Message from Rasmus Lumi, Estonian Chargé d’Affaires, Ottawa
The Republic of Estonia opened an Embassy in Ottawa in 2000 and one of its goals has been to bring Estonia closer to Estonians living in Canada and vice-versa. Given the vast geography of Canada, it has not been an easy task. However, I firmly believe that a lot can be achieved if there is a will to do it. Therefore I, as well as my predecessors, have tried to make every effort to visit other cities in Canada as often as possible.
Estonians in Alberta are unique due to a largely different background and history. While I have been surprised as to how proud Estonians are of their origin, it is especially noteworthy in Alberta where the Estonian roots go back so far.
In order to communicate more closely with Estonians in Alberta, the Embassy in Ottawa has been working on the idea of appointing one or two honorary consuls to Alberta. Honorary consul is a voluntary position that can be assumed by anybody with necessary credentials and the willingness to promote Estonian interests. Needless to say, those interests include close relations with the Estonian community. Finding the right persons can be a somewhat lengthy process. But I assure you that our goal is to make decisions that are good for both Estonia and Estonians in Alberta.
Turning to the more general issues of Estonians in Canada, I am happy to note that many people whose parents or grandparents were Estonian citizens have shown considerable interest in applying for an Estonian passport. According to my experience, the reasons are largely emotional, but also practical. The passport simplifies traveling, living and working not only in Estonia, but in most of the European Union countries. To be eligible for the Estonian passport, one must present a document or apply to be eligible from the Estonian archives proving that the applicant or his/her parents or grandparents were Estonian citizens before June 16, 1940.
Another important and related topic is relevant for most Estonian communities in Canada and elsewhere. It is the issue of attracting more Estonians to play an active role in their ethnic community. While I acknowledge it is not easy, I must say that Estonians in several places are doing a commendable job along those lines. I’m glad to see similar activity in Alberta and I hope that more and more people will be looking for their Estonian roots. The stronger the Estonian community in Alberta, the stronger it is in Canada and elsewhere.
To conclude, I invite all Estonians who have not yet done so, to visit Estonia and feel being part of that little nation in Europe. For those who would like to learn more, the Embassy in Ottawa is just a phone call away. Obviously we will make every effort to be there anytime someone wants to visit us in Ottawa.
Season’s greetings!
Rasmus Lumi
