The Estonian Central Council in Canada (ECC) is deeply concerned about false and defamatory statements that numerous publications have reported in the past week about a monument at Seedrioru.
These statements regarding the nature and use of the monument located in shared space with an Estonian children’s camp in Elora, Ontario have caused undue stress and harm to the Estonian-Canadian community. It is reprehensible that disinformation and lies have been spread about innocent children and a community without an attempt to seek out the facts.
The Estonian Central Council in Canada rejects insinuations suggesting that the camp and camper activities are associated with any ideologies that are contrary to the values of respect, inclusion and historical accuracy. This camp is dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive environment where children learn about their heritage culture and enjoy nature in a truthful and respectful manner.
ECC condemns all forms of totalitarianism and war crimes perpetrated by both the Nazi and Soviet regimes. The history of Estonia during World War II was tragic and complex. Estonians were caught up in a war they didn’t start or want, and had no control over, as tiny Estonia was run over first by the Soviet Red Army, then Nazi Germany and finally again by the Soviets, who illegally occupied the country for nearly 50 years.
Between 1998 and 2008, the Estonian government undertook a thorough investigation of Nazi and Soviet war crimes committed on Estonian soil and/or against Estonians during WW II. The findings of the International Commission for the Investigation of Crimes Against Humanity also known as the Max Jakobson Commission report are available at mnemosyne.ee/en/the-max-jakobson-commission
Today, we live in an age of disinformation and hybrid warfare. Russian attacks against Estonia have only been increasing in intensity and frequency in recent years. Estonians living in the diaspora have not been spared from these attacks. The age-old propaganda used by the Soviets that all Estonians are Nazis is still in Putin’s toolbox. Russia takes any and every opportunity to accuse Estonians of being Nazis, just as they absurdly accuse the Jewish president of Ukraine of being a Nazi.
The Estonian Central Council in Canada strongly objects to the blatantly false statements about members of the Estonian-Canadian community and the ensuing harm that has been caused. ECC encourages open dialogue and honest communication to build understanding between and amongst the diverse communities that have built the strong Canada we live in today.
Contact: ECC Board of Directors eknecc@gmail.com
