A New Year, and New Beginnings
The year 2026 will bring new opportunities for the Latvian community in Canada. Last April, the new LNAK Statutes were approved by the LNAK Members’ Meeting, which will come into effect this year at the general members meeting on April 11.
In drafting the new statutes, the LNAK approached and addressed almost all Latvian organizations and regions in Canada. LNAK heard you!
Two themes emerged clearly. First – to once again allow organizations to be members Second – to move LNAK out of Toronto, not physically, but substantively.
Since the last AGM, we have been working hard to make the necessary preparations to actualize our plans for a new start.
LNAK members
- organizations –
We understand the reality of the Latvian community in Canada. While some organizations have been able to continue with the same structure as in the past (chairpersons, treasurers, secretaries, board of directors), much of the work of connecting Latvians takes place in less formal organizations. The new statutes allow both official Latvian organizations in Canada and smaller associations to become members. All you need to do is fill in the entry form and return it to the LNAK office. Membership in LNAK is open to any Latvian community in Canada whose activities are consistent with the aims of LNAK (see https://lnak.net/organizacija/). For example, if Latvians in Calgary who do not currently have a formal organization want to get involved in the work of the LNAK, they can do so by coming together and submitting an application form on behalf of their community.
- individuals –
Historically, every Latvian living in Canada was automatically a member of the LNAK. Even if privacy policy no longer allows it, we still invite everyone who loves Latvia and wants to experience what the Latvian community can offer them and their loved ones, to join!
The scope of LNAK activities
The new statutes make clear the Board’s intention to involve all communities in Canada, whether they are organizations or regions. This means that no matter where people are, they can nominate their own candidates. Meetings are already held virtually – distance no longer plays a role in ability to participate.
Operational Model
In order to allow LNAK to operate in a more agile and inclusive way, the previous three-way structure will now be replaced by two: the Membership, and the Board of Directors.
Board of Directors
The General Meeting will elect the Board of Directors, which will consist of five to fifteen members. Each member of the Board will be responsible for his or her own field of activity.
Moreover, we are aware that the work of the LNAK Board is carried out on a voluntary basis. Responsibilities must be shared – everyone has their work and family responsibilities. At the same time, and considering the goal of being a geographically diverse organization, each member of the Board will work alongside a “working group”.
Working Groups
The working groups will be open to those who represent an organization or have an interest in getting involved in a specific field. Each participant will be able to come up with suggestions and help implement them. At times, participation in the working group will give you the opportunity to get to know the workings of the sector. They will also be a kind of “greenhouse” where future leaders can gain experience.
Why join and get involved in LNAK?
Those who took part in the 2025 Round Table with Zanda Grauze, Latvian Ambassador-at-Large for the Diaspora, experienced it. The idea was expressed by several of us that we should sit together more often and listen to each other!
- We live live scattered across Canada and often don’t know what is happening elsewhere. Being part of the activities of the LNAK will give you the opportunity to find out about events in the Latvian community in Canada in a timely manner.
- Each organization represented will have a “voice” at the table.
- The LNAK Board and related working groups will provide an opportunity for observations and recommendations.
- Being part of the LNAK leadership circle will give you the opportunity to network with other organizations.
- This will allow other organizations to learn from your experience.
- Being part of the activities of the LNAK Board will allow us to feel the strength of the community, to no longer be so isolated.
- It will be an environment where you can get energy from others.
- Even if it is not possible to join an organization or association, for example because of distance, everyone will be able to offer their experience and expertise.
In the next article, we will provide information about the coming elections and the electoral process. In the near future, the LNAK Transition Committee will be looking to make contact with your area or organization to give you the opportunity to get to know more about all the opportunities that LNAK now offers. If you have any questions in the meantime, please send them to the LNAK office, and our staff member Ilze Maksina will be able to forward them on. As well, please write if you have not received an offer from the LNAK Transition Committee.
Ilze Kuplēna-Ewart
LNAK Board Chair
