Leif returning to L’anse au Meadows
Statue commemorates life of North America’s first European visitor
History is in the making. After 1,013 years, Leif Erikson will return to Newfoundland for permanent residency in L’Anse au Meadows in the form of a bronze statue.
The 10-foot statue will be erected on the waterfront to welcome cruise ship passengers as they explore the Viking port of trade.
It is being donated by the Leif Erikson International Foundation (LEIF) and cost approximately $40,000 to make.
According to Kristine Leander, president of LEIF, it was part of a movement to have Erikson in his homeland countries and North America, as he’s the first documented European to discover the land.
There are currently three statues across the globe — in Norway, Iceland and Washington, U.S.A.
“The Vikings are very symbolic of ethnic pride across North America. Norway and Iceland take a lot of pride in Leif,” Leander said.
While it isn’t documented that Erikson was connected to the L’Anse au Meadows settlement, she said to have his statue in Vinland is very fitting.
After speaking with interested parties in Newfoundland, the process of getting the statue ready was underway.
“The first two sections were poured in Washington, but the foundry went out of business,” Leander said. “So we found a ( alternative) foundry ... and had it completed there.”
It was then boxed and stored, until the journey to Newfoundland could begin. Then there was customs. “We had a lot of paperwork to get him across the border,” she said.
But the statue is cleared and en route. Furthermore, the statue will contain a monument stone from Iceland, the birthplace of the Viking explorer.
“We thought it was a great idea, and after some time we were able to get a stone lined up,” she said.
Leander pointed out the Leif statues have been paid for by a fundraiser which involves purchasing nameplates to be placed on the stone.
“We are still offering that opportunity,” Leander said.
Newfoundland’s part
While the statue is being purchased and shipped by the Foundation, the local community still has to play a part in securing the statue.
According to Sam Elliott, with St. Anthony Basin Resources Inc. (SABRI), the area is responsible for building a concrete foundation on which to mount the statue.
Arrangements to have the block poured are being done as a partnership with SABRI., Norstead, IMBRD, Parks Canada and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
“It’s another opportunity for infrastructure for tourism,” said Elliott. “There are a lot of people who have given donations. Chances are we’ll have to put another stone because people want to see their names there.”