BY INDY MAEALASIA
THE Ambassador of Norway to the Solomon Islands, HE Anne Grete Riise, had the historical opportunity to meet local descendants of early Norwegian traders during a special gathering held at the Mendana Hotel, Honiara yesterday.
As she concluded her official visit, Ambassador Riise spent the afternoon engaging with descendants, listening to family histories and stories passed down through generations.
Among the families represented were the Paulsen, Andersen, Nielsen, and Andresen families—each tracing their roots back to Norwegian traders who arrived in the Solomon Islands prior to and during the British colonial era.
These traders settled in various parts of the country and married local women, particularly from the Western Province, Isabel, Guadalcanal, and Malaita.
According to Norwegian researcher Edvard Hviding, a census carried out in 1897, recorded seven Norwegians among other Europeans living in the country.
In her short speech, Ambassador Riise said, “What will we do on our side from the embassy, we will also post on social media and make known these connections, and maybe this would help you to find where you are from and relatives in Norway.”
Speaking to Island Sun, second-generation descendant Jan Sanga shared that while many families are aware of their Norwegian heritage, they’ve never had the opportunity to gather in one place due to being scattered across the country.
“The coming of the ambassador has enabled us to meet each other,” she said.
Sanga added that reconnecting with relatives in Norway is a possibility, although most contact so far has been with Norwegian researchers who have conducted studies in the country in past years.
Caterine Nielsen, who is of Norwegian, Guadalcanal, and Malaitan (Are‘Are) descent, expressed her joy at being part of the event.
“I am very happy to know about the country my ancestor came from and to see others just like me, sharing the same heritage.”
Ambassador Riise, who will return to Australia, is expected to visit the Solomon Islands again in September for the Pacific Islands Forum.
She expressed interest in participating in similar gatherings and reconnecting with the descendants during her next visit.
*Cover photo: The Andersen descendants with Ambassador Riise
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