BALTIC HERITAGE NETWORK

Newsletter no. 4 (29) 2019 issn: 228-3390

Latvian Musicians in Canada Lithuanians in South America Lithuanian Minister of Culture Visits the US The History of Lithuanian-Canadian Community, Inc. International Conference “Religious Communities in the Age of Migration” in Kaunas Australian Lithuanian Community Archives News MY - Collection Campaign to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Tartu College VEMU Celebrates the Year of Estonian Language 75th Anniversary of the Great Escape comemorated at VEMU Rector VisitsToronto Estonian Music Week and Latitude44 in Toronto

Editor-in-Chief: Piret Noorhani Editor: Kristina Lupp Designer: Kristina Lupp The Baltic Heritage Newsletter is distributed quarterly, on-line. The next deadline for submissions is 15 February 2020. Please send all related enquiries and submissions to Piret Noorhani: [email protected] The Non-Profit Association Baltic Heritage Network was founded in Tartu on January 11, 2008. NPA BaltHerNet was established to foster cooperation between national and private archives, museums, libraries, and institutions of research, public associations and organizations collecting and studying the cultural heritage of the Baltic diaspora. It aims to facilitate the preservation 10 years of empowering young researchers and research of the historically valuable cultural property of the Baltic diaspora, This season marks the ten year anniversary of the Baltic Heritage Network as well as to ensure accessibility of these young diaspora researchers’ seminars. materials to the public. With dozens of events held in , Latvia, Lithuania, Russia and the NPA BaltHerNet is also committed to United States, Baltic Heritage Network has helped create an international the organising of conferences, seminars and workshops, and to developing forum for emerging scholars to present their work. The event series has also and administrating the electronic been crucial for developing mutually beneficial working relationships between information website Baltic Heritage global Baltic heritage professionals. Network, a multilingual electronic gateway for information on the cultural The current season started out with anthropological participatory observation heritage of the Baltic diaspora. in the former Estonian village Simititsa in Russia. BaltHerNet researchers www.balther.net joined descendants of the villagers at the cemetery where they helped clean ISSN 2228-3390

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his invaluable assistant. He taught at the Maritime Academy of Music, which later became the Maritime Conservatory for Performing Arts. In 1949, Štrombergs organized the Halifax Symphonette to accompany performances of the Nova Scotia Opera Association. This ensemble evolved to become the Halifax Symphony in 1957, and after merging with the New Brunswick Symphony Orchestra became the Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. This brings us to another Latvian musician, composer Jānis Kalniņš (1904-2000). Kalniņš immigrated to Canada in 1948, working initially as the organist and choirmaster of St. Paul’s United Church in Fredericton, New Brunswick. the plots and took part in the a remarkable number of world- erecting of a monument in honour renowned musicians. Here I will In 1951, Kalniņš took up two new of the ancestors buried in foreign look at those who arrived in Canada appointments. The first was as soil. They also visited the Estonian after WWII leaving their un-erasable Professor of Music at Fredericton’s St. John’s church in St. Petersburg musical footsteps and at others who Teachers’ College. By the time he and experienced walking a segment followed in those footsteps. retired from that position 20 years of the route which the largest mass later, Professor Kalniņš had taught Halifax was for many the place where more than 700 students. demonstration in support Estonian Latvians took their first footsteps autonomy took in 1917. The seminar in Canada and where they began The second appointment was as also touched upon other Finno-Ugric their professional musical careers conductor of the Fredericton Civic groups in the region. on this side of the ocean. Opera Orchestra. In 1959 he joined the Saint The follow-up event took place in singer Mariss Vētra (1901-1965) and John’s Symphony Orchestra and was Lahemaa, where one of the people family arrived in Halifax in January an important part in the evolution of born in Simititsa opened up her 1947 and started teaching at the this group into the New Brunswick home and photo collection for Maritime Academy of Music where Symphony Orchestra in 1961. At further exploration. On December he organized an opera course. At that time Kalniņš was appointed its 11th, new research findings from a that time there was no opera theatre, Principal Conductor. wide range of topics from Latvian nor even an orchestra. With his On his 80th birthday, Dr. Kalniņš Entrepreneurship in the U.S. and students, Vētra started giving concert was honoured with a gala concert Canada, to the history of Estonians in performances of opera fragments. organized by Toronto’s Latvian Kazakhstan will be explored in Riga, On the 200th anniversary of Halifax community in recognition of his atthe Latvian University during a in 1949, with the assistance of other contribution to the development of pan-Baltic seminar. musicians, Vētra and his students music in Canada. Another concert The Baltic Heritage Network young performed Mozart’s opera Don in his honour took place in Chicago diaspora researcher’s seminars Giovanni, which was the very first one week later, and a third tribute are financed by the Compatriot’s opera performance in this city. concert took place in New York Program, run by the Estonian Within the next three years they the following month. As part of Ministry of Education and Research. performed another five operas. Thus, the year’s celebrations, President with the assistance of the Nova Scotia Ronald Reagan sent Dr. Kalniņš a Maarja Merivoo-Parro Opera Association, Opera Nova congratulatory letter on October Latvian Musicians In Canada Scotia was born. A few years later, 19, 1984. In 1986, Mount Allison Mariss Vētra moved to Toronto where University created the Dr Jānis Music is the foundation of Latvian he established his vocal studio and Kalniņš Award in his honour. culture, beginning with folk songs continued to teach singers. Composer Tālivaldis Ķeniņš (1919- and continuing with symphonies and 2008) came to Canada rather late opera and other forms of musical Pianist Alfreds Štrombergs (1922- – on November 18, 1981, from expression. Latvia, proportionally 2006) arrived in Canada in 1948, Paris, France; this same day, Latvia’s to its population, has produced a year after Mariss Vētra, and was Day of Independence, became his 2019 n o . 4 (29) Baltic heritage network 3 first day as organist of St. Andrew’s Resounding Summer) is a lasting training programs, continuing at Latvian Lutheran Congregation. In heritage of Latvian musicianship in the Conservatory of Music in The Ķeniņš’ own words: “We arrived in exile. Hague, Netherlands, the University of the morning of 18th November and Imants Ramiņš (1943-), the well- Western Ontario, and the University right after breakfast was taken to St. known Canadian composer, was of Toronto. Andrew’s Church. [...] This was a very born in Latvia. After spending some Equally at home conducting important event - the very first time years in refugee camps in Germany symphonic and choral repertoire, a Latvian communal service was to after WWII, he came to Canada Ivars Tauriņš is the founding director commemorate Latvia’s independence with his family in 1948. His life of of the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir, in a newly acquired Latvian Church music started first in Toronto as a now in its 39th season and was also ... and the first time its newly arrived student at the Royal Conservatory a violinist with Tafelmusik orchestra. organist sat at the huge organ”.* of Music and at the University of In 2002, Taurins paid homage to In September of 1952, he joined the Toronto, continued at the Academie his Latvian roots by organizing a Faculty of Music at the University of Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria and Christmas concert, Baltic Noel, Toronto where he taught for the next at the University of British Columbia. featuring a number of Baltic choirs thirty-two years. Among his students Upon returning to Canada, he including the Latvian choir Dzirksts were two other noted Latvian settled in British Columbia and (“Spark”, conducted by Vizma musicians: composer Imants Ramiņš there continued his musical career. Maksiņa) and Latvian/Canadian and pianist Arturs Ozoliņš. He founded the Prince George mezzo-soprano Vilma Indra Vitols. Ķeniņš was also active in Latvian Symphony, the Youth Symphony of His annual performances of The society as a composer and as an the Okanagan, NOVA Children’s Messiah, led by Tauriņš dressed as organizer of various musical events Choir and the AURA Chamber Herr Handel himself, are a hot ticket in Canada including the Latvian Song Choir. on the Toronto Christmas concert scene. and Dance Festivals in Canada. This Ramiņš has composed for many year, his son Juris Ķeniņš – cellist, musical genres: solo voice, chamber Gunta Dreifelds played an composer, teacher – followed in his music, choral music, symphonies, important role in the development father’s footsteps as the Chair of the concertos, and operas. His music has of the revolutionary technology that Board of the XV Latvian Song and been performed on six continents and fundamentally changed how we Dance Festival in Canada. in such famous places as Carnegie view and enjoy one of the richest Latvian Musical life in Canada is Hall and the Forbidden City. In 2017, musical expressions – opera. In unimaginable without conductor the University of Toronto honoured 1983, Dreifelds was part of the and composer, Arvīds Purvs (1926- him with a concert by student Canadian Opera Company team ). After his arrival in Toronto from musicians, choirs and orchestras, who which included General Director England in 1956, he took over the performed some of his most beloved Lotfi Mansouri and Director of leadership of St. Andrew’s church pieces, including Latvian the folk Operations John Leberg, who choir (founded by Tālivaldis Ķeniņš) song Pūt vējiņi (Blow Wind). invented SURTITLES, thus making and conducted it for the next forty- opera sung in foreign languages To celebrate both the legacy of understood as never before. The first two years. He also conducted the Elmer Iseler, who had been Ramiņš women’s choir Zīle for twenty-six opera performed with SURTITLES professor at U of T, and Canada’s was the COC’s production of Richard years and the Latvian Baptist Choir 150th anniversary year, the Elmer for thirty years. As conductor and Strauss’s Elektra on January 21, Iseler Singers commissioned Ramiņš 1983. Since then, SURTITLES have organizer, Arvīds Purvs was an to compose a large-scale work. Thus invaluable part of the Latvian Song become part of opera performances “The Beauty of Dissonance, the worldwide. Gunta Dreifelds credits and Dance Festivals in exile in Beauty of Strength”, which runs over Canada, the USA, and Europe. After SURTITLES, at least in part, with 40 minutes in eight movements, was an upsurge in opera attendance. At the declaration of Latvia’s regained born. Independence on May 4, 1990, Purvs the Latvian National Opera in Riga, conducted at the XX Latvian Song Conductor Ivars Tauriņš (1956-) SURTITLES were first used in 2000. and X Dance Festival in Riga, Latvia. grew up in Toronto and like many Laura Adlers, Management On October 29 of the same year, the renowned musicians started musical Consultant, although not a Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and activities early in life – piano studies professional musician herself, has the Toronto Symphony Orchestra at age eight, violin at thirteen and done a great deal to introduce Latvian performed his Cantata “Toward the during his final year at North music and musicians to Canada by Light” (Pret gaismu, original Latvian Toronto Collegiate, viola studies. He promoting special projects. One such text by Ingrida Vīksna, translated continued his musical education at project was organizing the Canadian into English by Uldis Fogels). Purvs’ the Royal Conservatory of Music premiere of Ēriks Ešenvalds’ book Pa skanošu vasaru (Through with orchestral and conductor composition Nordic Lights, a multi-

2019 n o . 4 (29) Baltic heritage network 4 media rendering of the aurora holiday take place in a rural area borealis, which was performed by and we have regularly organized it, the Orpheus Choir and Symphonic since 2015, in the Khaidak Village. Orchestra on February 24, 2018. To The Estonian and Seto dwellers quote the Latvian Ambassador to of the village and Estonians we Canada, Kārlis Eihenbaums: “[she] ... invited from other villages were takes Latvian culture out of Latvian bounds.” happy to gather and share the joy References: of the holiday. This year, the event The Canadian Encyclopedia was also arranged in the New Canadian Music Centre Pechora (Uus Petseri) and Upper animals are happy here in their “Janka” by Alfons Kalns Suetuk (Ülem Söetuk) Villages. own ways”. We covered 2000 km between the *Starp divām pasaulēm (“Between Two However, it was time for us to go Worlds”) pg. 53, by Ingrida Zemzare three villages and, wherever we back to Krasnoyarsk. On October Thank you to my editor Vilma Indra Vitols stopped on our way, local people 16, Days of Estonian Cinema met us with great hospitality. As Ženija Vitols began. The Head of the Estonian this was a bumper harvest year Director of the Canadian Latvian Archive Cinema Institute Edit Sepp gave in Siberia, the tables were near and Museum a lecture at Krasnoyarsk Cinema to breaking with tasty dishes. A Sunny October in Siberia House. This was the first lecture Estonian villagers were very on the history of Estonian cinema grateful to the wonderful musician and it aroused the lively interest Henrik Hinrikus who masterly of the audience, the theatre was played Teppo the lõõts (a kind of full. The Councilor on Cultural accordion) and sang. Those who Issues of the Embassy of Estonia heard him will sure remember in Moscow Dimitri Mironov him long. Michaelmas Day is was translating the lecture from the day of peace, forgiveness, Estonian into Russian. The best reconciliation, happiness, and Estonian films for adults and thanking God for life. After children were shown during the The last October was surprisingly harvesting comes the time for following week. sunny in Siberia and full of bright needlework and folklore. By events. We organized Michaelmas Michaelmas Day, “turnips should The traditional Day of Finnish- Festival In Siberia (Mickklipäev), be already in bins and a woman at Ugrian Peoples was arranged on in which the “Rõka külaselts ja home”. October 19. The holiday began with a tea party and lesson on sõbrad” group from Estonia and Tatiana Sigacheva taught children making Sipsik Doll, which Tatiana a brilliant master in the national to make national Estonian dolls. Sigacheva gave to both children Estonian art and costumes from Every child who took her lessons and their parents. She read St. Petersburg Society of Estonian left with a doll made by him/ passages from “Sipsik”, a story Culture Tatiana Sigacheva took herself. part. A well-known Estonian cuisine Michaelmas Day or Harvest Day, popularizer Tauno Laasing told folk holiday was first arranged the people the cuisine secrets in Krasnoyarsk in 2005 on the and even cooked various tasty initiative of Krasnoyarsk Eesti things himself using the products Cultural Autonomy. The national brought by the visiting Estonian tradition demands that this group. Peipus dishes were a real discovery for us. We tasted, for the first time, onions and fish found around and in the Peipus. The day we came to the Upper Suetuk Village, it was very warm (+19 C), “golden” autumn. Henrik Hinrikus said, “both people and

2019 n o . 4 (29) Baltic heritage network 5 by Estonian writer . Newly published books were took place on January 2019 At the end of the lesson, “Sipsik” sent to the Ülem Suetuk Village. was supported by the February animated cartoon was shown to Winter is already round the Sixteenth Fund (Lithuania). the audience. corner! Well, it is not a problem During the trip, researchers Then was the opening of “Finnish- for us to while away long winter gathered documentary heritage Ugrian Peoples’ Dolls” exhibition, evenings. of Lithuanian communities’ in which Tatiana Sigacheva brought Let’s read Estonian books and South America cultural activities to Krasnoyarsk. The exhibits remember the sunny October we and recorded their memories and presented were made under spent together with our friends in stories. Twenty-six meetings took Large Doll School Project based Siberia. place and many unique historical archival documents were on the materials provided by the An exhibition about Russian Museum of Ethnography collected. The members of the and Helsinki Museum. Among Lithuanians in South America community handed over photos, the visitors of the exhibition The exhibition “Lithuanians of the memoirs, letters, and periodicals. were teacher and students of World: Uruguay and Argentina” It is not known when exactly the Folklore Art Department of was exhibited in Vilnius Lukiškės the first Lithuanians arrived Siberian Institute of Arts, who Square this fall. It tells the stories in Uruguay and Argentina. then tried to make non-sewed of Lithuanians who travelled to However, it is known that Finnish-Ugrian dolls with the help South America in the mid-20th in the early 20th century, of Tatiana Sigacheva. century. the Lithuanians established Then there was music, Estonian, Along with the photographs communities and were very Seto, and even a song in līvõ kēļ of Uruguayan and Argentine active in Uruguay and Argentina. (a coastal Finnish language), Lithuanian community members They helped Lithuania to declare followed by singing and dancing by Berta Tilmantaitė, nineteen independence, raised funds for in a ring and Külli Kell taught narratives tell stories about various charitable foundations, all comers how to play national Lithuanians who came to South published newspapers and books games, sing songs, and dance. The America in search of happiness and organized performances, day the guests departed was still and peace or to escape misfortune. commemorations, and dinners. warm. The members of the Uruguayan Although cultural activities have and Argentine communities helped to keep the Lithuanian On the last day of October, language alive and maintain the Annual Krasnoyarsk Book shared their memories of Lithuania, told about difficult first national identity, the membership Fair opened. As many as 250 in Uruguayan and Argentine publishing houses brought their years and their desire to return home, as well as the importance of Lithuanian communities has been books to the fair. The organizers diminishing. made the fair a big cultural event. the local Lithuanian community There was an Estonian book spot. and attempts to preserve national The Lithuanian Minister of Alexandra and KPD, Estonian identity abroad. Culture Visited the United publishing houses, sent books The expedition of the Lithuanian States by modern Estonian writers Archives Literature and Art to In early September, the Lithuanian Andrus Kivirähk, Jaan Kaplinski, Uruguay and Argentina that Minister of Culture, Mindaugas Leelo Tungal, Maarja Kangro, Kvietkauskas, visited New York Juri Kuuskemaa, , and Chicago. In New York, the and others. Some of Minister met with the director them are in Russian and some, of YIVO Institute for Jewish for children, are bilingual to help Research, Jonathan Brent. They learn Estonian. discussed the cooperation We were volunteers and between the Institute and recommended the books to the Lithuania and other relevant issues visitors. in preparation for next year’s Meeting with the members of Lithuanian commemoration of Vilna Gaon We sold quite a few books to community “Mindaugas” based in Berisso, Russian and Estonian literature Argentina. Photo: Berta Tilmantaitė (born Elijah ben Solomon Zalman) lovers, bookshops and libraries. and Lithuanian Jewish history.

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In Chicago, Kvietkauskas paid a answer the question what role did visit at the University of Illinois at sport play in social networks of Chicago, the Poetry Foundation in ideologically oriented Lithuanian- Chicago, and met with the leaders American movements, and what of the Lithuanian World Center attitudes they held towards sport in Lemont. At the UIC, where and sports activities. Balandis students can learn Lithuanian also investigates the attempts of language as part of their academic the Lithuanian-American media curriculum, the Minister and more famous athletes and General consul M. Bekešius (on the participated in a discussion fans to construct the portraits of left) with Lithuanian writer Tomas “The Narratives of Pluralism: sports heroes and their intentions Venclova. Photo: General Consulate of the Lithuania’s Past and Present” to use these portraits as both an Republic of Lithuania in Chicago. and met with the students of the opportunity to bring Lithuanians The Minister participated in the Lithuanian Culture course. together and as a tool of social Litvak Days organized for the first Two PhD Theses on control applied on different time in New York and Chicago diaspora layers. on the initiative of the Consulate Lithuanian Diaspora On October 11, Monika Šipelytė, of the Republic of Lithuania in On October 25, a doctorate NY. The event included a public a doctorate student of Vilnius student of Vytautas Magnus University, defended her Ph.D. lecture and three debates. In University, Egidijus Balandis, New York, Kvietkauskas, along thesis on the topic of political successfully defended his PhD and diplomatic activities of with writer Tomas Venclova thesis “Sport in the Social Fabric and Prof. Saulius Sužiedėlis Lithuanians in Switzerland in of Lithuanian-Americans in the 1915-1919 and their impact participated in the discussion Early 20th Century.” “Challenges of Multiculturalism in on the statehood of Lithuania. Using the history of the sport, Contemporary Lithuania.” The dissertation analyzes in Balandis analyzes the activities depth the early emigration of While in New York, Kvietkauskas of Lithuanian-American Lithuanians to Switzerland and also visited one of the world’s organizations and civic their political aspirations, actions, largest American avant-garde participation of Lithuanians in and achievements during the film archives, Anthology Film American life. The main goal WWI. More specific activities, Archives, founded in the early of his thesis is to explore the such as international and national 1960s by Lithuanian-American role of sport in a wider social conferences, development and Jonas Mekas. The Minister fabric of Lithuanian-Americans dissemination of state projects, participated in the opening of of the early 20th century. publishing, and internal and the exhibition of the Lithuanian Balandis looks at the attempts external correspondence are American artist Vytautas Ignas by Lithuanian-Americans to discussed in five chronologically and met with representatives establish contacts and accumulate arranged chapters. of the Lithuanian Alliance of social capital through sports America and the Lithuanian organizations, competitions, National Foundation. the non-sport activities of Lithuanian-American athletics clubs and the celebrities of that time. Using archival sources, periodicals and historiography, the author analyzes the by-laws of Lithuanian-American sports clubs, features of self-governance, various forms of activities, social The Story of BATUN functions, and their involvement Presented at the National The Minister of Culture visited the in building social networks and Library of Lithuania Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture relations with a broader part of in Chicago. Photo: General Consulate of On September 12, a book The the civil society of Lithuanian the Republic of Lithuania in Chicago Story of BATUN—Baltic Appeal diaspora. In doing so, he tries to to the United Nations (1966-

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An exhibition about the The exposition was supplemented History of Lithuanian- by a video which was specially prepared by the staff of the Canadian Community, Inc. National Library of Lithuania. In From September 23 to October 31, the video, various people from the visitors of the National Library the field of culture, diplomacy of Lithuania had an opportunity and politics share their thoughts to see the exhibition dedicated to about Lithuanians in Canada, the The author Sirje Okas Anso (on the left) Lithuanian-Canadian Community, development of relations between was present at the event. Photo: Vygaudas Inc. and its political, cultural, and Canada and Lithuania and other Juozaitis/National Library of Lithuania. educational activities over the important issues. The video in 1991), published in 2018 by past 67 years. The organizers of Lithuanian can be found on Estonian-born Sirje Okas Ains the exhibition are the Lithuanian “Youtube”: https://www.youtube. was presented at the Martynas Museum-Archives of Canada com/watch?v=hFmRiZJyT0Y Mažvydas National Library and the Lithuanian-Canadian International Conference of Lithuania. BATUN is the Community, Inc. Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian “Religious Communities in the The exhibition presents the history movement founded in the US in Age of Migration” in Kaunas of Lithuanians in Canada: the the late 1960s, which main goal establishment and development was to seek independence for the of the Lithuanian Community, Baltic States and their membership its political, cultural, and social in the United Nations. activities, as well as significant A collection of documents support to Lithuania, especially presents the historical narrative of in the early 1990s. The stands the Baltic States and the successful showcase the photos from the first collaboration between the three Lithuanian Days in Canada, the Dr Ilona Strumickienė nations. The author Sirje Okas Ains World Lithuanian Community Photo: Ina Ėmužienė offers an interesting narrative based on Congress in New York, and the documents, photos and personal insights. first World Lithuanian Youth On October 24-25, 2019 the The book also contains a collection of Congress in Chicago. The Vytautas Magnus University archival documents which include exhibition also demonstrates the Research Cluster “Church not only documents testifying to cooperation of the Lithuanian- Relations with State and various BATUN’s activities, but Canadians with the Reform Society in Lithuania” invited a also organization’s correspondence Movement of Lithuania and broad international group of with ambassadors, materials the state of Lithuania after the researchers to the conference distributed and produced by the restoration of independence and on the religious communities in organization, and examples of the reminds of many other important the age of migration. The goal BATUN’s newsletter. events that took place during of the conference was to explore Sirje Okas Ains is an artist and the 67-year-old history of the and discuss the religious history a longtime member of BATUN. Community. and contemporary processes of She grew up in Argentina and the Catholic Church, religious graduated from the University of communities (such as Jews, Buenos Aires. In 1968, she moved Muslims, Catholics, Lutherans with her family to the United and Orthodox), migration, and States, where she studied arts at diasporas. New York University. In 1969, Researchers from various she became actively involved in research fields: religion, theology, BATUN becoming a member of history, political science, the board. Later she was delegated An exhibition about the history of sociology, cultural science, public to the United Nations missions Lithuanian-Canadian Community communication, and art history ran from Sep 23 to Oct 31. and the UN Human Rights Photo: National Library of Lithuania/ representing different countries Committee. Arūnas Sartanavičius (Belarus, Finland, Hungary,

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Holland, US and Lithuania) epaveldas.lt. Another is to join The material was kept, in gathered to the conference. with the Lithuanian Archives numerous places over the years Two researchers from the Project in Chicago www. until the 1990’s when it was Adolfas Damušis Democracy lithuanianarchivesproject.org and consolidated in Adelaide. Much Studies Center of National use their portal. of the material was brought Library of Lithuania participated On November 1, the Australian together for the publication of the in the conference. Dr Ilona Lithuanian Archives shared Australian Lithuanian Metraštis Strumickienė, director of the another piece of news. The (Yearbook), the editing committee Center, in her presentation Archives has been successful was based in Adelaide and here “Returning Migrants and Their in obtaining a grant from the the collection remained. The Influence on Lithuania’s Social National Library of Australia. This Archive is housed in the Adelaide and Religious Life” talked about highly competitive grant gives the Lithuanian Catholic Centre in re-emigration processes and Archives funding for a Significant St Peters, where we have storage the religious influences and Assessment appraisal on the rooms and a large workroom. expressions brought back by re- collection which will open up We aim to increase knowledge emigrants. In the presentation opportunities for further funding. and understanding of Lithuanian “Listening to ‘the Words of God’ history and culture, both that on Lithuanian-American Radio,” of Lithuania and concerning Dr Ina Ėmužienė analyzed various Lithuanians in Australia. forms of religion in the American The Archive seeks to: radio media and its different expressions and impact on the • Select records that best document the community. Lithuanian-American community. • Ensure the reliability of evidence Australian Lithuanian through maintenance of the context Community Archives News and order of the archival records entrusted to its care. The Lithuanian-Australian newspaper “Mūsų pastogė” • Create and maintain electronic informs that last December and hard-copy descriptive tools that provide intellectual and the Australian Lithuanian administrative control of the records. Community, Inc. Board of Directors decided to invigorate the • Provide a physical environment Archivist Daina Pocius and Australian for records that ensures their long- Australian Lithuanian Community term viability and usefulness. Archive so that it is the preferred Lithuanian Community President at the presentation ceremony. Photo: The • Respond to the needs of the option for people to donate their Australian Lithuanian Archives. general public for historical archive material. evidence and information. As a result, the Board appointed a Australian Lithuanian Archive • To make available these management committee, currently materials and objects to the public The Archive aims to preserve and for study and enjoyment. chaired by the interim chair Tony provide access to an authentic • To cooperate with like Cibiras. The committee is also record of the people, programmes looking for “archive ambassadors” organisations in activities which and governance of the Lithuanian promote the history and/or heritage in all communities and the community in Australia. The to our mutual benefit. organizations to help promote the Archive contains records created Archive. The Australian Lithuanian Archive by the Lithuanian community is responsible to the Australian The Committee’s longer-term plan in Australia that are worthy of Lithuanian Community Federal is to collect, collate and digitize permanent preservation. The Council (Australijos Lietuvių the history of Lithuanians in primary collection dates from Bendruomenės Krašto Taryba). Australia and make it available 1947 and includes minutes, A national committee has been online. One of the options being reports, correspondence and established with representatives discussed is to partner with the other material from various from the main states of Australia. National Library of Lithuania to clubs, groups and organisation in The Archive is managed by gain access to the portal www. Australia. an honorary Archivist with

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established as the Questionnaire initiative of the The following questions are meant Tartu Institute to support your memories. There and Dr Endel is no obligation to answer all the Aruja. Now, questions – they are only meant these collections to spark your memory for what is continue to be important to you. developed as qualifications in this field and VEMU, the Museum of Estonians What was your first encounter supported by volunteers. Abroad. Tartu College is also with Tartu College? We are committed to making home to the newspaper Eesti Elu. Do you remember what the corner the archives more accessible to For many, Tartu is a very personal of Bloor St. and Madison Ave. users from around the world and place – weddings, confirmations looked like before TC was built? have begun to digitise much of and birthdays have been held here, Describe the area and/or share our collection. In the following and final goodbyes to community photos. year we hope to have an online members have been said. At Do you remember the presence to showcase some of our Tartu, the Greeks of Master´s construction of TC? Do you or material. In 2020 the Archive Buffeteria and the hard-working does anyone in your family have as we know it today will be Portuguese housekeeping staff any personal connections to it? celebrating its 30th year. Stay up have continuously bustled around What connections? Describe and/ to date with the activities of the with Estonians. Tartu has been a or share photos. Archives by liking our Facebook workplace for many Estonians, page https://www.facebook.com/ Did you participate in the TC but also to those who only learned australianlithuanianarchives opening party? Describe. about Estonia and Estonians once Contact: Daina Pocius, Honorary Have you ever lived at TC? they started collecting knowledge Archivist When? Why? Who were your through their work. Visitors from 0427617214 [email protected] neighbours, friends? How many Estonia and all over the world of the residents knew the story of MY TARTU - Collection have been to Tartu. For many, TC, that it is Estonian owned, and Campaign to Celebrate the 50th Tartu reminded them of home, for that there is a city in Estonia with others, it has been an opportunity Anniversary of Tartu College the same name? Describe your to learn about Canadian everyday life and that of the other In September 2020, Tartu College Estonians, Estonia, and Estonians residents. Did TC residents have will celebrate its 50th birthday. overall. Throughout these long years, this unique behaviours or traditions? building has been home to many Every one of us has our own Tartu Where did you party when you Toronto university students as a story or sometimes many, as lived at TC, where did you go with residence, as well as a home to relationships with Tartu College friends? Did you participate in Estonians, non-Estonians, and may have changed at different the work of organizations located guests from near and far. Tartu has stages of life. What is your Tartu? in the building and attend the been an intellectual home for the Share your memories of Tartu events? Describe them. Where academic Estonians of Toronto, College with us in writing, or by did you eat when you lived at TC? where hundreds of meetings and audio or video recording. Send Bring to mind fun moments when other parties have been held. Tens us photos, films, and meaningful living at TC. items, which help illustrate of cultural organizations and Have you ever worked at TC? your story. If you wish for us to hundreds of volunteers have come What was your role? When? In interview you, please let us know. together in the rooms of Tartu. which part of the building? What Here, songs have been sung and A selection of information and path led you to work at TC? Why dances held, exhibits organized, material that we collect from the did you leave? Describe your films and theatre performances campaign will be used for the Tartu work. Who were your co-workers? viewed, and music enjoyed. Tartu College 50th birthday exhibit, which How many of them were Estonian, is home to the largest Estonian will be opened at Tartu College how many had other backgrounds archives and library collections in September 2020. Prizes will be and where were they from? outside of Estonia, which were awarded for the best contributions! Describe everyday business at TC.

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Bring to mind colourful and vivid during your visit? moments during your work life at Describe your TC, with colleagues, clients, etc. time at TC. Have you and what kind of Have you ever relationship have you had with visited TC as a Master’s Buffeteria? If you tourist? When? have dined there, during what In association stages of life and why? Who was with what? Who working in the restaurant at that did you meet? time? Describe and remember Describe your VEMU Celebrates the Year interesting stories and people. visit and impressions. of Estonian Language What do you think of the Are you and how are you/ restaurant’s menu? Has it changed 2019 is UNESCO’s International have you been associated with Year of Indigenous Languages. In over the years? Has the layout and the Chair of Estonian Studies design of the restaurant changed Estonia, as well as in Canada at and/or its establishment at the the Museum of Estonians Abroad, over time? Who were the other University of Toronto? Have you restaurant guests? Has the type VEMU, the Year of Estonian ever participated in courses as a Language was celebrated. of guest changed over time? Have university student at the Chair of you used any other of Master’s Estonian Studies? When? Which Wednesday, September 11, a book Buffeteria’s services (catering, courses? Who are/were your launch of “Selected Works” by party preparation)? instructors? Urve Karuks was held at Tartu Have you ever been a volunteer College.Wednesday, September 11, Tartu College and the Toronto a book launch of Selected Works at TC? When? For what Estonian House. What role has organizations? What did/does this by Urve Karuks was held at Tartu one or the other played in your College. The book of works by the organization do? What were/are life? How would you compare your responsibilities? Have you prominent Canadian-Estonian them? What makes one or the poet Urve Karuks was compiled ever received recognition for your other special? volunteer work at Tartu College? by Sirje Kiin and Linda Karuks What kind of recognition? What has been the importance and includes poems that have not Remember any exciting instances and meaning of TC for Canadians been published before. The book during your volunteer activities at and especially Toronto Estonians? was first launched at the Writers’ TC. And for Estonians in Estonia? Union House in on May How well-known is Tartu College 29, 2019. Have you ever organized events in Estonia? at TC? When? What kinds? With The launch event in Toronto whom? Describe. What has been the importance included speeches by the literary and meaning of TC for Toronto scholar Sirje Kiin and the children Have you attended academic and and Canada? How well-known of the poet, Linda Karuks, Alar cultural events at TC? When? is TC among non-Estonians as Karuks. Urve’s poetry was read When were you an especially an Estonian company, a cultural by Eveli Kõrre, Ellen Valter, and active participant? Which events? centre, and repository for Eerik Purje. The Estonian actor Which events have you enjoyed historical collections? Anu Lamp also joined the poetry the most and have been the most reading via Skype. Toivo Kulpa interesting? Please send your memories, photos, archival material, artefacts, and performed with the guitar. Have you ever lived at TC as other items that preserve the a short-term guest? When? history of Tartu College by email Why? Describe your stay and to [email protected], or by contact with the local Estonian mail to Estonian Studies Centre/ community. VEMU, 310 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Have you ever visited the archives ON, M5S 1W4 by March 31, 2020. and library collections at TC as a Info: Piret Noorhani, t. 416 925 reader or researcher? When? What 9405, [email protected] was your goal? Who did you meet From the left: Linda Karuks, Sirje Kiin, Alar Karuks. Photo: P. Noorhani

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In October, VEMU hosted well- Mihkel Solvak “Internet Voting known authors from Estonia, Rein in Estonia,” Prof. Margit Sutrop Raud and Kai Aareleid, at the 40th “Should We Trust Artificial Toronto International Festival of Intelligence?,” Dr. Mait Metspalu Authors (TIFA). „Digging Genomes for Propelling Rein Raud is not only an Medicine and Understanding Our established author, but also a Pa s t .” well-known scholar in Cultural On Friday, October 25, Tartu and Japanese Studies. From 2006- the format of an interview about College hosted a reception for 2011, he was the Rector of Tallinn From the left: Avo Kittask, Järvi LInda the 100th anniversary celebration University. Raud has written Raudsepp, Andres Raudsepp, Lauri Kalle where the Rector of Tartu 9 novels, 5 poetry collections, Raudsepp, Liina Purje- Leppik, Elli Kipper. University gave a speech and the as well as various translations, the Estonian translation of Dr. local academic mixed choir Ööbik and academic studies. Three of Jaak Jürison’s book “Viimane rong performed. his novels have been translated Eestist” and group singing. into English and he has received Lectures and exhibit opening awards and nominations for these The Rector of Tartu at VEMU works. At TIFA, he presented University visited Toronto In the fall season, the Museum his book “Death of a Perfect At the end of October, Tartu of Estonians Abroad, VEMU Sentence”. University’s Centennial organized several lectures at Tartu Kai Aareleid is a freelance Anniversary as an Estonian College expanding on different translator and author who has language university was celebrated historical events and traditions written two novels, two poetry in Toronto. A high-level both in Estonia and among the collections and one novel delegation from Tartu University Estonian Canadians. collection. Her novel “Burning visited the University of Toronto On September 28, Tartu College’s Cities” was translated into English and Tartu College. This delegation 49th anniversary was celebrated in 2018 and was presented at consisted of the Rector of Tartu with the Dr. Vello Soots Memorial TIFA. University, Prof. Toomas Asser, Lecture by the founder of Kalev The authors had three panels and four distinguished Estonian Estienne, Evelyn Koop, and opening during the TIFA festival scholars who gave lectures at of the exhibition „Estonian Sport in programme from October 26-30 the University of Toronto on Canada.“ Kalle Voolaid and Toomas and met with their Canadian- the following topics: Dr. Aigi Koitmäe from the Estonian Sports Estonian readers at Tartu College Rahi-Tamm “Bringing War into and Olympic Museum in Tartu on Sunday, November 3. Their trip Everyday: Re-education of Society spoke about the exhibit and their was sponsored by the Estonian in Postwar Soviet Estonia,” Dr. partnership with VEMU. Studies Centre and the Cultural Endowment of Estonia. The 75th anniversary of the Great Escape was commemorated at VEMU On Sunday, September 22, the Museum of Estonians Abroad, VEMU commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Great Escape of 1944 with the event Songs of Exile. The event was led by Andres Raudsepp. He led musical performances by Järvi Linda, Lauri Kalle, Avo Kittask, and Liina Purje-Lepik. The event also The Rector of Tartu University, Prof. Toomas Asser visiting VEMU. included a short presentation in Photo: J. Helin

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Puuluup with songwriters from opposite sides of other performers the world, Canada’s Laila Biali and and team Estonia’s Kadri Voorand, joined members after a successful concert forces for two amazing evenings of at Artscape music. Sandbox. Photo. In conjunction with Estonian P. Põl dre Music Week, the Estonian Studies Centre/VEMU organized Latitude44 - a tech conference featuring Estonian tech, On October 23, Andres Radio host Jaymz Bee hosted the e-Governance, and start-ups. The Raudsepp gave a lecture on the evening. conference brought together 160 tech-minded people at WE Global Estonian Song Festival tradition. On Saturday, October 16, the Learning Centre in Toronto on On November 6, Prof. Andres Estonian indie pop icon NOËP November 14-15. The programme Kasekamp spoke about the Silent made a club full of people dance featured high-level speakers Era in Estonia. to his popular songs. The festival from both Estonia and Canada. Estonian Music Week and finished with the EMW closing Feedback from the event was party “Wrap it up!” on Sunday, tech conference Latitude44 highly positive. in Toronto October 17 at Tartu College. Tiina Kiik (TOR) and Vaiko Eplik (EE) Events were supported by the One of the biggest events for performed and formed a great Estonian Studies Centre, Tartu VEMU this year was the second connection with their audience. College, the Estonian Credit Estonian Music Week, which Union, the Estonian Foundation The Estonian Music Week Culture took place November 14-17. It of Canada, the Estonian Ministry Club also organised three concerts brought contemporary music of Culture, the Estonian Ministry this fall. On September 17, Curly stars both from Estonia and of Foreign Affairs, the Integration Strings drew 220 people to dance Canada to Toronto. This year the Foundation (Estonia), Startup and sing at Tartu College. On programme was geared toward Estonia, Nortal, Superangel, November 29, in Hamilton and modern classical, tech, pop/jazz, Deloitte and patrons Toomas on November 30, in Toronto, two and folk music. Koger, Vaike Külvet, Anita Genua, multiple award-winning singer- On Thursday, October 14, and Trina McCrae. Ensemble U: (EE) gave three exclusive concerts with a Virtual Reality (VR) program, “Raba.” Sixty people had the chance to listen to modern classical music with VR images of an Estonian bog. The same evening, we had the EMW opening party at Archeo in the Distillery District with live jazz music by August Riik and Andrew Marzotto (TOR) and Vaiko Eplik (EE) as DJ later that night. On Friday, October 15, we had a fun evening with post-folk band Puuluup (EE), local smoky soul-pop singer Kaili Kinnon (Canada), and the extravagant The panel on cybersecurity: How to Take Cover. From the left: moderator Josh Gold, MP Mari Sild Band from Montreal. John McKay (Canada) and Siim Alatalu from the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (Estonia). Photo: E. Jaansoo

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