04/16/2026
Dear Members and Friends of the Slovenian Canadian Association,
It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of The Honourable Dr. Horst A. Schmid, former Minister of Culture for the Province of Alberta.
Dr. Schmid passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the age of 92.
Dr. Schmid was a true friend to our community and a passionate advocate for cultural preservation and heritage in Alberta. As Minister of Culture, he played a pivotal role in supporting multicultural organizations like ours, helping to celebrate and share the rich traditions of immigrant communities across the province. His warm hospitality, vision for an inclusive Alberta, and personal encouragement meant a great deal to many of us. He will be remembered as a strong supporter of our efforts to keep Slovenian language, culture, and traditions alive here in Canada.
To honour his memory and the special bond he shared with our Association, we are sharing the heartfelt letter he wrote to us on the occasion of our 40th Anniversary. In it, he praised our contributions to preserving ancestral culture, involving our youth, and building bridges within Alberta society.
Key excerpt from Dr. Schmid's letter:
"Unless we are proud from where we came we cannot expect our children to be proud of their parents and ancestors."
Dr. Schmid's words continue to inspire us today.
