Tartu College and the Tartu Institute in Toronto
Tartu College, an 18-story student residence on Bloor St. near the University of Toronto, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, was officially opened in September 1970. Its charter required that the College also support cultural and educational activities. The College set up Tartu Institute in 1972 as an autonomous body to carry out these components of its charter. The Institute’s mandate, drawn up in broad terms, includes the establishment of an archive and library in support of its activities, which include the study and promotion of the culture, such as literature, music and art, of minority nationalities in Canada, in particular that of Estonians, and the analysis and study of the political, cultural and economic activities of the Estonians in Canada and of the Baltic countries in general.
Dr. Endel Aruja, the first secretary of the Tartu Institute until 2004, was the driving force behind the creation and enlargement of the archives and library. He was also responsible for the lecture series held in the College in support of the aims of the Institute. The Institute, now in its thirty-fifth year, has continued with its lecture series and its support of the archives and library.
Currently the funding for the Institute’s activities comes mainly from the National Estonian Foundation of Canada and from Tartu College. The Institute distributes these funds to groups such as:
Tartu Institute’s Dr. Endel Aruja Archives and Library
Metsaülikool
Kultuuripärandi Klubi
It also supports other cultural events like the Estdocs Film Festival and theatre groups.
More information about the various groups can be obtained by clicking on the name.
More information about the Institute and its activities can be obtained through its Secretary:
Dr. Toivo Miljan
46 Combermere Cr
Waterloo ON N2L 5B1
Tel: 519-885-6958
e-mail: tmiljan[at]rogers.com
