Alberta Estonians of today include pioneer descendents, WWII refugee families, and post-1991 newcomers from Estonia. The history of Estonians in Alberta goes back to 1899 when the very first documented Estonian settler came to Canada. When the AEHS was formed in 2005, it amalgamated several regional Alberta Estonian groups, making this its 20th year as a society. The morning started with the official business of the society, at the Annual General Meeting, including reviewing many activities of the year: the online Estonian language program, baking events, a film festival screening, a photo contest, and national collaborations, among others.
Most of the board members continued in their positions, with a few changes: President Kelly Schuler-McDonald; new Vice-President John Erdman; Secretary Rein Pääsuke; Treasurer Toomas Pääsuke; new Membership Director Lukas Schuler Desnoyers; Directors: Meaghan Belfiglio, Kristina Martikainen, Walter Johanson, and new board member Jim Ekelund. Special committee members are: Janice Pääsuke, Kristine Zielinski, Martha Munz Gue, Evelin Fodor, and Helgi Leesment. Evelin Fodor served the organization for eight years as Vice-President, bringing innovation and generously organizing as well as hosting many events. She is appreciated for her dedicated years of service and will continue as a leader of special projects such as the annual photography contest.
Photo gallery
A highlight was celebrating Toomas Pääsuke’s Estonian Central Council Award of Merit for his exemplary contributions over several decades. Serving as Treasurer since the inception of the AEHS, his competence and talents played a significant role in the AEHS being formed. The AEHS is grateful for the generosity of people who give through the Estonian Foundation of Canada (EFC). The EFC support, along with the spirit of AEHS volunteerism, helps provide for activities connecting people of many ages and interests over the twenty years since the Society’s inception in 2005.
Dignitary guests who brought special greetings were: Külliva Kangur, Honorary Consul of Estonia in Alberta; Sean Nolls, Mayor of Stettler, and Dave Grover, County of Stettler Councillor. Stories from past presidents stirred whoops of laughter and some sentimental teary eyes. All four of the AEHS Presidents’ messages honoured those who built the Alberta-Estonian community. Current President Kelly Schuler-McDonald spoke about children being one hundred percent of our future. And, importantly, how being future-focused, the AEHS helps to mentor and encourage the next generation of Alberta Estonians and their cultural interests.
The spring gathering was lively and delicious. A full program of outdoor activities included a bouncy castle, plus traditional tug-of-war, nail pounding, log sawing, and “Queen of Four AM” contests. Displays included: extensive family tree charts, AEHS publications, children’s books, activity kits for children, and Estonian handicraft items donated for giveaways and for silent auction. The meals were a pot luck lunch and a catered whole pig roast dinner.
Despite the customary Jaanipäev bonfire being missing, due to regional fire bans, the event was a success. The most popular events of the day were the hayrides and log sawing contest. The event wrapped up with flower wreath-making, dancing, and horse-pulled wagon rides as the sun set late over the beautiful prairie landscape.
