Alberta Estonian Heritage Society | Connecting you to Estonian culture in Alberta

PHOTO | Leah Hennel

About the Society

Tere! Hello!

The Alberta Estonian Heritage Society (AEHS) was established in April 2005 in order to have a single encompassing focal point for activities related to the members’ common heritage from the northern European nation of Estonia.

Like other ethnic groups who sought land in the New World, the first Estonian pioneers in Alberta created communities and organized societies in the very early 1900s to assist one another with the challenges of establishing a new life in the harsh, remote and undeveloped farmland in the Canadian Prairies. Currently up to seven generations of Albertans can look back to their Estonian pioneer roots. Some Estonians left their homeland in the middle of the 19th Century, living elsewhere until finding a place for permanent settlement in Alberta.

The European conflicts that occurred in the mid-1900s encouraged those fleeing persecution and loss of property to seek opportunities elsewhere in the world. Many Estonians came to Canada. A number of those settled in the province of Alberta.

These new immigrants found refuge in the societies and communities originated by the early pioneers and in turn, contributed to the continuation of those societies. They also created new urban based organizations. Over time, the assimilation of Estonian-born descendants into the general population diminished membership in the societies to the point that only the Edmonton organization remained in formal operation.Some others continued functioning informally as communities.

It was at this stage the Edmonton Estonian Society and former members of other Alberta organizations came together to establish the Alberta Estonian Heritage Society. Motivation for this act is partly due to encouragement from Lennart Meri, former president of the Estonian Republic, during his July 2000 visit to Alberta.

A third, smaller wave of arrivals to Alberta, consists of emigrants who arrived after Estonia regained independence in 1991.

AEHS is now an organization composed of members from all three waves of immigration and their descendants. The organization has evolved to one that celebrates the rich Estonian cultural heritage. In keeping with the Estonian tradition of song, dance and festivities, this kinship provides limitless opportunities for celebration.

Kohtumiseni!

News & Events

AEHS AGM

May 6, 2023

Kerry Wood Center, Red Deer

How to enter the photo contest

AEHS 2022 Photo Contest Winners

Check out our past events

Recent NewsletterS

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We are on Instagram

Visit us at www.AEHS.ca to learn how to become a member today! Learn about Estonian culture while supporting our Society! Thank you! ☺️

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Congratulations to our runners up for our 2022 AEHS Photo contest! Viru Raba 2 by Constantine Visser. Orava Seen by Constantine Visser and Lighthouse Point by Steve Fodor!! Thank you to all our submissions once again and good luck to everyone this year in our 2023 Contest!

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Our 2023 Photo Contest is now open! Entry forms can be found at aehs.ca or by contacting us at: email@aehs.ca (for AEHS members only. Membership instructions can be found at aehs.ca) 1st place $75, 2nd place $50 & 3rd place $25. Good luck everyone!

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Congratulations to our 2022 AEHS Photo Contest Winners! 1st Place - Patiently Perched by Mitch Fodor. 2nd Place - Baby Gray Catbird by Richard Kerbes. 3rd Place - A Need for Speed by Mitch Fodor. Our 2023 Contest is now open as well for AEHS members. Visit our website for more instructions or DM us here for more info! Thank you to all our photographers who submitted photos! It was a very close race again this year!

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2022 Annual AEHS Photo Contest! Must be an AEHS member. Once you’re signed up, please log-in to the website with your information, head over to member services and the forms are there to download and fill out! 😉

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Calling all Global Estonian Youth! ♥️ 🇪🇪 look what the Ülemaailmne Eesti Noortevõrgustik is up to and consider being part of this!

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🇪🇪 Announcing the Estonian selection at Calgary European Film Festival 2022: THE WIND SCULPTED LAND 🇪🇪

THE WIND SCULPTED LAND is a film about Estonia’s wild and primeval nature, where Estonia’s spectacular landscapes, together with their wild inhabitants and thousands of migrating birds, are opened before the viewer’s eyes. The visually enchanting documentary takes the audience on a thoughtful journey in Estonia’s unique, vast and wondrous nature.

See the film at Globe Cinema on Thursday, November 10 at 7:45 PM or stream across Canada from November 5-13. Tickets are available now 📽 https://calgaryeuropeanfilmfestival.ca/2022-films/the-wind-sculpted-land/

🇪🇪 Presented by the Alberta Estonian Heritage Society.

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What can you make from ingredients that come from the apothecary?
Mida saab valmistada apteegist pärit koostisosadest? @arvamusfestival

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WE ARE

Descendants of up to seven generations of Estonians who homesteaded in Alberta, since 1899.
Estonian born Canadians who arrived here with our parents.
Estonians who for economic or political reasons have elected to call Canada home.
Assimilated individuals who appreciate the circumstances and efforts made by those who came before us.

AEHS MISSION STATEMENT

To provide for the recreation of the members and to promote and afford opportunity for friendly and social activities.
Promote and preserve Estonian heritage and culture in Alberta
Facilitate contact and current awareness among persons with an interest in Estonian heritage and culture in Canada, Estonia and elsewhere.