FIDELMA MCGINN

Nominated by Scan Design Foundation

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Fidelma McGinn showed outstanding leadership in bringing the Northwest Trolls by Thomas Dambo to the Pacific Northwest. As President of the Scan Design Foundation, Fidelma spearheaded this ambitious project, including the beloved Ole Bolle at Nordic Northwest. Her determination, problem-solving skills, and collaborative spirit were key to its success.

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Fidelma’s ability to unite diverse groups was especially evident in her work with local tribes, ensuring the project was carried out with respect, thoughtfulness, and care. Her dedication not only brought the trolls to life but also deepened connections among regional partners. Fidelma’s mission-driven approach and tireless efforts have made a lasting impact on our community, and her work exemplifies the spirit of Scandinavian heritage and collaboration.

RAY JOHNSON

Nominated by ScanFair Committee & Viking Beer Fest Committee

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Proud of his Swedish heritage, Ray Johnson, a retired Forest Grove school teacher is committed to education and community service.

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Since retiring, Ray has immersed himself in volunteer work, contributing to non-profit organizations and causes related to student rights, teacher organizations, and senior issues. His dedication to Nordic Northwest has been particularly remarkable, with hundreds of volunteer hours, taking on lead roles for the Vintage Sale & Midsummer for a couple of years in a row.

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A key member of the Viking Beer Fest and ScanFair committees, Ray played a pivotal role in the growth and success of these events. Besides his committee roles, you can find Ray in the Nordic Northwest office on a very regular basis… he comes in weekly (and sometimes more) to tackle administrative and clerical tasks with amazing enthusiasm. His willingness to assist on short notice and go above and beyond reflects his remarkable dedication.

CHRISTINE SMITH

Nominated by Skandia Lodge #68

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Christine Smith has been a driving force in sharing Swedish and Nordic culture for over a decade, especially with young people. Leading the Vasa Rose Buds youth dance group since 2011, Christine has helped kids connect to their roots through traditional dance performances at big events like ScanFair and the Midsummer Festivals. She even organized a trip to Sweden so the group could experience an authentic Midsummer Festival—a memory they’ll carry for life.

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Christine’s impact goes far beyond the dance floor. She’s active in local Swedish youth programs, like the Oregon Lucia program and Trollbacken Swedish Camp, where she’s encouraged countless young people to embrace their heritage and find pride in their culture. Her outreach doesn’t stop there—Christine also brings Swedish dance and traditions to retirement communities, helping build connections across generations.

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She’s a key part of Midsummer celebrations in the Pacific Northwest, leading the Maypole dances in Portland and Astoria. Thanks to Christine, these beloved traditions thrive, bringing joy to everyone who joins in. With her years of dedication to preserving and sharing Scandinavian culture, Christine has become a true community treasure.

BOB PETERSON

Nominated by Harmoni Lodge, Vasa Order of America #472

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Since joining Harmoni Lodge, Vasa Order of America #472 back in the 1980s, Bob Peterson has been a pillar of the community, a fixture in local Swedish & Nordic activities. He has spent years teaching Swedish folk dancing to kids and volunteering as a “troll” at Nordia House and Fogelbo, assisting with heavy work like ivy pulling, tree pruning, and event setup.​

True to Swedish values, Bob believes in getting things done himself. Known for his resourcefulness, Bob often repairs tools, builds garden seats from logs, and is currently learning the runic alphabet. At Swedish events, he’s a steady presence, whether he's whipping up pancakes at events, setting up tables, or cleaning up without any fuss, Bob does it all quietly and without seeking recognition.

Alongside his involvement with Harmoni Lodge, he’s also a member of New Sweden and Nordic Northwest. Reliable, practical, caring and loyal, Bob is a true “doer” and the kind of person who lives out Scandinavian values every day.

ERIK BRAKSTAD

Nominated by the Norwegian Conversation Group

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Erik Brakstad is known for his dedication to Norwegian language and culture. For years, he’s led the Norwegian Conversation Group, inspiring both beginners and advanced speakers to embrace the language. Twice a month, Erik gathers the group for language practice, whether it’s conversation, board games, cultural presentations, or just sharing a friendly “utepils.” Even when the pandemic threatened the group’s future, Erik reimagined it, keeping members engaged and connected.

​Erik’s impact extends beyond conversation groups. Twice a year he leads the adult program at Skogfjorden, a Norwegian language camp in Minnesota, where participants come from all over to engage with Norwegian language and culture. He is excited to be involved in bringing this kind of learning closer. This June, Nordic Northwest is sponsoring Solheim Nordvest, a long weekend of Norwegian language and cultural learning at Anderson Lodge in SW Washington for adults. There will be language classes as well as songs, activities, and authentic food. His influence even reaches beyond the Norwegian community, as he mentors young adults in Portland’s Tivnu program, where he teaches construction skills and helps with homeless shelter projects.

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Erik is a “friendship builder” with unwavering dedication & passion - someone who brings people together, strengthens their connection to Norwegian heritage and the Nordic community, and spreads a sense of community.