Aika Newspaper Collection

For the first time, the Aika newspaper collection—originally published in Finnish between 1901 and 1904—has been translated into English and is now available to read online. Aika (the Finnish word for “Time”) was the first Finnish-language newspaper published in Canada. It began in Nanaimo, B.C., before moving to Sointula, and was edited by Matti Kurikka and A. B. Mäkelä. With contributions from the founding settlers, the newspaper shared the vision for a utopian society, reported on the realities of daily life, and documented the building of the community on Malcolm Island. With subscribers around the world, Aika played a key role in connecting Finnish readers to Sointula and encouraging new settlers to make the journey.

Until recently, access to these translations was extremely limited—housed in a single binder at the Sointula Museum. Through the Aika Digitization Project, that has changed. A total of 155 articles have now been translated, compiled, formatted, indexed, and digitized, opening this remarkable collection to researchers, community members, and readers around the world.

This work was carried out by Kathy Gibler and Tammy Hampel, with Miina Jokela as the main translator, alongside additional translators Vern Aro, Loretta Rihtamo, and Sisko Salo. The project involved extensive organization and technical preparation to ensure each article is searchable, accessible, and preserved for future generations.

Now available online, the collection offers a rare and direct window into the early years of Sointula—its ideals, challenges, and everyday experiences. New translations are also being shared weekly throughout 2026, continuing to bring these voices into the present.

This project was made possible with support from the British Columbia History Digitization Program.