"Estonian Identity in Culture – Across the World": EKSÜ CEO Liina Miks shares insights about this year's Summer School

This summer, the Estonian Association of Cultural Societies (EKSÜ) Summer School brought together 63 participants, representing 35 Estonian societies and organizations from 9 countries, in Obinitsa. Global Estonian had the opportunity to speak with Liina Miks, the CEO of EKSÜ, about the Summer School, which explored the theme 'Estonian Identity in Culture – Across the World'. 

Could you provide us with an overview of the Association of Estonian Cultural Societies (EKSÜ) and your role in the organization? 

I have been the CEO of EKSÜ since 2018. The association is governed by a board, which currently has six members. The association itself was established on Mother Tongue Day in 1997. EKSÜ was founded with the goal of promoting the Estonian society movement, Estonian culture, spirituality, and national education. 

Today, the association includes 55 different Estonian cultural societies around the world. Half of our members operate within the Republic of Estonia, and the other half outside its borders. We also have several partners, such as the Seto Kingdom, the Estonian-Swedish Cultural Self-Government Foundation, and others. 

EKSÜ has an active website and Facebook page. We regularly cover news and announcements from the societies, keep an eye on discussions related to the societies, and initiate debates on society life. A monthly newsletter is also published. 

What brought you to work at EKSÜ, and what motivates you in your role? Could you share a moment or experience that has been particularly meaningful in your work? 

Since this work involves cultural societies and people with a society spirit, it is very diverse. There’s never any routine. What motivates me are the warm and collaborative people, as well as the cultural differences. Each country has its own approach to developing Estonian culture. 

There have been many significant moments, often occurring frequently. Considering the globalizing world and the emergence of new "iron curtains," I particularly value the opportunity to inspire Estonian cultural societies and maintain connections between Estonian communities in the East and West. 

EKSÜ offers various activities and programs. Could you highlight some key activities or initiatives that EKSÜ provides? 

EKSÜ highly values the contributions of its members. We consider the daily flow of news, event coverage, and the empowerment of society events to be very important for both EKSÜ and its members. We listen to the wishes of our members and get input directly from them. We also organize thematic seminars a couple of times a year, and have conducted video training and concerts. Our annual large gathering of societies, the summer school, is particularly noteworthy. 

The annual summer schools are one of EKSÜ's main events. Who are these summer schools intended for, and why are they important? 

The summer schools are intended for society members. Estonians from both Estonia and abroad participate in our event. It’s still important for people to meet face-to-face. Throughout the year, we are far apart and busy with our various activities. The summer school offers an opportunity to gather in one place at the same time and simply be together. The summer schools have always played an important role in discussing topics related to society life. In the summer school, you find new friends, gain inspiration to continue with society life, and maybe even discover a new perspective or idea. 

How and when did the tradition of summer schools begin, and how has this event evolved over the years? 

I'm not exactly sure when the tradition of summer schools started, but they have been going for ages. Decades, in fact.

How it has evolved: there has been a generational change. Those who once participated are no longer here. New people have joined. I can't make comparisons, but it seems that the themes have remained similar: the survival of society life, the endurance of Estonian culture, and cooperation. 

What challenges has EKSÜ faced in organizing the summer schools, and what have been your greatest successes? 

The biggest challenge in organizing an event for about 70 people starts with finding suitable accommodation and gathering places. Such options are not available everywhere. The range of topics are put together as a team effort. Undoubtedly, securing finances, keeping to the schedule, and managing resources is a challenge in itself. I consider the participants' feedback and joy from the time spent together to be the greatest success. When participants want to return for future events, that’s a good motivation to continue.

How do you balance logistical challenges to create a meaningful and engaging experience for participants? 

You have to start dealing with logistics early enough, and it’s important not to take on everything yourself. 

This year's summer school took place in Obinitsa. Why was this location chosen? What considerations play a role in selecting a location? 

In recent years, we have based our decisions on the opportunity to link the summer school with a major folk culture event taking place in a particular area of Estonia. This gives participants the chance to experience multiple "cultural events" at once: EKSÜ's summer school and something local and unique. The event location determines the summer school location as well. Whether we will continue with this principle, I can't say at the moment. 

The theme of this year's summer school was "Estonian Identity in Culture – Across the World." What were the main objectives of this theme, and how were they reflected in the summer school's program? 

The goal of the seminars was to explore the formation of the Estonian diaspora from the Tsarist era to today's foreign communities. This is what Estonian identity across the world means. The second half was led by a young activist of Mulgi culture (Robin Liiber), which provided an opportunity to explore Estonian identity from an internal cultural perspective.

What was the key takeaway of Robin Liiber's seminar, "How to Maintain One's Identity"? 

You have to take pride in it. If you do it with pride, others will respect it too. 

How do you feel the summer school succeeded this year? Did participants gain new knowledge or important lessons? 

The summer school was a success. I learned a lot about Seto culture. What others learned, you’d have to ask the participants themselves. 

Could you share some highlights or particularly memorable moments? 

I think these are very individual for each participant. For me, the most valuable part is meeting friends, but certainly also learning something new about the place or the local event where the summer school is held. I had never participated in the Seto Kingdom Day before. 

How do you see the future of the summer school? Are there any new strategies or initiatives you are excited to implement in the coming years? 

Next year will be marked by ESTO. In the context of EKSÜ's summer school, this will be something entirely new, something we have never organized before. 

What ways do you see for individuals and communities to support EKSÜ's activities and contribute to the preservation and promotion of Estonian culture in general, even if they live far from Estonia? 

Everything starts at home. If parents want their child to speak Estonian, they make an effort for it. If parents wish to pass on Estonian heritage, they can do so even in their foreign home: whether it's through Estonian food, celebrating certain holidays, or something else. 

To support EKSÜ’s activities: I invite Estonian communities abroad to join EKSÜ. You can contribute to our input and output. And, of course, you can also make donations to EKSÜ. Send us your stories, share the daily joys and concerns of your community with others. Send announcements. We will publish them as best we can, and if we can, we will give advice or know someone who knows someone who knows how. Since our news feed is constantly fresh, keep an eye on EKSÜ's news channels, and you can stay in touch with other societies and their activities.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? 

Engaging in community activities is voluntary. But doing it together makes it easier and, in some instances, may also be more sustainable and effective. Together, we can generate new ideas and connect with people.

Together is better and more interesting.