BALTIC HERITAGE NETWORK

Newsletter no. 2 (35) 2021 issn: 228-3390

The 6th BaltHerNet conference is coming! Call for papers • Winners Announced for open until June 30! VEMU’s Translation Competition 2021 marks 15 years since the first conference focused on the archives of Baltic people abroad. This took place in 2006 at the Estonian Literary • New Book about Lithuania’s Museum in Tartu and led to the official establishment of the NGO Mass Emigration Baltic Heritage Network in 2008. • Birute Galdikas—One of 2021 is the year for BaltHerNet’s regular conference, but due to the National Geographic’s pandemic we have decided to host it online and not in Vilnius, as Trailblazing Women was originally planned. The 6th BaltHerNet conference “No Topic • Lithuanian Diaspora Art Conference” will take place September 15th-16th on Zoom. We have Museum in Vilnius adjusted the event schedule to adapt as much as possible to everyone’s • BATUN Documentary Heritage time zones. Sessions will take place according to Estonian, Latvian, and Janis Kalninš Composer Lithuanian time from 9pm-midnight. It is also possible to participate • with a pre-recorded presentation. Similarly, the conference recording • VEMU’s Spring Season Online can be viewed at a later time. Events The last year has changed the world quite drastically. We would like to • VEMU’s Virtual Fundraising discuss this at the conference: Dinner • In what position has the pandemic situated memory institutions • New Blog Focuses on Life Stories of and communities of Baltic people abroad, including their archives Australia’s First Transport groups, and what could we take from this experience?

• Have the pandemic restrictions changed the priorities of memory Editor-in-Chief: Piret Noorhani institutions/communities and if so, how? Editor: Kristina Lupp Designer: Kristina Lupp • What new ways of working and new methods have been used? TheBaltic Heritage Newsletter is distributed • How have existing digital and online resources assisted in managing quarterly, on-line. The next deadline for this new situation? submissions is 15 August 2021. Please send all related enquiries and submissions to Piret • What new digital and online solutions have been created? Noorhani: [email protected] The Non-Profit Association Baltic Heritage • Has the use of archives collections of Baltic people abroad changed? Network was founded in Tartu on January If so, how? 11, 2008. NPA BaltHerNet was established to foster cooperation between national and • How has the pandemic affected collection work? private archives, museums, libraries, and • What types of innovative solutions have (historical) cultural institutions of research, public associations and organizations collecting and studying programmers developed? the cultural heritage of the Baltic diaspora. It aims to facilitate the preservation and research of the historically valuable cultural property of the Baltic diaspora, as well as to ensure accessibility of these materials to the public. NPA BaltHerNet is also committed to the organising of conferences, seminars and workshops, and to developing and administrating the electronic information website Baltic Heritage Network, a multilingual electronic gateway for information on the cultural heritage of the Baltic diaspora. www.balther.net ISSN 2228-3390

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• Has the audience of events Rooste’s “Astrid Lindgreni surm” (“The promotion of the finest contemporary changed? If so, how? Death of Astrid Lindgren”) and Mehis international literature.” Another Heinsaar’s “Rändaja õnn” (translated member of the jury was Sandra Kasturi, • How have the restrictions as “Wandering Bliss” by the first place an award-winning poet, author, and affected exposition work? winner). freelance editor who was born in Estonia • More generally, how has the The afternoon of the results and currently lives in Toronto. Tiina pandemic affected the lives announcement began with a warm Ets, who is based in the United States, and livelihood of diaspora welcome from Piret Noorhani, Chief was also a member of the jury. Her communities? Archivist of VEMU, and Jaan Meri, clients as a translator and interpreter President of the Estonian Studies have included the US Department of Please submit your presentation State and the White House. propositions by June 30th to Centre and Tartu College. The sentiment that literature is the most [email protected]. Noorhani had carried the idea for several years before it came to life. Though challenging of all texts to translate was The conference will be in English. educated as a literary scholar at the echoed across the jury, and the two The length of presentations is 20 University of Tartu, she described how stories chosen were testament to that, minutes. she “had drifted away from literature, my steeped in poetic detail and idiomatic expressions that threatened to make Conference registration starting first love” after working predominately with history as an archivist and museum translations to English clunky and May 1st to September 10th at the difficult to read. “The Death of Astrid website: balther.net. Participation worker. VEMU delivers programming totalling between 40 and 70 cultural Lindgren” was about a cynical journalist in the conference is free. All those and educational events per year, but reporting on the death of a beloved interested across the globe are Noorhani felt that “more should be done children’s book author. “Wandering welcome! for Estonian literature.” And so she Bliss” was a disturbing description went to in January 2019 to meet of joy as it passes fleetingly from one Winners Announced for person to another. Reviewing the work VEMU’s Translation with Tiit Aleksejev, the Chairman of the Estonian Writer’s Union, and Kerti of 26 people from nine countries, the Competition Tergem from the Estonian Literary jury ultimately selected the following winners: On Sunday May 2nd, VEMU (the Centre, who is a translator herself. Museum of Estonians Abroad), the Their discussion culminated in the In third place was Ellen Valter, well Estonian Literature Centre, and the competition. known to Toronto Estonians for her Estonian Writers’ Union hosted Together, Kerti Tergem and Ilvi community leadership and wide range the final event of their Translation Liive helped choose the texts for of talents, and Tony Allen. Allen is not Competition. During this approximately the competition, fitting in with their of Estonian heritage, but is a writer and 90 minute Zoom event, organizers mandate as an organization. As Tergem considers himself “an ardent Estophile”, and participants from many disparate explained, the Estonian Literature having learned the language when he time zones honoured all of the hard Centre is what is “making Estonian lived in Estonia for a couple of years. work and inspiration that went into this literature travel.” They work closely Second place was awarded to Pearu competition. with foreign publishers and support Unga and Talvi Maimets. Unga, who Commemoration was due because of translators in their how the competition connects to a professional growth, much larger endeavour of continuing with activities and to translate Estonian literature resources that include into English. Back in January, the seminars and their competition was announced, with an website, estlit.ee . open call made to all enthusiasts of the Leading the Estonian language, particularly those Translation Contest’s living outside of Estonia. The hope was jury was Susan Harris, that, through examining submissions, who is the Editorial the jury might be able to identify Director of Words promising translators for the future of Without Borders, an Estonian-English translation. As Ilvi online magazine that Liive, Director of the Estonian Literary is self-described as Centre, expressed during the event, “[expanding] cultural “We have some translators, but it’s understanding never enough.” through the Thus, participants had until the 31st translation, of March to translate two texts: Jürgen publication, and

2021 n o . 2 (35) Baltic heritage network 3 works at a hotel in Scotland, won favour with his translation of “The Death of Astrid Lindgren”; while Maimets’ phrasing in the same story was memorable for the judges. Recently retired as a family doctor, Maimets enjoyed the creativity of the experience. The winner of first place was Tiina Otema, from Toronto. Harris commended Otema for her “deft phrasing and lovely word choices, 2022. Second and Immigrants helped the United States become an industrialized [that] captured the ethereal sense of the third place winners country. Many of them worked on railroads. narrative.” When her translations were are to receive Photo: Science and Encyclopedia Publishing Center read aloud, it exemplified the highest one book of their from 1990 to 2020. Prof. Eidintas does goal of translated fiction. That is, as judge choosing from Apollo or Rahvaraamat not doubt that both of them have been Tiina Ets said, “a translation should not bookstores in Estonia. sound like a translation.” extremely significant for the life of the Translation is a thoroughly creative Lithuanian nation and the state. Sometimes, in order to make a translation undertaking, and based on the The first wave of mass emigration smooth, more radical changes need to enthusiasm shown by all in this event, significantly reduced the number of be made to the way things are expressed. we can expect many sensitively-crafted Lithuanians in Lithuania. Emigration to Indeed, the title of the second short story, translations of Estonian literature for America was economically, politically “Rändaja õnn”, varied significantly. readers in English in the years to come. Susan Harris communicated how and culturally the most significant in the the variation in the way this title was Vincent Teetsov life of the Lithuanian nation. First of all, translated made the judging experience First published in Eesti Elu/Estonian Lithuanian colonies were established in America, which became a magnet fascinating. Variations of the title, of Life which there were about 18, included for new emigrants. Mass exodus from “The Hitchhiker’s Spirit” and “Roaming The New Book about Lithuania was not viewed ambiguously. Rapture.” Sandra Kasturi was also Lithuania’s Mass Emigration Although it weakened Lithuanian amazed by the variations she read nation, Lithuanians in the United States, through. She maintains that translating The new book discusses the mass mobilized by their own organizations, Estonian into English, with each waves of Lithuanian emigration in language possessing such drastically 1868-2020, their different roots, sentence structure, emergence and the and more is “not just translation but public reaction to interpretation.” them. The author of the book, prof. The winner of the competition will Alfonsas Eidintas, be published in the Estonian Literary raises a series Magazine and receive the chance to of important go to the translators’ seminar held by questions: How the Estonian Literature Centre in June do the emigration centers affect the current emigration; What is the impact of the emigration on the homeland; How does it affect the nation; Is emigration useful or damaging to nation’s and state’s development? The book distinguishes two periods of Lithuanian mass Lithuanian and Polish meat shop in America. emigration: from 1868 to 1915 and Photo: Science and Encyclopedia Publishing Center

2021 n o . 2 (35) Baltic heritage network 4 helped culturally and economically to achieve the nation’s aspirations. Prof. Eidintas notes that not only cultural and economic but also political support was received and constantly expected from Lithuanian colonies in the US. The second wave of mass emigration from Lithuania which took place after the year of 1990, shocked the society in its scale and numbers—there had never been such a large exodus from Lithuania before. A need to re-evaluate the circumstances and formation of Lithuanian colonies and, most importantly, to highlight the impact of the old emigration on Lithuanian society has risen. Nowadays, new Lithuanian emigration centers have emerged in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, Norway, and partly Germany. Prof. Eidintas observes that today we can rejoice in our increased opportunities and each person’s choice of where to work and live, but at the same time, such a large emigration creates huge problems for Lithuania. The author fears that emigration will lead to the disappearance of Lithuanians not only in the world, but also in Lithuania and that there will be no Lithuanian-speaking people left. According to him, the problems caused by migration directly have an effect on the survival of the Lithuanian nation. Birute Galdikas—One of National Geographic’s Trailblazing Women Birutė Galdikas, the Canadian- Birutė Galdikas’s almost 50-year study of wild orangutans Lithuanian scientist, came to the in Indonesia revealed their social lives and habits. attention of National Geographic as one of the twenty women pioneers, Photo: Rodney Brindamour / National Geographic who had been almost forgotten today. up field stations for Jane Goodall to study in the wild and even get close enough to In the article “These 20 women were chimpanzees in Tanzania, Dian Fossey interact with them. She transformed her trailblazing explorers—why did history to live with mountain gorillas in Rwanda, home into a “halfway house” for animals forget them?” celebrating March as and Galdikas to observe orangutans in transitioning out of captivity and raised Women’s History Month, National Indonesian Borneo. The three women the orphans almost as her own children, Geographic introduces Birutė Galdikas went on to complete groundbreaking according to a 1975 cover story that she (born 1946), one of the female research. wrote for National Geographic. scientists dubbed Trimates, who has researched orangutans since the 1970s. When Galdikas first entered Tanjung During the first four years of research Believing women to possess more Puting National Reserve in 1971, and nearly 7,000 hours of observation, patience and perception than men, orangutans were thought to be difficult—if Galdikas made major discoveries about paleoanthropologist Louis Leakey not impossible—to study. More solitary orangutans in the wild—gathering details supported three young female scientists than other primates, they roamed over about their diets, travel patterns, and to live among the great apes. With funding large areas of dense tree canopy. But relationships. Crucially, she raised an from National Geographic, he helped set before long, Galdikas could spot them alarm over the deforestation that was

2021 n o . 2 (35) Baltic heritage network 5 fueling the rapid loss of their habitats. First Footprints in Canada: Nearly 50 years later Galdikas is still in Grand Duchy Lithuanians in the field, making her work one of the longest continuous studies of a single the War of 1812 species ever conducted. In 1964, Dr. Kostas Jurgėla, wrote a The entire article can be read here. history of Lithuanian immigration to America, “Lietuviai Amerikoje Prieš The Lithuanian Diaspora Art Masinę Imigraciją ir Tautinį Atgimimą”. Museum in Vilnius Although written from an American perspective, it included an interesting in Canada. It was to be both a Lithuanian story of Grand Duchy Lithuanian soldiers and a Canadian story as these men would who fought for the British in the War of have participated in three major events 1812 (the war in North America between in Canadian history: the War of 1812 Britain and the United States, 1812- against the United States, early settlement 1814) recruited from prison ships after of eastern Canada in the Rideau valley they had fought for the French in the and possibly the building of the Rideau Napoleonic War and had been captured. Canal, and early western Canadian As told by Jurgėla , the British had settlement via the Red River Colony. It was important to re-examine the story, The new Lithuanian Diaspora placed them in two Swiss regiments (de Art Museum in Vilnius. Watteville and de Meuron) which had to see if the details could be confirmed been contracted to fight on the British and to identify by name the very first Photo: Lithuanian National Museum of Art side. The de Wattevilles fought first in Lithuanians who came to Canada. How Egypt and Europe against Napoleon, the did these men move from Lithuania, The branch of the Lithuanian National de Meurons in India. Both regiments come to fight for Napoleon, then the Museum of Art which has been operated then went to North America, finishing British in a Swiss regiment, then come as the Vytautas Kasiulis Art Museum has their service in 1815. The soldiers were to live in Canada? been transformed into the Lithuanian assumed to have settled after the war Diaspora Art Museum. In order to form Digitization and increased access in Canada, possibly in the Rideau or St a new identity of the museum and to to primary records meant that it was Francis river valleys. Some may have acquaint visitors with the contribution possible to expand the story with more participated in an armed guard for the of Lithuanian artists who have lived and information about individual soldiers Red River colony, created by Thomas created abroad, an extensive program and what happened to them. The Douglas, Earl of Selkirk and located has been prepared. research quickly focussed down to one near where Winnipeg is today. The regiment, the de Watteville, where In May-June, the museum will open soldiers were identified from records all the Lithuanian soldiers have been two exhibitions of Lithuanian diaspora created by the British War Office using found. The story of these soldiers is one artists: “Unknown Juozapas Jurkūnas primarily the place of birth as their of great courage and endurance. They (Jur Jurkun)” and “Vaclovas Ratas: names could not be used, having been took advantage of some opportunities Beyond the Equator.” In November- recorded using French, German or and passed on others. Some died in the December, the museum will host Polish equivalents. wars and are buried where they died in a personal exhibition “Antanas This research was used again in the Spain, Italy and on Canadian soil. Many Mončys: Faces and Spirits” dedicated 1967 book “Lithuanians in Canada”. returned to Europe to take up life after the to the 100th anniversary of Antanas Here the story finished with one war there. Mončys and an exhibition “Between intriguing sentence: “Most of the Expectations and Opportunities” The ending of the story is quite different survivors of the 1813-1815 campaign reflecting the works of women artists from what has been presented previously settled in Canada and were assimilated”. in interwar Vilnius. On October 27, and, in the end, just a single man was If this actually happened, these men would the Lithuanian National Museum found to have stayed and farmed in have been the first Lithuanians to settle of Art and the Lithuanian Cultural Canada, although by 1821, he most Research Institute will organize an likely migrated to the United States, interdisciplinary conference “Migration: ending the Lithuanian presence in Concepts and Experiences” at the Canada for the next few decades. National Gallery of Art. In May 2022, Peg Perry the museum will host an extensive exposition dedicated to the art of the Documentary Series “Hope on Lithuanian diaspora. Both Sides of the Atlantic” The Lithuanian National Broadcaster, the Lithuanian National Radio and Battle of Oswego May 6th 1814 Television, has created a series of

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The series presents Draugas—the oldest and longest-running Lithuanian newspaper. visitor of the National Archive of Latvia. The last systematization and description works are currently underway. BATUN ( to the United Nations) was an international non- governmental organization in the United States of America, created in 1966 by exiled Estonians, Latvians and Lithuanians. The main purpose of BATUN was to inform the members of the United Nations about the violations of the rights of the Baltic nations and Soviet colonialism of the occupied documentaries “Viltis abipus Atlanto” to the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Baltic States. BATUN lobbied the (Hope on Both Sides of the Atlantic) Culture in Chicago, USA, where it will governments of UN Member States which narrate stories of famous be available to the researchers. through their diplomats in New York American-Lithuanians and Lithuanian In the video, Pranas Jurkus tells the and Geneva from 1966 to 1991. cultural phenomena in the US. Three story of Baltic University and his life- BATUN during its 25-year effort to films are dedicated to the first wave of long attachment to it in Lithuanian. lobby on behalf of the Baltic States, also economic emigrants from Lithuania and organized large public rallies at the UN its three descendants, doctor Aldona headquarters in New York, worldwide Šliūpaitė, collector and journalist actions and demonstrations that focused Aleksandras Mykolas Račkus, and Stanley attention on the Baltic States. Balzekas Jr., the founder of the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture in During the research of the BATUN Chicago. Other series present the second documents, it was concluded that wave of political refugees, American- BATUN’s efforts to get the issue of Lithuanian poet Kazys Bradūnas and the Baltic States on the UN agenda, or the American-Lithuanian activist Juozas otherwise to influence the decisions Polikaitis. The other two documentaries BATUN documentary are dedicated to the oldest and longest- heritage at the National running Lithuanian newspaper Draugas Archives of Latvia and the Lithuanian neighborhood in Chicago, Marquette Park. In 2019 the National Archives of Latvia received the BATUN Archive, which All series were directed by Justinas had accumulated in New York from the Lingys; screenwriters: Audronė beginnings of the organization in 1965 Kosciuškienė and Aušra Kalinauskienė. to the early 2000s. The memorandum The series can be viewed online here in on the transfer of archival documents Lithuanian only. was signed by the ambassadors of all BATUN organized Baltic demonstration three Baltic States to the United Nations near the UN building in New York, US, New Home of the Baltic and the representatives of BATUN. The 1969. Photo: R. Kiseiluis. Source: LNA LVA University Archive main aim of this BATUN documentary F.2944. Baltic University was founded in heritage was to introduce the historical Hamburg, Germany, on March 14, contribution made by BATUN in its 1946. Later on, it moved to Pinneberg efforts to introduce the situation in and functioned there until October the occupied Baltic States as it relates 1949. Pranas Jurkus was a student at to international law to the UN and the Baltic University. He never forgot its member states in New York and his first Alma Mater. Throughout his Geneva. The BATUN Archive is stored life, Jurkus was collecting material about at the National Archives of Latvia, at the University professors and students the State Archive of Latvia (Bezdelīgu and was instrumental in arranging the Street 1a, Riga) under the designation BATUN representative Juta Ristsoo with commemorations of the University LNA LVA F.2944 (Baltiešu aicinājums Latvian dissident Olafs Brūvers at the UN anniversaries. In March of 2021, he Apvienotām Nācijām (BATUN) /ASV/), Commission on Human Rights building in donated the Baltic University archive and soon will be available for every Geneva, 1970s. Source: LNA LVA F.2944.

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was awarded an honorary doctorate by Mount Allison University in New Brunswick for his contribution to regional musical development. His output of chamber music and orchestral music, particularly after 1940, was considerable, and included 5 symphonies and several cantatas. He generally avoided Romanticism in developing his style, leaning more towards classical objectivity and unadorned structural simplicity. Jānis is most remembered for his two operas, Hamlets, and Ugunī (In the Fire). Kalniņš fils wrote Hamlets in 1936 and of the UN member states, were the activities of BATUN from 1965 until the work enjoyed tremendous success unsuccessful. Only in a few cases have the early 1990s and describes its role in at the Latvian National Opera, both references been made to the Baltic the political processes related to human critical and popular, and was remounted issue, which mostly concerned human rights, the independence of the Baltic in 1943, boasting over 54 performances rights violations against Baltic dissidents States, and their ultimate membership until World War II interrupted its and the aggressive geopolitics of the in the United Nations. Link to the success. In 1935, having finished USSR in general. BATUN actions can be exhibition in English version - http:// composing Hamlets, Jānis wrote on the divided into 4 important stages, which www.archiv.org.lv/batun/ title page of the score: “Dedicated to my influenced the nature of BATUN work beloved father”. Michail Chekov, who at the and the main results – 1) attempts to have Janis Kalninš Composer time was directing a Hamlet at the National the Baltic States discussed in the UN The Latvian-Canadian composer Jānis Theatre, inspired J. Kalniņš to compose his Decolonization Committee 2) protection Kalniņš was born in 1904 in Pärnu, opera based on Shakespeare’s play. The of human rights and lobbying of delegates Estonia of Latvian parents. His father, composer wrote the libretto himself, in at the annual sessions of the UN Alfrēds, was an established composer, Latvian, adapted from the English. After the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva renowned for the first Latvian opera, opening on February 17, 1936, the local 3) European Parliament resolution on Baņuta in 1920. While this might newspaper Rīts (Morning) reported: “Our the Baltic issue adopted in 1983 and seem late in operatic terms, remember noble opera house has not enjoyed such a lobbying of European foreign ministries that Latvia only became a republic in brilliant première in a long time, nor has a 4) collaboration with the independence 1918. Jānis Kalniņš, composer and Latvian composer been hailed with such movements of the Baltic States after conductor, studied composition at the applause and ovations, nor has a première 1989. The direct impact of BATUN’s Latvian Conservatoire (1920–1924), experienced such an enthusiastic and activities was established only after the and was conductor at the National responsive audience as yesterday, when the restoration of the independence of the Theatre (1923–1933) and the Latvian young, new Latvian composer Jānis Kalniņš Baltic States, in cooperation with the National Opera (1933–1944). In conducted his own opera Hamlets for the governments of the Baltic States. 1944 he arrived in Lübeck, Germany, first time.” The remount was scheduled for 1943. The National Archives of Latvia, based as a refugee, and in 1949 went on on BATUN documents, has created a to Canada. For 20 years he worked Jānis fled the Soviet advance and in new virtual exhibition “BATUN. For as lecturer in music at Fredericton 1948 ended up in Fredricton, New the Freedom and Independence of the Teachers College of Music in New Brunswick, where he lived until his death Baltic Nations”. This virtual exhibition, Brunswick and as symphony orchestra in 2000. He was buried in his homeland, through the prism of documents stored conductor, later as organist and where a memorial concert was held in the State Archives of Latvia, reflects choir conductor. In 1981 Kalniņš July 2001 as part of the Latvian Song and Dance Festival.The opera was not performed during the Soviet regime; it was remounted in 2004, when it was Some of the performed in plein air with the Bauska participants of a castle ruins serving as a set. Baltic conference, February 12-13, The Latvian National Opera and Ballet 1966 in New York has scheduled a full production for when BATUN was January 2022. Covid precautions will formed. Photo: reign supreme, with a best case scenario V.Mazelis. Source: of live audiences limited to 500 per LNA LVA F.2944

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VEMU’s Spring Season Online Events For the last year, Toronto has had to live with restrictions for so long that it is now being called North America’s lockdown capital. No other city on this continent has been in lockdown for as long as Toronto has. VEMU found a new rhythm last year and started offering online programming. In this spirit, we continued this past spring season: from January to May there were 24 different events. March 3rd , Dr. Peeter Põldre gave his second Coronavirus-themed lecture, this time primarily sharing information about vaccines and giving his prediction on what 2021 may look like. Unfortunately, his predictions were not optimistic. We will likely have to continue our online programming into the fall season or best-case scenario in a hybrid format. On March 11th and 18th, those interested in learning beginner watercolour techniques had the performance. The company will rehearse worse case scenario, the live production opportunity to do so in Enda Bardell’s two orchestras to substitute players in will be rescheduled, but a digital version workshops. The Estonian artist case of illness. It will be double cast. will be offered through the EU platform living in Vancouver had already led a Rehearsals for orchestra and ensembles Arte and others. Donations in support similar workshop in 2020 organized are scheduled to begin in June, fingers of this production in Rīga are gratefully by the Society of Estonian Artists in crossed, culminating in a recording of accepted. Please send cheques payable Toronto (EKKT) for their members. Hamlets. The Latvian National Opera to LNOFK (Latvian National Opera Fund The Estonian Foundation of Canada Fund in Canada, presided by Anita Gaide, Canada) to 239 Mill Rd., Toronto, ON, had supported the development of has sponsored Gunta Dreifelds from M9C 1Y3. Tax receipts will be issued for instructional videos. Elva Palo, the Toronto to produce surtitles for both live any amount over $20. chairwoman of EKKT, generously and digital performances. The opera will Gunta Dreifelds gave her permission for us to use these be sung in Latvian; titles will be offered videos. 10 people participated in this in English, French and German. In the Sources: Wikipedia, LNOĢ newsletter, lmic, musicabaltica workshop over Zoom from all over

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Canada and even one participant from about Estonian start-up life called May 2nd, the conclusion of VEMU’s Sweden. “Chasing Unicorns” (2019). Eric translation competition took place over On Mother Tongue Day, March Morrison, recognized Canadian Zoom. 14th, we watched Enn Lillemetsa’s journalist and one of the leaders of the May 5th, we watched an intriguing documentary “Betti Alver. Ilmauks on IT conference Latitude 44 organized by documentary from the ETV series Eesti irvakil” (2020). The screening was VEMU in 2019, led the discussion with lood” (Estonian Stories) - “Homme followed by a discussion with literary film director Rain Rannu. saabub paradiis” (For Tomorrow scholar Sirje Kiin. April 21st, VEMU’s Estonian language Paradise Arrives, 2020). Estonia, where The series “Cooking with…” continued book club held their spring meeting. citizens still remember food stamps and with Toronto St. Peter’s Congregation The discussion was about Ilmar scarcity of food, has now caught up with Pastor and Dean of the North American Külvet’s play “Sild üle mere” (Bridge the developed world where wasting food Estonian Lutheran Church (EELK) Over the Sea) and novel “Kes oskab has unfortunately, become the norm. Mart Salumäe. On March 17th we lugeda hieroglüüfe” (Who Can Read During the discussion with film director prepared foods for fasting and on April Hieroglyphs). One of the members of Anna Hints and Kerly Ilves, champion 28th we prepared post-Easter dishes. the book club had even seen the play on of sustainable food use, many painful The gastronome pastor cooked and stage. topics were discussed and attempts shared background information along April 23rd, VEMU’s 9th Fundraising were made to find solutions to these with charming stories about the dishes Dinner took place and it was dedicated problems. that were prepared. to 30 years since the restoration of the VEMU celebrated International April 11th, we watched a feature film Republic of Estonia’s independence. Museum Day from May 14th-18th with a game, which allowed participants to peek into VEMU’s collections. The simple card game, based on paying attention to finding two cards with matching shapes using the lowest number of clicks, turned out to be quite popular. We hope that this message also reached everyone: VEMU is ready to accept archival material and publications from Canadian Estonians. On May 26th, the conference “Peggasuse seggadusest: Arno Vihalemm 110” took place in collaboration with the Estonian Literary Museum to commemorate the life and work of a talented artist and poet. Presentations were done by Janika Kronberg, Loone Ots, Marin Laak, Joosep Susi from Estonia, Piret Noorhani from Toronto, and Helga

2021 n o . 2 (35) Baltic heritage network 10 and Enn Nõu from Stockholm.The Participants in Toronto were able to place virtually, which can be viewed on Estonian Music Week online concert order a delicious meal to go along with the VEMU YouTube channel at any series “Memories of Home” continued the interesting and spirited program. time! School lore and pandemic lore with three concerts. On March 25th, Catering was taken care of by Ülle collection campaigns are continuing. Toronto Latvian Linda Kronbergs Veltmann and Linda Karuks. Guests Piret Noorhani also discussed the and young Toronto Estonians Helmi attending from farther away had to construction plans for the new building. and Merike Hess along with Roland create their own celebratory meals. Fundraising dinner participants had a Campbell performed. Popular songs What were we all to wear on this chance to take a peek into the “future” – among Estonian and Latvian youth were festive virtual evening? Jaan Meri, it was clear from the models that the new sung. Long-time member of BaltHerNet the President of Tartu College and centre will be very modern and exciting. and good friend in Riga, Ruta Karma Estonian Studies Centre also faced this There are opportunities for many helped pick out the songs. On April 15th, important question and with the help of various activities. we introduced Estonian classical guitar his “fashion consultant”, his wife Ana, Many memories were shared during virtuoso Roman Smirnov, who is now was able to playfully solve this problem. living in Toronto. On May 13th, Erik the evening from the time 30 years ago Festively dressed (as his “fashion when it became clear the “the world is Kreem, the young pianist and composer consultant” says stylish, elegant, and born and raised in the Toronto Estonian turning irreversibly to the West” (Piret masculine – just like James Bond!), Jaan Noorhani’s words). Piret too, recalled community, performed. The concert Meri gave the opening remarks. He series was supported by the Estonian that time in her life – September 26, gave an overview of the last year. It was 1987, when an article appeared in the Studies Centre, Northern Birch Credit a difficult time for Tartu College, but Union and Heinsoo Insurance. paper about a self-sufficient Estonia luckily there was only one COVID case. (Isemajandav Eesti). This was followed “As a people, we are strong!” Jaan Meri believes the three highlights of by heritage days, Tartu Music Days, the year were a dense cultural program where Alo Mattisen’s five patriotic songs VEMU’s Virtual Fundraising (thanks to Piret Noorhani and her team), were heard for the first time, and night Dinner Was a Great Success the transfer of the Estonian Art Centre song festivals (öölaulupeod), etc. The Coronavirus has pestered the world collection and funds to VEMU, and Exciting archival materials from for over a year. Last year, VEMU’s progress in the construction plans for VEMU’s archives, recorded by the fundraising dinner was cancelled. the museum building. Jaan Meri wished deceased cameraman Edgar Väär, were However, this year it took place once again, everyone a great evening and expressed shared on the fundraising evening. First, this time virtually. We are building a new hope that next year we will all meet at was Mart Laar’s speech in the University home for VEMU together and in order to Tartu College again. of Toronto hall on February 25, 1989. do so everyone’s help is appreciated. Piret Noorhani gave a more detailed Mart Laar spoke emotionally about how The evening was extensive, both old and overview of VEMU’s activities for the the world is literally burning beneath new archival material was displayed and past year. Although the fundraising our feet (hinting at phosphorite mining) there were interesting facts shared about dinner was cancelled, the year was and that we no longer have anywhere VEMU’s activities on slides throughout a period of learning. Activities were to go. There have been attempts to the evening. 93 guests registered for the moved online and as a result, audiences suppress us, but we will no longer back event. grew larger. A total of 20 events took down. Throughout his speech there

2021 n o . 2 (35) Baltic heritage network 11 could be heard a heartfelt and beautiful Marju Lauristin’s presentation was wait one thousand years! cry for freedom. followed with more exciting archival Presently, even if life in Estonia might Archival images of June 14, 1989 material from the time of the restoration feel a bit complicated, but according to portraying the demonstration by Baltic of independence. The removal of the musicians, freedom and democracy people in Toronto in remembrance of Lenin’s statue was shown. Additionally, need to be learned. We have only had the victims of the Soviet deportations clips of Marju Lauristin, , them for 30 years. Both musicians were also heartfelt. Thousands of Laas Leivat, and a gathering in Toronto agreed that, if need be, the Estonian people marched in downtown Toronto, for Black Ribbon Day in 1991. people will do what needs to be done. As speeches were given and music was Laas Leivat recalled these complicated a people, we are strong! played. and exciting times from the perspective Ivo Linna and Antti Kammiste University of Tartu Professor Marju of being in Canada. In his opinion, it all performed a short concert at the end of Lauristin, gave an interview with began at the 1987 Hirvepark meeting the evening. Many well-known songs Professor Andres Kasekamp from the where the disclosure of the Molotov- were sung, including Alo Mattiisen’s University of Toronto. Marju Lauristin Ribbentrop Pact and secret protocols songs from the time of Estonia’s national spoke about achieving independence was demanded. The press in Canada and awakening, . and behind-the-scenes adventures that around the world were closely following what was taking place in Estonia. There were many fun moments took place during that time. throughout VEMU’s fundraising Today’s young people think that The Canadian Estonian community evening, but serious topics were also Estonians sang themselves to freedom. actively participated – there were over discussed. From all of the performers of This is just a beautiful image. According 7000 in Canada who participated in the evening, one important idea stood to Marju Lauristin, in reality, many the Citizen Committee movement and out – although we all have different years of tense work and scrambling everyone agreed that the republic must opinions and interests, we are connected were behind this. It was not easy to be restored. Laas Leivat believes that by one common love – this is our Estonia. separate from Moscow and it was at that time the selfless support of local During difficult times, Estonians can pull difficult to imagine the actual moment Canadian politicians was essential. themselves together and suppress all when freedom would be achieved. People from Canada went to Estonia to differences to move forward as one. Yes, Slowly the preparations began, but there help develop the country – for example, during the current challenging times, was a power struggle with Moscow, Peeter Mehisto who organized a it is good to remember, watch old film the military moved into the Baltic and translation centre in Estonia. clips about the time when everything actions had to be taken quickly. Laas Leivat remembers the anniversary began to change. The time when No one could have imagined that of the Republic of Estonia in February people’s eyes were bright and the world independence would be restored so 1989 well. Mart Laar, Alo Mattiisen and definitively turned toward the West. quickly. However, it could have turned Ivo Linna all performed that day. We Lea Kreinin out quite differently. What happened saw an archival film of Ivo Linna and Alo Mattiisen arriving, their performance, First published in Eesti Elu / Estonian Life in Estonia affected the rest of the newspaper (in Estonian) Soviet Union. Estonians abroad played and interviews for Canadian television. a large role in the restoration of the According to Alo Mattiisen, there New Blog Focuses on Life Stories Republic of Estonia’s independence, as was a large breakthrough in the of Australia’s First Transport well as later in the development of the relations between Estonians abroad Ann Tündern-Smith has started a blog nation – materials in the U.S. Library and homeland Estonians at this time. to focus on the life stories of the Baltic of Congress were of assistance during More and more Estonians abroad began passengers of Australia’s First Transport arguments with Gorbachev in Moscow. to understand that Estonia needed support and those living there were not This ship brought the first refugees to How could the events in Estonia communists at all. It was understood Australia after World War II. All had assist other countries today fighting that a free Estonia was possible! been nationals of the three Baltic states. for independence? Marju Lauristin emphasized that being prepared During their interview at VEMU’s Bookmark it on your web browser so is everything. Hard work has to be fundraising dinner, the “heroes of the that you can keep up as new life stories done to ensure that the democratic Singing Revolution,” Ivo Linna and are posted. Antii Kammiste, recall this important structure is strong and that the people Blog: https://firsttransport.blogspot. time as full of very special moments would participate. The economy also com must be considered. It was easier for that most musicians, even superstars, Web: http://fifthfleet.net and http:// Estonia since we still remembered our don’t ever have a chance to experience. bonegillasbeginnings.com/ experience in the former republic. Alo Mattiisen’s songs had a brave However, by only singing in the streets message and the summer of the singing Facebook: General Stuart and leading processions, a democratic revolution with multiple performances Heintzelman/First Transport was incredible, one-of-a-kind. For country cannot be built. Ann Tündern-Smith moments like this you possibly have to

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