Part of NBCU’s mission is to strengthen community ties and encourage leadership among young Estonians through financial support. One way they support this goal is by awarding post-secondary NBCU members the Community Roots Scholarship based on their involvement in the Estonian and Latvian communities in Canada.
In their 2024 Annual Report, they state, “At Northern Birch Credit Union, we are proud to support our student members through scholarship opportunities each year. Our scholarship celebrates community involvement and inspires youth to stay connected to their roots while giving back to the organizations around them.” “This year, 15 scholarships were awarded to an exceptional group of students who have demonstrated active engagement and dedication to their local communities,” it adds.
With both of her parents being of Estonian heritage, Kiik has been active in the Estonian community since childhood.
“I've been attending Toronto Estonian Kindergarten, Seedrioru summer camp, and both Toronto and Hamilton Estonian Schools. At fourteen, I started volunteering in the music class at the Toronto Estonian Kindergarten, which sparked my interest in teaching Estonian language and culture. In twelfth grade, I returned to teach at Hamilton Estonian School, also assisting with music classes. Summers were spent at Seedrioru as a counselor, head lifeguard, and head first aid, where I worked with close friends to teach Estonian culture. I started helping out with Estonian and music classes at Toronto Estonian Kindergarten every other Saturday. I also attend events with the Estonian Students’ Association (ESTA) to stay connected to other Estonian youth,” she said.
Now, she is a second-year student at the University of Toronto studying Cell and Molecular Biology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and English.
“It is invigorating to look at the environment around me and understand how everything is working, and how every interaction relies on another, whether that be on the cellular level or on the ecological level.”
(Johanna Kiik)
“I've always loved being around nature and plants. Being able to break down how life fundamentally works on a molecular level is something I love more and more as I study it, especially understanding the cellular mechanisms of things we take for granted as living beings. It is invigorating to look at the environment around me and understand how everything is working, and how every interaction relies on another, whether that be on the cellular level or on the ecological level,” she said.
“As I've continued with my studies, I’ve gotten more involved with researching how plants defend themselves on a molecular level, alongside working on an upcoming research project investigating the extent that invasive species interact with native species, and especially how hybridization impacts the native species,” she added.
Being part of the Estonian community across Canada is a privilege, providing opportunities and connections that can shape who you are. Going to Seedrioru Summer Camp and being immersed in nature deeply influenced Kiik’s professional and academic interests, inspiring her to pursue the field she’s in today.
“Growing up going to Seedrioru sparked a lot of my passion for ecology and understanding invasive species, as I came to understand all the native species and how to interact and respect the natural environment. Viewing nature as something alive and necessary to take care of is something I find embedded into Estonian culture, from the regilaulud (runic songs) to embroidered flower motifs and the understanding of medicinal plants. This culture has largely inspired me to take care of the environment, which I believe can be done best through a deep understanding and research,” she said.
However, attending university can be financially straining. Scholarships, like NBCU’s Community Roots award, alleviate financial pressure, allowing students to achieve academic success. For Kiik, receiving the Community Roots Scholarship reaffirmed the impact of her efforts and will help her pursue her goals.
“A major research area in Estonia is the interaction between fungi and plants, which is something I also hope to investigate—this award offers me a chance to continue my studies and pursue something that impacts both culture and our survival as humans.”
(Johanna Kiik)
“Receiving this scholarship allows me to continue studying an area which I hope has impacts globally, especially preventing the spread of invasive species and pathogens that destroy our ecosystems,” she said. “A major research area in Estonia is the interaction between fungi and plants, which is something I also hope to investigate—this award offers me a chance to continue my studies and pursue something that impacts both culture and our survival as humans.”
When asked about what advice she would give to future Community Roots Scholarship applicants, Kiik said that “this award should not be something you apply for just because you are of a certain heritage. Consider what you are doing for the community, and apply because you have truly been involved. Find ways to get involved, find ways to help out, find ways to support your culture. This award comes from the efforts of hundreds of immigrants who worked to keep Estonian heritage alive, so don’t take it lightly—actually do the work.”
Interested students are encouraged to apply for NBCU’s next round of Community Roots Scholarship applications, which open in October 2025.
This article was written by Natalie Jenkins as part of the Local Journalism Initiative.
