Alberta’s Estonians 1899 to Present

From April 2 to June 1 the Provincial Archives of Alberta (PAA) and the Alberta Estonian Heritage Society (AEHS) are proud to display the AEHS exhibit “Alberta’s Estonians 1899-Present” at the Provincial Archives of Alberta.

The exhibit highlights Estonian pioneers who arrived in Alberta (Northwest Territories until 1905) beginning in 1899. It discusses the reasons for Estonians immigrating to Alberta, the establishment of several Estonian communities, personal stories, their social, political, cultural and economic activities, and their contributions to the development of the province.

The exhibit also celebrates the completion of the Alberta Estonian Heritage Society’s five-year Heritage Project. This involved the production of a 30-minute documentary DVD and a richly illustrated 300-page book about Alberta Estonians. As well, a comprehensive heritage website was completed. All archival materials collected in the course of the Heritage Project have been donated to the Provincial Archives of Alberta to ensure continuing access to this rich source of historical information.