segelsällskapet (Royal Swedish Sailing Company). It takes place on July 2-6. Participants of the prestigious two-day competition, which attracts around 300 sailboats, will follow a route via Kastellholmen in Stockholm city to Gotland back to Sandhamn in Stockholm. Those who are interested can view the racing boats at Skeppsholmen in Stockholm. Information: www.ksss.se.
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100 Thanks to limited hunting regulations, numbers of wild deer, elk, beaver and boar are at a 100-year high, according to a wild mammal report broadcast by Ekot, a newscast radio service. In line with the increase, the number of traffic accidents involving wildlife has increased. The census of Arctic fox (fjällräven) did, however, show a decrease in numbers.
56 According to a new survey conducted by Sifo, on behalf of dairy company Arla, 56 percent of Swedish parents said their family felt less stressed while in the great outdoors. 56 percent of parents also said that they sometimes feel guilty for not spending enough time with their children in natural surroundings. At the same time, around half (49 percent) of the participating parents wished their
children spent more time outside during school hours.
16 All you need is love – and a little music. The Peace and Love Festival takes place on July 6-8 at Folkets Park in Borlänge, Dalarna. The festival, which was founded in 1999, promotes equality, environmental friendliness, peace and love. This year’s event features musical talents, which include; Miriam Bryant, Christer Sjögren, Icona Pop, Jose Gonzalez, Miss Li, Sofia Jannok and, of course, the Electric Banana Band. A camping ground is also available for those (over the age of 16) who wish to spend the night near the festival area.
3 Between July 3 and 24, follow in the footsteps of famed author Henning Mankell’s fictional Swedish Detective Kurt Wallander in and around the town of Ystad, Skåne. During the guided tours in the town, a knowledgeable guide will share stories on the places featured in the novels and movies about Wallander. Visitors may also want to visit Ystad’s film museum ”Cineteket” – a gallery where you can learn about film production, as well as check out props from the Wallander movies.
[Lifestyle] Book Minneapolis and Minnesota – the Center of Swedish/ Scandinavian America By Klas Bergman
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inneapolis and nearly all of Minnesota feel and look Swedish in so many ways. One of the first Scandinavian visitors to notice the similarities was Swedish writer Fredrika Bremer, who wrote back in the 1850s, “what a glorious new Scandinavia might not Minnesota become!” Since then, Minneapolis has become the most Swedish/Scandinavian city in America, as hundreds of thousands of Scandinavians eventually immigrated here. There are thousands called Anderson, Carlson, Johnson, and Peterson. There is Soderberg’s Flowers on East Lake Street, Carlson Printing on East Franklin, Mortenson Construction, Lundborg Funeral Home, Marie Sandvik Center, and Erik’s bikes. The American Swedish Institute with its Turnblad mansion – “the only castle” in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St Paul – is named after Swan Turnblad, who for years ran the most successful Swedish-American newspaper in America, Svenska Amerikanska Posten. The Institute has become a highly successful gathering place for much of Minnesota. Not far away are the new Norway House and its large Lutheran church, Mindekirken, where Sunday service is still held in both English and Norwegian. Over by the Mississippi river, which flows right through the
Twin Cities, is Danebo, the Danish American Center, and in between is Christ Church Lutheran, the national landmark designed by father/son Finnish immigrant architects, Eliel and Eero Saarinen. All through the year the Swedish/ Scandinavian influence is noticed: lutfisk at Christmas; Syttende Mai; Midsummer in June; big crayfish parties – “kräftskivor” – at the American Swedish Institute and at the Bachelor Farmer, the Swedishinspired restaurant. Famous sculptures are highly visible, like “Spoonbridge and Cherry” by Swedish Claes Oldenburg outside the Walker Art Center and Swedish Carl Milles’ magnificent “Vision of Peace” in St Paul city hall. The Finn Osmo Vänskä conducts the Minnesota Orchestra; and come winter, the NHL ice hockey team, the Minnesota Wild, has almost as many Finnish and Swedish players
Former Dagens Nyheter journalist, Klas Bergman, is the author of a new book, “Scandinavians in the State House: How Nordic Immigrants Shaped Minnesota Politics,” published by Minnesota Historical Society Press.
as do the teams back in Finland and Sweden. Even bandy is played here and the U.S. champion is a team from Minnesota. And let’s not forget about the Minneapolis city of lakes loppet, the urban cross country ski festival that could rival any ski event in Scandinavia. But Minneapolis is also a city where some Swedish/Scandinavian heritage has been lost. In the 1600 block of East Lake Street, once dominated by the Nordic immigrants, only Ingebretsen’s Norwegian gift shop and delicatessen remains. The others have been replaced by a Durdur Bakery, a Fiesta Mexicana, a Marisqueria, and other Latino restaurants. Ward Six, around Cedar Riverside, where the Swedes and Norwegians once dominated, is today the center of the city’s Somali immigrants. And over in St Paul, the Phalen Creek Ravine, better known as “Swede Hollow” (Svenska dalen), Swedish immigrants lived from the 1850s for many years in real poverty in ramshackle houses without heat or running water. In 1956, the last 14 Mexican families were evicted from Swede Hollow and their homes burned after the spring that had supplied the water for Swede Hollow for a century was declared unsafe. Today, Swede Hollow is a park with pleasant walks, picnic tables and clear creek water, a place for a quiet Sunday stroll. One third of Minnesota’s population today identifies themselves as Scandinavian, and for a visitor like me, I must say I feel very much at home.
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Hemma hos
Golden ‘Solar Egg’ Sauna – a Symbol of New Beginnings
[Design]
By Kristi Robinson
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shimmering golden egg sits in solace atop a snowy hillside overlooking the town below – it sounds like the beginning of a Swedish folktale, but it’s the real-life creation of artists Mats Bigert and Lars Bergström. The egg is called “Solar Egg” and it’s a 5 meter high, 8 person sauna. The landscape it overlooks is Sweden’s most northern town of Kiruna. The project was commissioned by Riksbyggen, a group of developers who are involved with the radical transformation of Kiruna. As a mining town, the extraction of iron ore is vital to the livelihood of Kiruna, and an important source of income for Sweden. The town centre of Kiruna needs to be moved a couple of miles so that the iron seam that cuts diagonally beneath the town can be accessed. The Solar Egg has been created as a symbol of rebirth and new opportunities that will come with the metamorphosis of Kiruna. It gives the residents and visitors a place to meet in a warm space that nurtures conversation and ideas.
The iron-forged wood-burning stove resembles a human heart. Photo © Jean-Baptiste Béranger
The shell of the sauna is made of 69 individual pieces of stainless steel mirror coated with gold colored titanium, and reflects its snowy surroundings. The egg is designed so it can be taken apart and moved to different locations. Drawbridge-like stairs beckon visitors inside where the wall panels and floor are finished with pine, and the multi-level benches are made of aspen. The sauna is heated by a heart-shaped wood-burning stove handmade of iron, and kept between 75-85 degrees Celsius.
The artists often explore the connection between nature, climate, and society in their work and the sauna is an expression of this, as Solar Egg creator Mats Bigerts explains: “Landscape, mine, town, sky, sun and snow are here combined into a fragmented image that can evoke associations with the complexity spanned by today’s discussion about climate and sustainable community development”. “Solar Egg captures Kiruna’s fantastic spirit and sauna traditions” says Mathias Sandberg, director at Riksbyggen. “It symbolizes the sun as a catalyst for creativity, care, hope, and togetherness”. In this spirit of community, anyone can book a sauna session, and it’s free. For now, Solar Egg will be on display in various locations around Kiruna, and at the end of this year is scheduled to be temporarily installed at the Swedish Institute in Paris.
Solar Egg sits in Luossabacken looking out over Kiruna. Photo © Jean-Baptiste Béranger
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Swedish Press | July/August 2017 20
Hemma hos
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lake Meier, Executive Chef at FIKA Café at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, was born and raised in Minnesota and has lived in the area all his life. Blake has been working in the culinary industry for 12 years and quickly moved up the ranks. Blake became a chef at D’Amico catering in 2004 and fell in love with the art of cooking while earning a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from the Art Institutes in Minneapolis. Blake was introduced to Scandinavian-style cooking through his wife Kate, who comes from a Swedish, Danish and Welch background and still has family in Wales and Denmark. Food is a very important part of that heritage, so he inserted himself into that culture and learned a lot about family traditions. “I’ve gotten to really enjoy it,” he says. Kate’s family taught Blake how to make traditional lefsa and Swedish meatballs, and he soon developed a strong interest in the clean and sleek style of Scandinavian cooking. He also likes to garden in his free time and has two garden beds with veggies and herbs that he tends to daily. He enjoys putting in time to see the garden grow. It helps him to appreciate how much work the local farmers put into providing restaurants with fresh produce. His dedication, passion and creativity quickly propelled him to Chef De Cuisine at Cosmos in the Graves Hotel, where he learned to present a fine dining, coursed dinner integrating seasonal and local ingredients. Blake loves the freedom of working on a menu that rotates depending on the season, using ingredients that
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taste best based on cyclical changes. He has begun partnerships with many local vendors, recognizing the importance of sourcing ingredients locally. In 2015, Blake was recruited as the Executive Chef at Bradstreet Neighborhood Craftshouse and ran his own operation for over a year. In 2016, Blake was thrilled to accept the Executive Chef position at FIKA where he continues to refine
Gravlax Ingredients: • 1 side Scottish sustainably farmed salmon, skin on. • 1 lb fresh dill • 1 qt kosher salt • 1 qt sugar • 1/4 cup juniper berries • 2 tbsp whole black peppercorns • 5 ea fresh bay leaves, pulverized • 1 tbsp fennel seed • 1 tbsp dill seed • zest of 6 Lemons • 1/2 c Aquavit • 1/2 c Gin, North Shore brand is best
his expertise with his favorite style of cuisine. Blake believes that food is an expression of creativity and joy, and that’s what he puts into every dish on his menu at FIKA. He has plans of going to Sweden and experiencing the food firsthand. After cooking Swedish cuisine in Minnesota, he says it would inspire him to walk the streets and eat the food he has so closely studied over the last year. By Karen R. Nelson
Methods Remove all pin bones from the salmon using fish tweezers. Toast juniper and black pepper over low heat until fragrant, cool and grind coarsely. Toast fennel seeds, cool. Mix all ingredients, except for salmon and dill. Lay enough plastic wrap to completely cover the salmon on table, spread half of salt and spice mix on the plastic, top with half of the fresh dill. Place salmon, skin side down, over the cure mix, spread remaining cure over flesh, top with dill. Pull plastic wrap over entire fish, wrap in foil, place package in a low sided dish. Place the salmon on the bottom shelf of refrigerator, place a 1-2 pound, flat sided weight on top, such as a bag of sugar. After 2 days, rinse the salmon well, and place back in the refrigerator, uncovered, for at least 8 hours, or up to 2 days to allow it to dry/cure. To Serve: Skin the gravlax, turn it over and carefully remove any dark flesh. Thinly slice gravlax against the grain, serve with mustard, pickles, fresh dill, bread and crackers.
Braised Rabbit Ingredients: • 1 Whole Rabbits • 1 quart mirepoix • (celery, carrot, onion) • 1 sachet • 1 pint White Wine • Canola oil for sear Sachet • 3-4 sprigs of thyme and rosemary • 2 bay leaves • 4 garlic cloves • 1 tbsp each: mustard seed, coriander seed, black pepper, white pepper, juniper berry, clove
Methods: In a large cast iron skillet sear rabbit on both sides and back until golden. Manage heat to develop a rich brown fond. Remove rabbit and add mirepoix. Let cook for a few minutes. Deglaze with white wine. Place rabbit back into pan, add sachet. Top off pan with water, just covers rabbit. Spread cheesecloth over rabbit and cover with foil. Bake at 350oF for 2 hours or until tender. Drain the rabbit (remove mirepoix and sachet). Retain the jus. Pick meat from the rabbit. Reduce the reserved rabbit jus by half. Serve with roasted vegetables and pour reduced jus over the top.
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Swedish Council of America
2017 SCA Glenn T. Seaborg Science Scholar
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ay Barnes, President of Bethel University, has an impish side. Imagine being a college senior, about to graduate at the end of the week, and the morning before you are to give your Honors Presentation you are summoned to the President’s Office without explanation. At best, you would be a bit confused or curious as to why the president wanted to see you; at worst, you would wonder if some paperwork had not be properly filed or you needed four more credits to graduate. That could be nerve-racking! But it was all good news! As Aeli Olson was ushered into the President’s Private Dining Room, not only were President Barnes and his wife there, but also Provost Deb Harless, and the 14 Bethel faculty members involved in Aeli’s remarkable academic achievements. Aeli Olson learns from President Each had a broad smile as Barnes that she is going to SIYSS. President Barnes informed Photo: Richard Peterson Aeli that she had been selected as the SCA Glenn T. Seaborg Science Scholar for 2017. It was clear from the look on her face that she had no idea of what was going on when she walked into the room. Once informed that she would be one of three Americans participating in the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar (SIYSS) next December, she was thrilled! The SCA Glenn T. Seaborg Science Scholarship is awarded annually by the Swedish Council of America (SCA) to one outstanding student within the natural sciences selected through nominations made by the college presidents of the six Swedish Heritage College members of SCA. As the awardee, Aeli will be among 25 other high-achieving young scientists from around the world participating in this prestigious academic seminar sponsored by the Royal Institute of Technology and the Nobel Foundation. While in Stockholm, the participants will visit several universities and laboratories, meet with Nobel Laureates and make presentations on their own research to large audiences of fellow scientists. These activities are all part of Nobel
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SCA Board Chair John Hasselberg, SCA Executive Director Gregg White, President Jay Barnes, Aeli Olson, Provost Deb Harless. Photo: John Hasselberg
Week, which culminates with the SIYSS participants attending the Nobel Award Ceremonies and Banquet. Aeli is a native of Blue Earth, Minnesota, and a recent graduate of Bethel University of Arden Hills, Minnesota. She graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. degree in Physics, a B.A. degree in Chemistry, and a minor in Biology. Aeli’s academic interests go beyond her dedication to the natural sciences, as she also values her liberal arts education for her ability to explore philosophy, anthropology, and sociology. Besides attending the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar in December, Aeli’s future plans include pursuing her Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences and completing her thesis on Nuclear Medicine. She is a well-deserving recipient of the SCA Glenn T. Seaborg Science Scholarship and a truly remarkable young scientist! The Swedish Heritage College Members of SCA: Augustana College, California Lutheran University, Rock Island, IL Thousand Oaks, CA Bethany College, Gustavus Adolphus College, Lindsborg, KS Saint Peter, MN Bethel University, North Park University, Saint Paul, MN Chicago, IL
SCA is Swedish America’s community foundation. Our mission is to promote knowledge and appreciation of Swedish heritage and culture in North American life and to strengthen contemporary cultural and educational ties between North America and Sweden. We achieve this by providing grants to organizations, scholarships to youth, recognition to leaders and communications to the community – all focused on furthering our mission. www.swedishcouncil.org
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Swedish-American Chambers of Commerce
Classic Clog-Maker Building its Brand through Swedish Talent By Andreas Palmlöv
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he clog-maker Sandgrens is a growing, high-end yet timelessly functional shoe brand that is reinventing the traditional clog with a modern appeal. With the brand being closely tied to its Swedish heritage anno 1846, Sandgrens has for years brought Swedish talent to the U.S. to embrace a vision of what Swedish quality entails. While all products are made in Sweden, the Minnesota team serves the international market. In an effort to build a strong brand mirroring Swedish culture, Swedish trainees help reflect the culture externally.
Trainees Natalie Hartman and Ajla Rustempasic. Photo courtesy SACC USA
Swedish trainees are vital for the clog-maker to remain on track with its heritage. At an early stage, Sandgrens placed Swedish talent on tasks mainly within finance, sales and logistics but more recently they began to explore untapped fields where young Swedish talent could add additional value. The company has capitalized on the millennial generation’s tech-savvy nature. As Sandgrens’ marketing campaigns shifted online, the SACC Trainee Program has helped the company to speak in its own language – increasing sales. Sandgrens offers its trainees stipends, which reduces living costs, and the program is rigorously focused on the
training aspect. David Giese, Director of Sales, says the return on investment to their operations is exponentially higher because of trainees’ eagerness to learn and contribute. The obligation to train its young talent is embraced, and Sandgrens takes great pride in its commitment to Swedish culture. “When trainees walk out of Sandgrens, they know what they want to do in their respective careers,” says David. The selling point for any host company is undoubted: Swedish trainees can add unparalleled attitude and motivation. “You are simply not going to get that same passion out of a hired employee,” says Nick Sieberg, Operations Manager. After 12 or 18 months of intensive training, several trainees have gone back from Minnesota to Sweden to work for Sandgrens there. SACC-USA annually places about 100 Swedish trainees at host companies in the U.S. Because interest has grown over the years, our efforts as a national chamber to promote talent mobility and serve the growing number of members of our 20 regional chambers has increased. SACC-USA provides coordination for any company looking to bring talent to the U.S. and the talent mobility program has been a key service of SACC-USA for more than a decade. As Sandgrens is not only a leader in telling the story of Swedish craft tradition and values through its products, the shoe-maker is also a pioneer in adding Swedish talent to its American team. Sandgrens builds its corporate culture through SACC-USA’s Trainee Program, which helps companies bring Swedish talent into the core of their business.
About the SACC-USA Network: SACC-USA consists of 20 Regional Chambers across the U.S. For more information on the SACC-USA Trainee Program, please visit: www.sacc-usa.org/trainee or contact us at: Andreas Palmlöv | Andreas.palmlov@sacc-usa.org | Ph: +1 202 536 1520 SACC Minnesota helps corporations and professionals tap into the valuable business resources in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest, as well as access to the powerful Swedish-American business network. For more information on SACC Minnesota, please visit: www.saccmn.org
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Svenskar i Världen
Welcome to Swedes Worldwide’s Summer Program and the Parliament of Swedes Abroad
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very year in August, when many Swedes living abroad visit Sweden, the organization Swedes Worldwide arranges a week-long event called the Summer Program. The week is filled with interesting and inspiring meetings.
Stockholm panoramic view. Photo: Ola Ericson/ imagebank.sweden.se
The Sixth Parliament of Swedes Abroad Now for the sixth year the diaspora’s own parliament has been arranged. It takes place every other year. In 2017, Vice Deputy Speaker Tobias Billström will open the sessions. All participants will then be divided into three working groups to discuss various issues concerning Swedes living abroad.Each group will come up with a number of resolutions to be presented by each working group’s chairman to all participants at the re-gathering in the Industrial Hall in the House of Enterprise in Stockholm. The basis for the discussions will be sent in advance to all who report to the Parliament.
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The working groups will be divided into: 1. Taxes, pensions and insurance – issues concerning, among other things, social insurance and health benefits for Swedes abroad as well as taxes including the so called SINK-tax. 2. Citizenship issues – resolutions for simplified passport renewals and passports as identity documents will be presented as well as a special constituency for Swedes abroad and e-voting issues. 3. Migration, Mobility and Swedes Abroad as a resource – issues related to the school voucher, availability of services for those returning back to Sweden and Swedes living abroad, and problems for Swedes returning home will be discussed in this group. Experts and politicians will be informed about the proposed resolutions that will guide the work of the organization Swedes Worldwide for the next two years until the next Parliament. A panel of Members of the Swedish Parliament will give their opinions and comments on the resolutions on the stage and answer questions about the proposals. The meeting will end with an inspiring speaker as well as with a lunch. In the evening all participants in the Parliament will be invited to a reception at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Arvfurstens Palats in Stockholm. Margot Wallström, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will be the host of the reception. A valid ID is essential for entry.
Margot Wallström, Minister of Foreign Affairs Photo: KristianPohl/Regeringskansliet
Annual meeting and Price Ceremony to The International Swede of the Year 2017 The day will begin with the organization’s Annual Meeting in Vapensalen at Grand Hôtel in Stockholm followed by lunch in the Mirror Room. At lunch, the prestigious Price to The International Swede of the Year will be awarded. Meeting for Local Representatives Swedes Worldwide has a broad network of 120 local representatives all over the world, who act as contactpersons for Swedes living in the area. All representatives have been invited to a company visit at one of Swedes Worldwide’s partners. Staff from the office, the Secretary General and part of the Board will also be joining this meeting in Stockholm. You can find more information, prices and tickets at https://billetto. se/en/e/svenskar-i-varldens-sommarprogram-2017-tickets-188107
Svenskar i Världen is a non-profit, independent organization that, since 1938, acts in the interest of Swedes abroad by monitoring, informing and influencing. We have a unique role as the representative of more than 660 000 Swedes who work, study or for other reasons live abroad, as well as the hundreds of thousands who have lived or will live abroad. For more information, visit www.sviv.se
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Swedish Women’s Educational Association international
Intressegrupper inom SWEA SWEA Professional SWEA Professional är intressegruppen för dig i SWEA som är nyfiken på företagsverksamhet och intresserad av arbetsliv och yrkesfrågor. SWEA Professional grundades i SWEA San Francisco 2010. Efterfrågan var stor på aktiviteter med fokus på karriärsfrågor och yrkesliv och tanken var att yrkesverksamma Sweor skulle kunna träffas för att byta erfarenheter och idéer.
svårbesökta arbetsplatser och deltagarna fått inspireras av föredrag av intressanta entreprenörer i näringslivet. Många SWEA-medlemmar har också själva spännande yrken och framgångsrika karriärer nu eller bakom sig och mycket intressant att berätta från sina egna yrkesområden. SWEA Professional-träffarna är alltid öppna för alla intresserade medlemmar oavsett ålder eller om man själv yrkesarbetar.
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SWEA Art i din avdelning arrangerar möten för att inspirera till skapande verksamhet utbyta erfarenheter och idéer arrangerar workshops och kurser organiserar utställningar SWEA Care
SWEA Art Är du kreativ? Självklart! Alla är vi kreativa – och på så många olika sätt!
Intresset blev stort även bland medlemmar som tidigare arbetat eller som var på väg in i arbetslivet och därför skapades en grupp inom SWEA San Francisco som kallade sig för SWEA San Francisco Professional. Idag finns SWEA Professional representerat i SWEA-avdelningar över hela världen och flera nya grupper startas upp varje år. SWEA Professional erbjuder bl.a. föredrag, studiebesök på företag och andra arbetsplatser, universitet och lokala eller internationella organisationer m.m. Tack vare många medlemmars kontakter har SWEA Professionalträffar kunnat arrangeras på annars
Vill Du utveckla din kreativitet? SWEA Art är ett nätverk för alla skapande kvinnor inom SWEA. Vi vill vara en inspirationskälla att börja skapa och främja utbyte mellan konstnärer – för Dig som är professionell, för Dig som är amatör, för Dig som just börjar – och alla däremellan. Vi arbetar tillsammans, inspirerar varandra, arrangerar workshops och utställningar; utbyter erfarenheter och idéer, besöker utställningar, träffar konstnärer. Alla SWEA Art-grupper är olika och arbetar utifrån sina lokala förutsättningar.
Vad är SWEA Care? SWEA Care är en intressegrupp inom en SWEAavdelning med syfte att hjälpa andra medlemmar och finnas till som stöd lokalt när olika behov uppstår. Namnet kan variera något men syftet är att finnas till lokalt som stöd för SWEA-medlemmar i svåra situationer och efter överenskommelse erbjuda praktisk hjälp, råd eller bara någon att tala med. I SWEA delar vi ett systerskap världen över men lokalt kan praktiska och logistiska problem göra vardagen svår och ensam i vissa perioder. Grundtanken är att vi som Sweor visar vänskap och närvaro även i livets svåra stunder. Det kan handla om sjukdom eller ensamhet av olika anledningar och ibland är den bästa medicinen ett telefonsamtal eller en kopp kaffe. Är du intresserad av någon av dessa grupper? Kontakta din närmaste lokalavdelning, www.swea.org eller skriv till: office@swea.org. Mer information finns på www.swea.org
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Migrationens ansikten – människorna bakom statistiken
Wonnie Lee, 27 år: Violinisten som flyttar dit musiken tar henne ”Mina vänner som arbetar på andra platser i världen tycker om sina jobb, men jag älskar verkligen mitt”
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ag började spela fiol när jag var fyra år. Till en början avskydde jag det, men när jag var 14 år vände det. I dag arbetar jag som professionell violinist med Kungliga filharmonikerna i Stockholm och jag älskar Wonnie Lee från Kanada. mitt jobb! När jag var barn reflekterade jag aldrig över vilken mångfald som finns i Kanada. I skolan lades det aldrig någon vikt vid människors etnicitet eller religion. När en klasskompis var ledig kunde man få höra att de firade ramadan eller pesach, och det var inget mer med det. Mångfalden var så självklar att jag aldrig tänkte på att den existerade förrän jag flyttade därifrån. I jämförelse med Kanada tycker jag inte att mångfalden är särskilt påtaglig i Sverige. Den syns mer i Stockholm, men även här har jag stått på en scen med 800 personer – och varit den enda som inte varit vit. Efter high school i Ottawa flyttade jag till Indiana i USA för att studera musik. Under studietiden åkte jag till Tyskland ett par somrar för att spela i en orkesterfestival med människor från hela världen. När jag senare besökte Berlin fick jag kontakt med en violinist från filharmonikerna där. Jag berättade för honom att jag var intresserad av en plats i en orkesterakademi, vilket innebär en sorts praktik inom en orkester. Han trodde att jag skulle ha goda chanser. Så jag ansökte och fick en plats i Deutsches SymphonieOrchester Berlin Akademie. En svensk musiker jag lärt känna tyckte att jag skulle komma till Sverige och provspela för Kungliga filharmonikerna. Jag åkte till Stockholm och provspelade – och fick jobbet. Jag blev så glad! När jag kom hit hyrde jag ett rum i ett hus i Sundbyberg av en familj. De gav mig en jättebra introduktion till Sverige, bjöd in mig till julfirande och lärde mig Helan går. Flera kollegor i orkestern har också bjudit hem mig för att fira jul.
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De är verkligen genuint omtänksamma. Stockholm är en extremt vacker stad och jag trivs verkligen här. Nyligen pratade jag med en vän om skillnaden mellan orden expatriot och invandrare. Tekniskt sett betyder det samma sak, men ändå används orden på olika sätt för att beskriva vissa människor. Invandrare är människor som migrerar för att hitta en bättre plats att leva på – och flytten är nödvändigtvis inte ett val. Medan en expatriot vanligtvis är en rik, vit person som bestämt sig för att de vill leva någonstans och har medlen att välja var i världen de vill bo. Jag tror att de som flyttar av arbetsskäl har det mer ordnat för sig. Vi orkestermusiker flyttar för jobbet. Du har en extrem tur om du kan välja stad först. Mina vänner som arbetar på andra platser i världen tycker om sina jobb, men jag älskar verkligen mitt jobb. Jag saknar det när jag inte är där! I nuläget har jag inga andra planer för framtiden än att stanna. Men när min vän som fått i jobb i samma orkester lyfte sitt glas och skålade ”för de kommande 40 åren” hajade jag till. Tanken på att stanna på samma ställe i 40 år kändes skrämmande. FAKTA: Varför flyttar människor till Sverige?
* Statistiken över nya folkbokförda grundar sig på siffror från Statisiska Centralbyrån, SCB. Mellan åren 2010-2015 flyttade nio av hundra nya invånare i Sverige hit för arbete. Personer som får ett arbetstillstånd för kortare tid än ett år folkbokförs inte, vilket betyder att drygt hälften av alla arbetstagare inte heller omfattas av befolkningsstatistiken över nya invånare. Fördelningen mellan arbetstagare som kommer för yrken med kortare utbildning respektive yrken med krav på fördjupad högskolekompetens är ungefär jämbördig. Under de senaste åren har IT-arkitekter, systemutvecklare och testledare varit den största yrkesgruppen för arbetstagare utanför EUEES-området, följt av bärplockare och plantörer.
MIG Talks är en kommunikationssatsning, initierad av Migrationsverket i mars 2016. En rad samhällsaktörer står bakom satsningen som vill främja kunskap om migrationen till Sverige genom att sprida fakta och synliggöra människorna bakom migrationsstatistiken. MIG Talks digitala kanaler: www.migtalks.se | Facebook.com/migtalks
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Road to Community
Road to Community The Insider Perspective By Caitlyn Lee
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or those growing up in a globalized world, it is understood that there is multiculturalism in all of its corners. Immigrants who came to Sweden in the 1970’s have now witnessed their children grow up in a society that is different from that of their home countries. First generation Swedes, those who were born and raised in Sweden to parents of non-Swedish origin, have experienced life in multicultural settings and their perspectives are key for the continued growth of Sweden’s international community. To learn more about these perspectives, Swedish Press spoke with Ismail Khan, a first generation Swede with parents from Pakistan. Ismail was born in Jönköping in 1989 where he grew up with his parents and sister, who is eight years his senior. He described life in Jönköping as a typical childhood, playing sports with other children and working during the summers to save up for traveling. He said that the neighbourhood he lived in was very multicultural, which allowed him exposure to various types of people. Students from his and other neighbourhoods began mixing in high school; this was a time when ethnic Swedes finally began socializing with those of different social and ethnic backgrounds. Ismail said it is very important to make sure that young people are given the opportunity to socialize with people of different cultures in order to exercise empathy. After having studied in Växjö, Lund, Ottawa, Kiev, and interning in Jakarta, Ismail has gained significant perspectives into Swedish life. He said that Swedes tend to be very punctual,
reserved, and that they like to queue. In Sweden there are socioeconomic differences, which create segregated city living; however, Swedes are open-minded to new immigrants and integration is increasingly improving. When asked about the challenges of being a Swede of Pakistani origin, Ismail said that growing up in Jönköping he rarely had issues. It was in Lund where he started his master’s program that he was looked upon as an exchange student, especially by Swedes. He said, “People would talk to me in English first, rather than Swedish, just because I don’t look ethnically Swedish. They are usually more curious about my background than with other Swedes, as if they subconsciously have to dig deeper to understand me.” He mentioned that the probing into his background was not as prominent throughout his travels in Canada and the USA. Coming from a multicultural home, there is a lot of room to share and learn from others. Ismail said that growing up with multinational people allowed him to develop a mindset of being open to communication. It is in this way that he is constantly exchanging family traditions with others. His upbringing sparked curiosity in him and through that he was able to hone skills otherwise
unlearnable. He said his background was beneficial to his language, adaptability, and professional development skills. Being ethnically diverse can be challenging, but Ismail sees opportunity where others might not. He said that he chose to see his multiculturalism as a tool. The experiences he has had cannot be studied; in this respect he is at an advantage over most ethnic Swedes. The debates surrounding immigration and security are abundant but they are often based on opinion rather than historical fact. Ismail emphasized the need for increasing education on this topic in order to have healthy, rational arguments if both sides are willing to learn from one another. Unsurprisingly, Ismail has high ambitions of representing Sweden on an international stage within the field of diplomacy and international relations. He is currently learning Russian and will do traineeships with major European governmental bodies. Ismail said that young marginalized groups of first generation non-ethnic Swedes can choose how they see themselves. A new generation of multicultural Swedes can adopt the mentality that uses their family history as an advantage in this increasingly globalized world.
Jönköping University. Photo: Heinevik flygfoto
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CHICAGO Swedish American Museum 5211 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640 Tel: 773-728 8111 | info@samac.org www.swedishamericanmuseum.org ONGOING through Sep 24: “Nordic: A Photographic Essay of Landscapes, Food and People,” featuring work by cookbook author Magnus Nilsson. Jul 1-2 – Sat-Sun 10 am to 2 pm: The Brunk Children’s Museum will have a craft table in an activities tent at the Family Fun Festival in Millennium Park. Jul 3 – Mon 2 pm: Moon Monday educational program for children. Jul 22 – Sat 10 am: Swedish American Genealogical Society members meeting for discussion of new resources for family research. Jul 22 – Sat: Streetwalk with photographer Mats Alfredsson, whose exhibit may be seen on the second floor. Jul 28 – Fri 11 am: Guided tour of the Museum exhibit, “A Dream of America. Jul 31-Aug 4 – Mon-Fri 9 am to 2 pm: Session I of Pioneer the World Day Camp activities for children who have completed kindergarten through 5th grade; Session II is scheduled Aug 14-18. MINNEAPOLIS American Swedish Institute 2600 Park Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55407 Tel: 612-871 4907 | www.asimn.org Jul 14-Aug 6 – A to Zåäö: Exploring ASI’s Collection – Tara Sweeney and Nate Christopherson, a St. Paul-based mother and son creative team, will illustrate a series of 29 objects from ASI’s historic collection, each representing a letter from the Swedish alphabet. Jul 15-Oct 29 – Still Life: Karin Broos – Still Life is a solo exhibition of largescale paintings by Karin Broos, one of the most acclaimed artists working in Sweden today. This exhibition was organized by Prince Eugen’s Waldemarsudde Art Musuem in Stockholm and Sweden’s Alma Löv Museum. Jul 15-Oct 20 – Tilling the Past – Photographs by Hilma Ljung – From 19081922, Hilma Ljung used a 4 x 5 view camera to photograph life around her while living on a farm in the small Swedish town of Svalöv. 8
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PHILADEPHIA American Swedish Historical Museum 1900 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19145 | Tel: 215-389 1776 | info@americanswedish.org | www.americanswedish.org Jul 29 – Sat 5-9 pm: SmörgåsBeer – Spend a summer evening sampling local Philly and International lagers, ales, stouts, and more paired alongside a spread of savories like Swedish meatballs, cheeses, and sausages. Register online or by phone. Aug 18 – Fri 6:30 pm: Annual Crayfish Party – Enjoy a buffet of crayfish or Swedish meatballs, along with crisp bread, cheese, potatoes, cheese pie, and glass of akvavit all outside under a beautiful lighted and decorated tent. Register by phone or online by Aug 14. PORTLAND Scandinavian Heritage Foundation at Nordia House 8800 SW Oleson Road, Portland, OR 97223 Tel: 503-977 0275 | shf@mindspring.com www.scanheritage.org Jul 22 – Sat 6 to 9 pm: Crawfish Dinner hosted by Broder Söder, an outdoor dinner event on the Legacy Terrace patio, featuring crawfish and many other delicious Scandinavian treats. All tickets: $45 SEATTLE Swedish Cultural Center 1920 Dexter Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109 Tel: 206-283 1090 | www.swedishclubnw.org info@swedishculturalcenter.org Jul 4 – Mon from 7 pm: Fourth of July at the Club. Absolutely THE best spot in Seattle for watching fireworks. Barbecue dinner by Smokin’ Pete’s BBQ in Ballard. Square dance lessons for everyone! The kids will watch a film. Dinner & inside seating. RSVP: 206-283-1090 or visit swedishclubnw.org to buy tickets. Nordic Heritage Museum 3014 N.W. 67th Street, Seattle, WA 98117 Tel: 206-789 5707 | nordic@nordicmuseum.org www.nordicmuseum.org Aug 19-20 – Sat and Sun 10 am to 5 pm: Viking Days – This educational festival features Nordic foods, Valhalla Beer Garden, lively entertainment, a Viking Encampment, and much more! 18
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WASHINGTON, DC Embassy of Sweden 2900 K Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20007 Tel: 202-467 2600 | www.swedenabroad.com ambassaden.washington@gov.se On display at House of Sweden: Ongoing through Sep 3 – Exhibition: Linda Lasson – Black Thread, Images from Northern Sweden Ongoing through Sep 3 – Exhibition: Invincible Cities – David Molander’s images from New York, Stockholm and Berlin can be seen as a cross section of locations amd moments tha make up the city and our position in it. Ongoing through Dec 10 – Exhibition: Stories of Migration – Sweden Beyond the Headlines – aims to add new perspectives to the story of Sweden and migration. VANCOUVER Scandinavian Community Centre 6540 Thomas Street, Burnaby, BC V5B 4P9 Tel: 604-294 2777 | info@scandinaviancentre.org | www.swedishculturalsociety.ca Aug 26 – Sat 6 pm: The 19th Annual Swedish Crayfish Party – SWEA partners with the Swedish Cultural Society in organising the saltiest event of the year. The tickets include a three course meal with enterntainment during dinner, and dancing to Swedish music after. Only 60 tickets will be sold, so purchase your ticket early! Last year we sold out. All proceeds go to SWEA Vancouver. WINNIPEG Swedish Cultural Assn of Manitoba 764 Erin Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3G 2W4 | Tel: 204-774 8047 | svenskclub17@ gmail.com Jul – Gone Fishin for crayfish Aug 13-19 – Folklorama – Scandinavian Pavillion, 764 Erin St. Doors open at 6:00, 8:15 and 9:45. The theme this year is “Postcards from Home.” Come enjoy traditional food and magnificent cultural displays! Items for sale. Admission: $6.00; children under 12 accompanied by an adult are free. Smörgåsbord dinner and snacks: extra charge. More information: www. folklorama.ca Date to be confirmed – Crayfish Party at IKEA. Contact svenskclub17@gmail.com. 28
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[Ads] and Info Swedish Press Classified: the fast & inexpensive way to buy, sell or tell Alberta Organizations Svenska Skolan i Calgary bedriver undervisning för barn 3-15 år gamla på lördagar kl 9:30-12. Alla barn är välkomna. Undervisningen sker på svenska. Kontakta Svenska Skolan genom Scandinavian center 403-284 2610 eller skicka epost till contact@swedishschool.com. Läs mer om vår skola på www. swedishschool.com BC Organizations Scandinavian Business Club Monthly meetings feature business speakers. Guests and new members welcome. Call SBC: 604-484 8238. Visit us at www.sbc-bc.ca Scandinavian Community Centre Beautiful setting for weddings, parties, birthdays, meetings and seminars. 6540 Thomas Street, Burnaby, BC info@scandinaviancentre.org 604-294 2777 www.scandinaviancentre.org Svenska Kulturföreningen Ordförande Ellen Petersson 604-
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970 8708. Kassör är Linda Olofsson, 604-418 7703 www.swedishculturalsociety.ca. Email: swedishculturalsociety.ca@gmail.com Sweden House Society President Carina Spencer Email: swedenhousechair@gmail.com Vice president Rebecca Keckman, Treasurer Ron Spence Swedish Canadian Village Burnaby, B.C. Tel. 604-420 1124. New assisted living facility. Lowcost apartment buildings. www. swedishcanadian.ca Swedish Club of Victoria Dinners, Events and Meetings , for information contact Annabelle Beresford @ 250-656 9586 or Swedish Club of Victoria Facebook. Washington Organizations Nordic Heritage Museum in Seattle, 3014 N.W. 67th St., Ballard; 206-789 5707; Open Tuesday – Saturdays 10 am to 4 pm,
Sundays 12 noon to 4 pm. Monday closed. Swedish Cultural Center 1920 Dexter Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98109; Tel: 206-283 1090. Open Wednesday evenings for supper and games, Friday for lunch and dinner. Pancake breakfasts on first Sundays of the month. Rental venue for meeting, parties, etc. www.swedishclubnw.org Classified Swedish Press Part-time Editor wanted. Should be fluent in Swedish and English and passionate about spreading the good news of Sweden. Advertising Sales Reps wanted Swedish Press is looking for full or part-time advertising sales representatives. E-mail info@swedishpress.com for more information. Swedish Press Classified Ad Rate is as low as 50 cents per word (minimum $10). Send your ad to advertise@swedishpress.com
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NAMEDAYS July 1 July 2 July 3 July 4 July 5 July 6 July 7 July 8 July 9 July 10 July 11 July 12 July 13 July 14 July 15 July 16 July 17 July 18 July 19 July 20 July 21 July 22 July 23 July 24 July 25 July 26 July 27 July 28 July 29 July 30 July 31
Aron, Mirjam Rosa, Rosita Aurora Ulrika, Ulla Laila, Ritva Esaias, Jessika Klas Kjell Jörgen, Örjan André, Andrea Eleonora, Ellinor Herman, Hermine Joel, Judit Folke Ragnhild, Ragnvald Reinhold, Reine Bruno Fredrik, Fritz Sara Margareta, Greta Johanna Magdalena, Madeleine Emma Kristina, Kerstin Jakob Jesper Marta Botvid, Seved Olof Algot Helena, Elin
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Per Karin, Kajsa Tage Arne, Arnold Ulrik, Alrik Alfons, Inez Dennis, Denise Silvia, Sylvia Roland Lars Susanna Klara Kaj Uno Stella, Estelle Brynolf Verner, Valter Ellen, Lena Magnus, Måns Bernhard, Bernt Jon, Jonna Henrietta, Henrika Signe, Signhild Bartolomeus Lovisa, Louise Östen Rolf, Raoul Gurli, Leila Hans, Hampus Albert, Albertina Arvid, Vidar
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Swedish Press | July/August 2017 29
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Sista ordet
“Komisk blandning av sång, dans och sketch...” Hunnestárevyn Genom Tiderna Av Frida Antonsson
S
verige har en av de starkaste revytraditionerna i världen, och denna hålls vid liv av amatörsällskap i landets småbyar. Revyerna består av en komisk blandning av sång, musik, dans, sketch och monolog, och tar oftast upp händelser från det gångna året. En av dessa småbyar är Hunnestad utanför Varberg. Bland ortens byar har det alltid legat en hjärtlig fejd om vilken som är bäst, vackrast och vilka byinvånare som är roligast och mest framgångsrika. Min pappa och hans vänner växte upp i Hunnestad under 60- och 70-talen. Förutom att bygga kojor och cyklar, hoppa i höet och samla flaskor, anordnade de populära musik- och teaterframträdanden i byns hembygdsgård. Under 80- och 90-talen fick kompisgänget fullt upp med barn och giftermål, och teaterproduktionen fick därmed vila. Men en dag bestämde de sig för att damma av sitt gamla intresse och första säsongen av Hunnestárevyn visades i den gamla hembygdsgården
2007 ”Hotell Huneborg” 2008 ”Hunnestáexpressen” 2009 ”Hunnestá Camping” 2010 ”M/S Huneborg” 2011 ”Kvarter Huneborg” 2013 ”En het affär” 2015 ”I valet och kvalet” 2017 ”I mån av tid”
utmaningar – exempelvis under 2009 års revy då en husvagn skulle pryda scenen, eller under detta årets revy när golvet rasade under en hoppande ensemble. En annan av oss skriver majoriteten av sketcherna och låttexterna, men det som jag och min pappa framför tillsammans, skriver vi själva. På scen har vi bland annat iklätt oss rollerna som far och dotter, mor och son eller tandläkare och patient. Mitt intresse för musik och skådespel kommer från
i januari 2007. Jag, då 19 år och musiker, fick äran att medverka, och nu – tio år senare säljer revyn slut på 25 st. föreställningar och är ett populärt inslag i Varbergs kulturliv. Vår ensemble består av åtta personer. En av oss skriver stämmor och övar in revylåtarna tillsammans med vårt husband som har spelat tillsammans i över 20 år. Hunnestárevyn har genom åren blivit mest känd för den välstämda sången och de väl valda låtarna som varit stora hits under året som gått. Min pappa och hans vän är båda snickare, och är därmed ansvariga för scenbygget, vilket ibland kan innebära både tidsmässiga och logistiska min pappa och därför känns det extra speciellt att få framträda tillsammans med honom. När jag var barn övade jag och pappa ofta in musikstycken som vi framförde på kalas och släktträffar. Tryggheten i att pappa varit med mig på scen under hela livet, har gjort det lättare att prestera och för det är jag evigt tacksam. Planeringen av revyn 2019 är nu påbörjad. Att få leda denna teatertradition vidare, tillsammans med pappa är en ynnest och jag hoppas att vi har många revysäsonger framför oss.
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Swedish Press | July/August 2017 30
INGEBRETSEN’S NORDIC MARKETPLACE
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Crayfish Party Saturday, August 26 6.00 PM
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Save the date: Sunday, October 15, 1.00 PM Concert with Swedish singers Kongero! Scandinavian Centre 6540 Thomas St Burnaby, BC For more information, contact us at: SwedishCulturalSociety.ca@gmail.com www.swedishculturalsociety.ca
Sw eden
Experience
on one of Brekke’s 2018 Scandinavian Tours:
• TASTE OF SWEDEN & NORWAY
June 21 - 30 Stockholm with Uppsala and Dalarna as well as Oslo, Bergen and Norway’s fjords
• CAPTIVATING SCANDINAVIA
July 11 - 24 Norway’s fjord country, the Swedish Glass District and visits to Bergen, Oslo, Copenhagen, Gothenburg and Stockholm
Reserve your space on our 2018 tours with a fully-refundable deposit at:
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