The Medicine Valley Estonian Society (MVES), <i>Medicine Oru Eesti Selts,</i> was formed in 1910 in the Medicine Valley area of Alberta, which at the time was populated by an estimated 50 Estonian pioneers. The MVES would amalgamate with other community organizations, including the local Estonian band and choir originally founded in 1906, and establish a lending library for Adults and Children in 1911. Other communal enterprises were also integrated into the MVES including a branch of the Co-operative Association (1912), the Gilby (Kalmu) Cemetery Board (1914), and the Eckville Telephone Association (organized in 1917.) Estonians living in the Medicine Valley area also contributed land, building materials, and labour to construct a one-room schoolhouse for grades 1-8, known as the Estonian School, which opened on June 24, 1906. A second classroom was added in 1922. The Estonian Hall was built in 1918 which served as the home of the MVES and as the centre of the Estonian community, now numbering approximately 200. A library of 500 books was added to the hall and the Society sponsored fold dances and theatre groups. Meetings of the MVES included discussions of farmers' cooperatives, education, politics, religion, and literature. The Ladies' club of the MVES also hosted events including box socials and fundraisers. In 1926, Estonian Independence Day was celebrated for the first time in Canada at the Estonian Hall. The MVES was officially incorporated under the <i>Societies Act</i> of 1933. The Society ceased many of its activities during the Second World War, but there was an increase in membership after the war due to an influx of refugees from Estonia during the Post War era. Later urbanization led to a decrease in membership and the MVES ceased all activities in 1984.</p>;<p>The Edmonton Estonian Society (EES) held its first general meeting at St. John's Lutheran Church on December 4, 1949. The purpose of the EES was to coordinate Estonian community activities in the city of Edmonton, preserve Estonian history, and promote Estonian culture and traditions. The Society would celebrate Estonian Independence Day in 1950 with speeches, music, and art exhibits. In 1951 the celebration expanded to included folk dancing and a joint gala with members of Edmonton's Latvian and Lithuanian communities. By 1975 the EES had increased to 48 members and helped organize the Jaanipäev, mid-summer solstice, celebration at Sandy Lake in 1977 and 1978 as well as a celebration for the 60th anniversary of Estonian Independence in 1979. The EES also participated in Edmonton Heritage Days, in conjunction with an Estonian folk dance group from Toronto, in 1978. They also began publishing a newsletter, <i>Pajataja</i>. The newsletter ceased publication in 1979 but the EES would resume publishing, under the title <i>Ajakaja</i>, from 1989-1991. <i>Ajakaja</i> was restarted in 1997, publishing articles in both Estonian and English. Membership in the EES peaked in 1991, the same year Estonia declared independence from the USSR, leading to a renewal of interest in Estonian culture. In 1999, the Society celebrated its 50th anniversary and a centennial celebration at Linda Hall near Stettler, Alberta. Members of the EES also helped welcome Estonian President Lennart Meri and his family to Linda Hall in 2000. The following year the Society hosted the Estonian National Track and Field team, including Olympic decathlon gold medalist Erki Nool. In 2005, the Edmonton Estonian Society was amalgamated into the Alberta Estonian Heritage Society and <i>Ajakaja</i> became the publication of the provincial organization. Former Edmonton Estonian Society Presidents include Robert Kreem (1949-1951), Andreas Pilt (1951-1954, 1956, 1958, and 1973), Feliks Lasberg (1955 and 1957), Nurmi Simm (1978, 1985-1987), Siim Ruusauk (1979-1982), Eda McClung (1988 and 1991), Rita Viivi Piil and Jan Urke (1992-1993), Toomas Pääsuke (1994-1998), and Dave Kiil (1999-2005). </p>;<p>The Calgary Estonian Society (CES) was established on June 17, 1950, with Nikolai Rouk serving as its first president. The Societies activities included organizing small weekly events, large annual celebrations, and private social functions. Estonian pioneers gathered on a weekly basis at the Calgary YWCA during the 1950's. CES membership would be increased with the arrival of Estonian refugees following the Second World War. The most popular events hosted by the organization were the celebration of Independence Day on February 24th, Jaanipäev, a traditional Estonian holiday celebrated during the summer solstice, Christmas concerts, and church services. Most celebrations integrated speeches, songs, dancing and food. Members of the Estonian community in Calgary also participated in local fairs, showcasing Estonian cuisine, art, and clothing, including the introduction of cranberry juice. During the 1950s and 60s the Estonian population in Calgary reached 200, and the CES contributed a float to the Calgary Stampede in 1955 and 1973. An Estonian language school was established in the late 1980s, functioning on a bi-weekly basis, with the intent of teaching children of Estonian descent Estonian language and culture. It ceased operation in the early 1990s. Estonian Independence in 1991 led to a number of Estonian cultural events in Calgary including a joint celebration with the Latvian and Lithuanian communities in October 1991. The Societies activities decreased later in the 1990s and the organization disbanded in 2006, amalgamating into the Alberta Estonian Heritage Society.
The Alberta Estonian Heritage Society (AEHS) was established in Red Deer, Alberta on April 23, 2005, comprising members of the Medicine Valley Estonian Society, Edmonton Estonian Society, and Calgary Estonian Society. Their objectives include providing recreation to members and promoting social activities, promoting and preserving Estonian heritage and culture in Alberta, and facilitating contact and current awareness among persons with an interest in Estonian heritage and culture in Canada, Estonia and elsewhere. The coordinating council includes at least two members from each of the Calgary, Stettler-Red Deer, Eckville and Edmonton regions.