5 December 2022 News Releases
Huntington University’s Canadian Finnish Institute (CFI) hosted an event on June 17 in celebration of milestone anniversaries as Canada marks its 150th anniversary of Confederation, and Finland celebrates 100 years of Independence.
The Canadian Finnish Institute welcomed two Ambassadors, as part of the official Canadian launch of Canada-Finland: Celebrating 2017, a commemorative book project initiated by the Embassy of Canada in recognition of both countries. Huntington University and the Canadian Finnish Institute are proud to be major sponsors of this national initiative.
“To mark this historic intersection of our two nations, Huntington University and the Canadian Finnish Institute are proud to host this truly international event,” said Dr. Kevin McCormick, President and Vice-Chancellor of Huntington University and CFI Chair. “This commemorative project is aimed at highlighting the special relationship between Canada and Finland, and features the many accomplishments and contributions between our two amazing countries.”
The book, unveiled earlier this year in Finland at the Canadian Embassy, was officially launched in Canada on Saturday, June 17. Special guests included His Excellency Vesa Lehtonen, Ambassador of Finland to Canada, and his wife Pirjetta Manninen, as well Mrs. Andrée Noëlle Cooligan Ambassador of Canada to Finland.
“Canada and Finland have long shared an excellent relationship, based on mutual respect and common values,” said Vesa Lehtonen, Ambassador of Finland to Canada. “As Ambassador, I’ve been privileged to witness the strong ties firsthand, coupled with the continued success and contributions of the Finnish people to Canada.”
“The book, Canada-Finland: Celebrating 2017, coming soon to libraries across Canada and Finland, is one component of a year-long celebration, a tribute to the remarkable people who have shown leadership, ingenuity, and perseverance in bringing our two countries closer,” said Mrs. Andrée Noëlle Cooligan, Ambassador of Canada to Finland.
The event also included the presentation of CFI Fellowships to Ambassador Cooligan, John Valtonen, and Finlandia Village.
Throughout various activities planned for 2017, the Canadian Finnish Institute will continue to highlight and profile the accomplishments and contributions of both Canada and Finland. Among the initiatives to recognize Canada’s 150th and Finland’s centennial is the establishment of commemorative academic awards for students, to be presented later this year in conjunction with the anniversary of Finnish Independence.
To learn more about Huntington University’s Canadian Finnish Institute visit: huntingtonu.ca
News Coverage
Northern Life – June 15, 2017 (page 9)
CBC Morning North – June 19, 2017
Event Photos