A Message from the Editor
One hundred years ago the first Estonian settlers arrived in Alberta determined to carve out a new life in a new land. Last summer we celebrated the centenary of their arrival and the founding of the oldest Estonian settlement in Canada with the festivities in Linda Hall in Stettler. This past summer in an unprecedented and unexpected visit, the President of Estonia came to celebrate their spirit, to visit with their descendants and to recognize their contribution to the history of their former homeland.
Welcome to a very special edition of Ajakaja! This issue commemorates the historic visit by President Lennart Meri to our province.
After opening ESTO 2000 in Toronto, the President traveled west to meet with Suncor officials in Fort McMurray for discussions on potential partnering in the development of the shale oil industry in Estonia. His itinerary included private visits to Calgary and then Vancouver traveling by train through the Rockies. As part of his visit to Alberta, the President had requested a side trip to Stettler to see the historic Estonian settlement for himself. Through the generosity of Christine Lepik-Robertson and her husband Dave who donated the use of one of their planes he was able to get his wish and the historic visit took place on Tuesday, July 11, 2000.
It was a very emotional moment when the President of Estonia stepped out of the plane and into the glorious prairie sunshine. But from the beginning the mood was convivial and relaxed. The President and his entourage, which included his wife and daughter, talked and joked informally with the individuals who were there to greet them. He patiently allowed himself to photographed whenever asked as the numbers in the crowd increased at every stop along the way to Linda Hall where the official reception took place. The number of guests was limited due to the size of the hall and to enable as many of the local families as possible to attend.
President Meri is an historian, author, linguist, playwright, film-maker and a passionate proponent of all things Estonian. It was obvious during his tour of the area that his imagination was caught up by the story of these brave and adventurous pioneers who braved such hardships to find a new life yet never forgot their roots. He was visibly moved as he handled an old Bible and a 19th century copy of Kalevipoeg which had been lovingly preserved. Noticing the absence of an Estonian flag in the Museum and the 1970's date on the calendar, he promised to replace both. True to his word, a brand new Flag and current calendars arrived within weeks of his departure.
The visit concluded with a pleasant buffet prepared in the spirit of true western hospitality under the competent supervision of Evelyn Shursen, the local organizer.
President Meri's remarks at the reception left us with the following thoughts: that the history of a country is also defined by those who leave to make their mark in the larger world; that it is time to celebrate their achievements; that the first Estonian arrived in North America in the 1600's; that the history of the Alberta Estonian community should encourage historians to look beyond the Second World War in researching the external history of Estonia. As a start he promised to send a summer student next year to record the history of the Estonian pioneers in Alberta.
Thank you President Meri for honouring our community with your gracious and charming presence. It is an afternoon we will long remember!
Anne-Marie Hodes, Editor
