A Finnish professorship maintained by Finnish Canadians marks its 30th anniversary

Relative to its population, Thunder Bay is the largest Finnish community in Canada. The chair is funded by the Finnish community in the Thunder Bay area and by Finnish organizations. Fundraising for the position began as early as 1988.

Known as the Chair in Finnish Studies, the professorship lasts for one or two academic terms. The professor’s primary responsibility is teaching, but they are also expected to conduct research, preferably related to Finns who have emigrated to Canada or North America. Through the chair, connections between Finnish Canadians and Finland and Finnish identity are maintained. Previously, the position has been held by, among others, Professor Kari Alenius.

The academic field of the chair is not strictly defined, as long as it is linked in some way to Lakehead University’s faculties. Over the years, many professors have represented the historical disciplines, and research topics have often focused on migration and Finnish identity as part of Canadian society. In Thunder Bay, Juho-Antti Junno teaches a course on the origins of the Finns and studies the impact of Finnish immigrants on local agricultural and hunting cultures.

The new professor is selected by an eight-member committee comprising representatives from Lakehead University, a Finnish Canadian association, and the local Finnish community.

Approximately 13,000 Finnish immigrants or their descendants live in the Thunder Bay area, meaning that more than one tenth of the population has Finnish roots. The Great Lakes region has historically been a popular destination for Finnish immigrants, a fact that is still reflected in the area’s culture and place names.

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