Celebration of Estonian Independence 2002
About 50 members and friends of the Edmonton Estonian Society gathered at the Highlands Golf Club on March 3, 2002 to celebrate the 84th Anniversary of Estonian Independence. It also marked 10 years of Estonia's progress as an independent republic since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
We were especially pleased that Mr. Sulev Roostar, the Charge d 'Affairs of the Estonian Embassy in Ottawa, and his wife Anna, were able to join us on this festive occasion. Mr. Roostar delivered the keynote speech, outlining highlights of Estonian history, the current political situation, and noteworthy progress toward Estonia's acceptance into the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
We were also pleased to have Mr. Allan Wachowieh, Chief Justice of the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta, and his wife Bette, in attendance. He brought enthusiastic greetings on behalf of the province and lauded Canada's focus on multiculturalism and the benefits of maintaining an interest in one's ethnicity and traditions.
A trio of accomplished musicians, the Incognito Trio, aka The Baltic Babes, presented several musical selections for the listening pleasure of the guests. All three (Nora Bumanis-harp, Shelley Younge-flute, and Edith Stacey-bassoon) are members of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. The trio's name, Baltic Babes, is derived from their ethnic roots, namely Estonian, Latvian and Danish. Edith Stacey has Estonian roots.
During his visit in Alberta, the Roostars were able to accompany Toomas Pääsuke for some downhill skiing in the Banff area and to participate in a social event in Calgary to celebrate the lives of Estonian pioneers in southern Alberta.
The Alberta Government hosted Mr. Roostar to exchange views about topics of mutual interest. Estonia is rightfully recognized as having made much progress in the application of high technology such as e-mail and the Internet in government operations.
The Province also sponsored an official luncheon at Government House involving several MLA's and guests. Mr. Roostar responded to numerous questions from the MLA's to inform them about topical issues vis-à-vis Estonian politics, the economy, and culture. Eda McClung and Dave Kiil attended on behalf of the Society.
Dave Kiil
