About

The VATNHEIM VIKINGS LIVING HISTORY SOCIETY is a registered, incorporated not-for-profit group based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Our Mission

We are committed to providing the public with demonstrations of the Viking Age (950 – 1100 AD) life and culture using authentic presentations of living history, combat and other educational activities.  Our goal is to improve the understanding and knowledge of all aspects of Viking life and the importance and impact the Viking culture had in history.

Our Name, Visual Identity & Logo

Formerly known as Nordhere (The Army from the North), the Saskatoon viking group decided in 2019 that it was time for a name change! After much pondering, the group voted unanimously to be called “VATNHEIM VIKINGS LIVING HISTORY SOCIETY“.

Vatnheim means “water town” in Old Norse. This was chosen because the Norse (the Vikings) were traditionally a very worthy sea-faring people, who lived mainly in coastal towns such as Hedeby (Haithabu) and were adept fishermen.  (And their boats kind of resemble Saskatoon’s iconic dragon boats on the river… but we digress…)

Our logo features a ship with the group name’s double VV.
Our colors are three that were common in the Viking age: orange, charcoal and pale blue.

Group leadership

The group is led by an elected Board of Directors. At this time, the Board is comprised of:

• Group Leader (Josefina “Alfdis” Nelson, 2016-2021; 2022 – present)
• Financial Officer (Justin “Björnfoot” Keller, 2019 – present)
• Secretary (Caro “Solveig” Gareau – 2019 – present)
• Past Leader (Phillip “Sven” Bollman, 2022)

Want to become involved? We’re always looking for new blood! Here are some positions you may want to try out:

Key Officer positions include:

• Combat Officer (Oversees Training and Combat)
• Authenticity Officer (Oversees Authenticity Regulations)(Justin Keller, Josefina Nelson)
• Health and Safety Officer (Oversees Health and Safety of members, including Food Safety) (Josefina Nelson)
• Elections Officer (Receives nominations, oversees the Elections but may not vote in the election) (Chris Fowlie)
• Logistics Officer (Scott Willey)

Other Officer positions:

• Village Training Officer (Josefina Nelson)
• PR Officer (Media and Social) (Caro Gareau/Josefina Nelson)
• Marketing & Website Coordinator (Caro Gareau)
• Social Coordinator (Josefina Nelson)
• Youth Coordinator (with Youth Helper)
• Library and Resource Coordinator (Justin Keller)
• Assistant to any Officer (must also be approved by the Board of Directors)
• Other positions as deemed necessary by the Board of Directors.