In the summer of 1944, a young Estonian patriot named Endel Vaher fled his war-torn homeland with little more than faith and determination. Decades later – now known as Father Vello Salo – he would be revered as a quiet hero among Estonians abroad for keeping their culture and hope alive through the darkest years. From battlefields in Europe to classrooms in Toronto, and from Vatican City to remote Canadian forests, Salo’s life became a remarkable odyssey of service to his scattered nation.

In The Northern Voices, we often highlight artists who bridge their Nordic heritage with bold creativity, and Finnish songstress Camilla Bäckman exemplifies that spirit. Born in Helsinki and now making waves in the United States, Bäckman has carved an extraordinary path from classical violinist to multifaceted performer. She was a standout on The Voice of Finland and even became the first Finnish singer to join Cirque du Soleil’s ranks, before blossoming as a singer-songwriter with her own original music.

Kicks Off Tomorrow with U.S. Premieres, Oscar Contenders & Baltic Filmmakers

Estonia is celebrating a historic achievement in the Eurovision world: Gert Kark, a veteran television producer from Tallinn, has been appointed as the Executive Producer of the Eurovision Song Contest – one of the highest roles in contest organization. This marks the first time an Estonian (and indeed, a Baltic native) will help lead the production of Europe’s biggest music event at the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) level.

In a world filled with tanks and troops, Iceland stands out for its complete lack of a standing military. This North Atlantic nation – a founding member of NATO – has no army, navy, or air force of its own. How does a country thrive without soldiers? The answer lies in Iceland’s unique history, strategic decisions, and a culture that prizes peace. From its early independence choices to modern-day defense agreements, Iceland has charted a peaceful path that trades battalions for alliances and coast guards.

As Russia intensifies its hybrid pressure on Europe, Estonia and Latvia—two of NATO’s smallest members—find themselves once again on the front line of history. Decades after regaining independence from Soviet rule, both nations are confronting a new wave of influence from Moscow, targeting their sizable Russian-speaking populations through propaganda, cyberattacks, and political manipulation. In response, Tallinn and Riga are tightening language laws, curbing Kremlin-linked organizations, and reinforcing social unity as a matter of national survival. For Estonians and Latvians abroad, especially in North America, these developments are more than headlines—they’re reminders of why their parents fled, and why safeguarding their homelands remains a shared mission across oceans.

When most of Europe’s thrones fell to revolution, the crowns of the North quietly endured. While the monarchies of France, Germany, and Russia crumbled, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway redefined royalty itself—transforming kings from rulers into national symbols. Their Nordic neighbors took different paths: Finland’s brief monarchy faded before it began, Iceland voted its king away, and the Baltic states built republics from scratch.