Join us in congratulating Kristi Barrow and Matti Kiviväli for their prestigious recognition by the Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Margus Tsahkna, on Citizen’s Day.
In an extraordinary acknowledgment of their dedication to preserving the Estonian heritage and promoting the reputation of Estonia abroad, Kristi Barrow and Matti Kiviväli have been recognised by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Citizens’ Day, 26 November 2024. This honour underscores their exceptional contributions to the Estonian Australian community.
Kristi Barrow was honoured for her exceptional leadership in founding and advancing the Estonian Australia Media Project (AEMP), as well as for her contributions to the Estonian Cultural Foundation and the Estonian Archives in Australia. Through her efforts, she has fostered stronger connections across Estonian communities, ensuring that their cultural and historical narratives are both shared and celebrated.
Matti Kiviväli was honoured for his decades of unwavering dedication to the Estonian community and the Estonian House in Melbourne. Through his exceptional management and leadership, Matti has helped preserve an important landmark of Estonian heritage in Australia. He has created a space where the local Estonian community can thrive and has enriched it in countless ways, including safeguarding archives, teaching folk dancing, and supporting community activities.
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs annually recognises individuals and civic associations around the world for their exceptional voluntary contributions to preserving the Estonian language, culture, and identity, as well as for promoting Estonia’s global reputation. Among the 19 recipients honoured this year, Kristi and Matti were the only Estonian Australians, highlighting the distinctive impact of their work.
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna highlighted the significance of Citizens’ Day as a celebration of individuals who enhance Estonia’s global reputation through active diplomacy and community engagement. He praised the recipients for their commitment, emphasising the importance of honouring their efforts in strengthening Estonia’s presence on the world stage:
Part of Estonia are our people who tirelessly stand up for our country abroad and make Estonia a greater country. They participate in the life of Estonia and contribute to Estonia’s future through active people’s diplomacy. Be it promoting the Estonian community life in Melbourne, telling the story of Estonians in South Korea or preserving our heritage in our homeland. The Estonian state is grateful to everyone who has made a personal contribution by volunteering or doing many times more than their position would require.
Citizens’ Day aims to promote civic pride and awareness while honouring individuals and associations who have significantly contributed to preserving Estonian culture or enhancing Estonia’s global reputation. Matti and Kristi’s tireless efforts exemplify this mission, making Australia’s Estonian community incredibly proud.
Honouring contributions across the world
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged these individuals and associations across the world on Citizen’s Day.
- Matti Kiviväli for his significant contribution to leading the Melbourne Estonian House.
- Kristi Barrow for initiating and advancing a media project for the Estonian community in Australia, as well as her voluntary work in the Estonian Cultural Foundation in Australia and the Estonian Archives.
- Kairit Kolsar for her significant contributions to the Belgian Estonian School and the Estonian Society in Belgium.
- Kristi Vuht Allpere for her long-standing efforts in promoting and preserving Estonian culture in the United States.
- Andrus Ers and the Estonian Sports Association in the USA for their dedicated and consistent efforts in fostering and promoting the sports spirit among North American Estonians.
- Rita Warfia for her long-standing work in introducing Estonia in Germany.
- Anna-Maria Praks for her active efforts in introducing Estonia in Saarland, Germany.
- Mariel Sandra Korbe for telling Estonia’s story in South Korea.
- Tui Hirv for introducing Estonia in Iceland.
- Kadri-Liis Wist for introducing Estonia in Norway.
- Meribel Hagen for her significant dedication to promoting Estonian culture in Switzerland.
- Toomas and Paula Tubalkain for their continuous and dedicated efforts in preserving and promoting Estonian culture in the United States.
- Tarmo Saks for his diligent care of the virtual Estonian House – the Global Estonian portal.
- Maarja Merivoo-Parro for her humanistic interpretation of Estonian history.
- Riina Kindlam for her reflections on Estonian identity both abroad and in Estonia.
- Epp Petrone for the “Minu” (My) book series, which brings the stories of Estonians around the world to readers in Estonia.
- Astrid Edwards for her long-term and dedicated work in preserving Estonian culture and fostering communal activities in the United Kingdom.
- Karin Blakeley for her long-term and dedicated work in preserving Estonian culture and successfully leading the Estonian Society Tulevik in England.
Read more
Link to the press release on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia (in Estonian)