Huntington University Honours Finnish Ambassador and Launches Canadian Finnish Institute

Huntington University is pleased to announce the launch of the Canadian Finnish Institute – a new organization aimed at highlighting the contributions of the Finnish people to Canada. His Excellency Charles Murto, Ambassador of Finland to Canada, has also been named as a member of the inaugural class of the Canadian Finnish Institute’s Fellowship Program.

“I am honoured to be named as a Fellow to the newly established Canadian Finnish Institute,” stated His Excellency Charles Murto, Ambassador of Finland to Canada. “On behalf of the Embassy of Finland, I would like to congratulate Huntington University for their leadership in celebrating the rich contributions of the Finnish people to Canada, including Northern Ontario.”

“The purpose of the Canadian Finnish Institute is to facilitate and support enhanced relationships between the peoples of Canada and Finland,” said Dr. Kevin McCormick, President and Vice-Chancellor of Huntington University. “The Canadian Finnish Institute will showcase the Finnish culture through various activities including an annual Canadian/Finnish Symposium, a Fellowship Program, academic awards for students, academic exchange programs and more.”

In conjunction with the official launch of the Canadian Finnish Institute, Huntington University also announced the establishment of a new scholarship, in honour of the Finnish Ambassador. The award will be presented to a student who has demonstrated excellence in furthering the linkages between Finland and Canada.

Through the Canadian Finnish Institute, the only one of its kind in the country, Huntington University will:

• profile and celebrate the rich contributions of the Finnish people to the Canadian landscape;
• specifically highlight and profile the Finnish peoples exemplary contributions to Northern Ontario;
• establish academic partnerships between Canadian and Finnish educational and cultural institutions/centres;
• develop and facilitate scholarly activity exploring Finnish / Canadian relations;
• encourage and support community based initiatives which enrich Canadian / Finnish relations;
• recognize and celebrate outstanding individuals who have made profound contributions (cultural, educational, political) to Finnish / Canadian relations;
• host a Canadian/Finnish Symposium in December 2017 in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Finnish Declaration of Independence.

To view photos from the event visit our Facebook Page.