2024 in Review

2024. 2024 is now in the rear view mirror, and this is a good moment to take a breath, look back at some highlights from last year and look ahead to what needs doing in 2025. Please follow events as they unfold and join us in our efforts to make our community stronger.

The By-Law Committee under Ilze Kuplēna-Ewart’s leadership has been working hard for over two years. Significant changes are in the works for our organization. According to the proposed by-laws, the board and executive will be replaced by one operating board, which will be elected by the membership. A new membership category for Latvian community organizations is also envisioned. Information about the proposed by-law changes will be sent out to members shortly. Contact Board Chair Ilze Kuplēna-Ewart for more information.

——————————————————————————-

LNAK won funding from the Society Integration Fund of Latvia to further develop our website. Led by Ingrīda Zemīte, this initiative included support for two new sections, which have been very well received. One (Letts Jump Into Latvian), led by Aija Mazsīle, is designed to support adult Latvian language learners while the other, led by Diāna Briede and Laura Smite, is geared to helping parents and grandparents raising young children (Latvian for Babies and Toddlers). Both have their own WhatsApp groups.

——————————————————————————-

One of LNAK’s most meaningful roles is to represent Canadian Latvians at the World Federation of Free Latvians (PBLA), which represents world Latvians at Latvian government institutions on issues such as conscription, the electoral process outside Latvia, and funding for the diaspora.iens no nozīmīgākiem LNAK pienākumiem ir Kanādas latviešu pārstāvniecība Pasaules Brīvo latviešu apvienībā (PBLA), kura pārstāv pasaules latviešus pie Latvijas valdības, izsakot diasporas viedokli tādos jautājumos kā par obligāto dienestu, balsošanas procesu ārpus Latvijas un finansiālo atbalstu diasporai.
Canada has had a leading role at the PBLA Culture Division under Juris Ķeniņš’ leadership for the last ten years. In 2025, this post will be taken over by Andra Baltmane from the European Latvian Association. We sincerely thank Juris for his contributions!
In collaboration with PBLA, three arts groups received funding from the Latvian Ministry of Culture. These were the Montreal and Ottawa Choir Atbalss, the DV Theatre Company, and the Skanda musical ensemble.
The representatives of LNAK on the PBLA Board are Fritz Kristbergs, Ingrīda Zemīte and Agra Asmus-Vāgnere. Please contact them if you have any questions.
——————————————————————————-
The Public Affairs Portfolio, which was renewed in 2023, continued to evolve. Jānis Lielāmers took over leadership of the Portfolio from longtime LNAK board member Alberts Upeslācis. One of its most prominent projects was the distribution of 5,000 #StandWithUkraine postcards directed to members of parliament. In the coming months, we will once again be turning to you for support as we continue this campaign. As the federal election approaches, we will be inviting Canadian Latvians to consider speaking to their candidates on issues affecting Latvia’s security. In 2025, we will also continue to work with the Baltic Federation in Canada. We are always looking for more help—there will be a lot to do this year. Contact Jānis Lielāmers with questions and to volunteer. 2025.
gadā turpināsim arī darboties Kanādas Baltiešu federācijā.
Aicinām talkā—darba šogad būs daudz!
Ja Jums jautājumi vai interese līdzdarboties, aizrakstiet Jānim Lielāmeram.
——————————————————————————-
In the spring, LNAK ran a campaign to increase participation in the European Parliament elections that took place in June. In collaboration with Andris Gobiņš, president of the European Movement – Latvia, we held a series of informative seminars and provided training on how to vote virtually. Resources developed by LNAK were made available on our website. Three times more votes were cast in Canada than five years ago.
——————————————————————————-
Ingrīda Zemīte (LNAK) with Dzintars Dzilna (ALA)
LNAK hosted an information table at the Song Festival in Toronto that took place from July 4 to 7, where visitors could learn about our work and pick up #StandWithUkraine postcards. This initiative was supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia. LNAK collaborated with Dzintars Dzilna from the American Latvian Association, who brought similar postcards for guests from the United States. LNAK also distributed bookmarks with links to our web content and participants were invited to contribute to a word cloud to express what they value most about Latvianness.
——————————————————————————-
LNAK once again supported Independence Day events across Canada and took an active role in organizing the events in Toronto, which included the flag raising at Toronto City Hall. The annual reception in honour of Independencce Day took place on November 16 with Latvian Ambassador Kaspars Ozoliņš and a number of Canadian politicians in attendance. 16.
novembrī notika arī tradicionālā pieņemšana ar Latvijas vēstnieka Kaspara Ozoliņa un vairāku Kanādas politiķu līdzdalību.
——————————————————————————-
LNAK continued to support Latvian schools across Canada. Long-time Education Director Elizabete Pētersone retired this year and her portfolio was taken over by Agra Asmus-Vāgnere. E. Pētersone received an Award of Merit from the World Federation of Free Latvians (PBLA) for her many years of service and we are grateful for her many contributions. Responsibilities include membership in the PBLA Education Council and supporting the work of Latvian school teachers by organizing seminars and meetings, funding applications, attending school events and other related tasks.
——————————————————————————-
On July 2, LNAK hosted a reception for Latvian Minister of Culture Agnese Lāce. This was a wonderful opportunity to meet and exchange ideas.