Contemporary (after 1990)

This section focuses on the descendants of Alberta's Estonian pioneers and immigrants. Many of the individuals discussed here play a significant role in maintaining and promoting Alberta's Estonian heritage. They have organized large Centennial celebrations and have served as key members with the Alberta Estonian Heritage Society. In addition, this section will introduce gifted musicians who have contributed to Alberta's music scene in a number of different ways.

When Estonia regained her Independence in 1991, the Calgary and Edmonton Estonian Societies were actively involved in preserving and promoting their cultural heritage and informing their members of happenings in their ethnic motherland. During the ensuing decade, major celebrations were organized to mark a century since the arrival of Estonian pioneers in the three largest pioneer settlements-Stettler/Big Valley, Medicine Valley and Barons. Estonian President Lennart Meri visited Alberta in 2000 and provided further encouragement to discover and record the history of Alberta's Estonians.

These celebrations were highly successful because they attracted participation by both multi-generational descendants of pioneers and the post-World War II immigrants. In 2005, the Calgary and Edmonton Estonian Societies morphed into a province-wide organization, the Alberta Estonian Heritage Society.

Concluding sentence: Other key members of the Alberta Estonian Heritage Society include Helgi Leesment, Eda McClung and Dave Kiil.