I am currently completing a PhD at the University of Southern Queensland in the field of history and migration studies. As part of my PhD, I am conducting a research project that assesses the long-term settlement experiences of Polish, Latvian and Ukrainian Displaced Persons and their families in South East Queensland. The project investigates the migration of families to South East Queensland following the Second World War. It will capture the history and memories of those involved in post-war migration to Australia and who lived in South East Queensland, and will contribute to an increased understanding of the migration and settlement process.

I became interested in this topic after I found that a number of Latvian families settled in Queensland following the Second World War, however, the relevance of their histories and memories to our society has not received a lot of attention. Families who settled in Australia following the War have made significant contributions to post-war Australian society, and I feel this remains relevant for Australia into the present day.

If you migrated to Australia as a child between 1945 and 1975,  would you be interested in being a part of this project? You would be asked to complete a survey about your early settlement experiences. You can also express your interest to be involved in an interview about your family's settlement experiences. This discussion would surround your memories of your family's migration and settlement experiences.

If you are interested in participating, completing a survey, or would like to know more information, the researcher can be contacted via email - jessica.stroja@usq.edu.au

Photo courtesy of NAA: 12111, 1/1958/12/17

Jessica Stroja is an historian with an interest in studies of migration and conflict. She regularly speaks at conferences and has articles discussing Australia's wartime experiences currently in publication.

The post Seeking post-WWII Eastern European immigrants to Australia for study appeared first on Latvians Online.

Here we are again. It’s time for Latvia’s Parliament, the Saeima, to elect a president for the country. How time flies! It scarcely seems possible that four years have already passed since the incumbent, Andris Bērziņš, was elected. The person who is elected this time, probably in early June, will be Latvia’s fifth president since the restoration of the country’s independence and eighth or ninth in all of Latvia’s history (the last pre-war president, Kārlis Ulmanis, was not elected to the office, he grabbed it himself).

As I write this text three or four weeks before the actual election, I must say that I have no idea who will actually end up being chosen.  Latvia’s political parties, as is always their wont, are playing political games with the issue. The Unity party controls the prime minister’s office, the National Alliance (NA) has the chair of Speaker of Parliament, so the presidency should go to the Latvian Alliance of the Green Party and Farmers Union (ZZS), which is the third party in the governing coalition, for instance.  Apparently the characteristics and talents of the president are of secondary importance here. Political balance is the key.

I will first say that this is nothing new. Latvia’s first post-occupation president, Guntis Ulmanis, largely became president because of his surname (his grandfather was Kārlis Ulmanis’ brother) – tradition, don’t you know? Also in the running, incidentally, was Gunārs Meierovics, whose grandfather was pre-war Latvia’s legendary foreign minister, Zigfrīds.  The former surname beat out the latter. Mr Ulmanis, for understandable reasons, was not called Ulmanis during the Soviet occupation. He changed his surname after the collapse of the USSR and served two three-year terms in office.

Latvia’s next president, Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, was elected only after MPs conducted five rounds of voting, with no one winning the requisite 51 votes (of 100). She did not appear entirely out of the blue, a group of intellectuals had been touting her potential candidacy for some time before, but it was still something of a surprise. Mrs Vīķe-Freiberga spent most of her life in Canada and returned to Latvia only a year or so before the election. Her election was due in large part to the inability of squabbling parties in Parliament to elect anyone who was a member of one of them.

President Vīķe-Freiberga was first to serve a four-year term, the law having been amended to extend the term for one year. She was so popular that during the parliamentary election that preceded her re-election, most parties swore up and down that they would support her and only her.  In the event, she ran unopposed and received 88 votes, with only six MPs voting against her.

Mrs Vīķe-Freiberga’s second term came to an end at a time when Latvia’s venal political system was at pretty much the height of its venality. A key showdown between the president and the Cabinet of Ministers occurred when the latter voted to amend Latvia’s national security laws to allow anyone vouched for by a member of Parliament to gain access to state secrets. The president blocked the law, which was clearly designed in support of some of the so-called “oligarchs” who were of great influence in politics at that time, and in a resulting national referendum, the overwhelming majority of residents voted against the amendments. The referendum did not achieve the necessary proportion of the electorate to count, but it did not matter, because Parliament had quietly reversed itself on the matter anyway.

The aforementioned venality was seen very clearly when the Cabinet of Ministers, led by Prime Minister Aigars Kalvītis (he would be the one who proclaimed “seven years of abundance” not very long before the Latvian economy crashed completely), dilly-dallied over a number of possible presidential candidates before suddenly coming up with Valdis Zatlers. It has gone down in political legend that agreement on this candidate was reached by a very small group of politicos at the Rīga zoo. Valdis Zatlers was a surgeon with no political experience whatsoever, but that made no difference to those who wanted to elect him. Neither was it of any importance to them that like most doctors in post-Soviet Latvia, Dr Zatlers commonly took under-the-counter payments from his patients and, crucially, did not declare this income.  In the event, he ended up paying a small fine after having been elected, but this blatant ignoring of an issue which, I would submit, would pretty much disqualify a candidate for the top office in the land in most civilised countries, was par for the course here.

President Zatlers served only one term in office. Readers may remember that during his term, politicians in Parliament and the Cabinet were starting to get up to their old tricks once again. One outrageous example was a vote in the Saeima to soften the law on money laundering, and with retroactive effect, thus almost certainly kowtowing to the scandalous mayor of Ventspils, Aivars Lembergs, who was (and is) being tried in court for a variety of sins including, no points for guessing – money laundering.  Eventually Dr Zatlers ran out of patience and invoked a constitutional procedure to dissolve Parliament and call a fresh election. The Constitution requires a referendum on the matter, and in this particular case there is no quorum of the electorate. The president signed the order on dissolution on May 28, 2011, and on July 23, 650,518 people voted in support of the order, while only 37,289 voted against it. A more ringing rejection of a class of politicians is difficult to imagine.

The problem for Dr Zatlers was that between May 28 and July 23, there was a presidential election in Parliament. Though he had been expected to win handily, the fact that his electorate was made up of the same people whom he was kicking out of office meant that there was room for someone else. What basically happened was that Andris Bērziņš went to his ZZS faction and said “What the heck, I’ll give it a shot.” On June 2, he was elected.

President Bērziņš announced several weeks ago that he would not be seeking a second term in office. His presidency has not been without controversy. The man is no great orator, and he is prone to making occasionally puzzling statements such as his remark at one point that no one had adequately explained to him why Latvia should have to take on the expense of serving as the presiding country of the European Union, as it is doing right now. Apparently the president needed different foreign policy advisors, because the presidency is a rotating thing that comes and goes automatically for all EU member states.

Once that announcement was made, the jockeying began. First out of the blocks was the Latvian Alliance of Regions (NRA), which is a small party in opposition in the Saeima, and came up with Mārtiņš Bondars, who among other things once served as chief of staff to President Vīķe-Freiberga. Another small opposition party, the clumsily named From the Heart for Latvia (NSL) came up with Gunārs Kūtris, a former chief justice of the Latvian Constitutional Court. Small opposition party, small opposition party, no chance, no chance.

The National Alliance has said that its preferred candidate is Egīls Levits, currently a justice on the European Court of Justice. The governing Unity party has had a number of potential candidates. Party chairwoman and former Speaker Solvita Āboltiņa has had ambitions for the job, though her reputation was sullied a bit during last year’s parliamentary election, when she fell short of election and got a seat in Parliament only after one of the candidates who beat her on the list suddenly, and without much explanation, just gave the seat up. One wing of Unity would like to see European Parliament member Sandra Kalniete in the job, and she has said that she would be willing to serve. The other wing of Unity will have none of that and at one time said that it would choose another member of the EP, Artis Pabriks.

That, however, was only until the ZZS came up with its candidate.  Here, again, we have a party of various constituent parts, and, as I have written in the past, it seems abnormal on a prima facie basis that environmental activists and pesticide-using farmers are in a single party. Of some importance in this case has been the aforementioned Aivars Lembergs, whose For Latvia and Ventspils party is also a part of the ZZS.  He has been known in recent times for fairly ridiculous statements about NATO such as the idea that NATO troops are actually an occupant force comparable to the Soviet military during the occupation. This initially suggested that the ZZS could not propose Defence Minister Raimonds Vējonis, who slapped the Ventspils mayor down loudly and firmly when he made those statements.

In the event though, the party did nominate Mr Vējonis, and Unity announced that it would support him, too. Unity and the ZZS have a total of 44 votes in Parliament, seven short of the 51 that are needed. The NA has said that it will continue to insist on Mr Levits.  The largest opposition party, Harmony, which is best known for being good buddies with the ruling United Russia party in our neighbouring country, as well as for being all wishy-washy about Russia’s grand military adventure in Ukraine, has said that it will nominate MP Sergejs Dolgopolovs. The NRA is sticking to Mr Bondars. Mr Kūtris from NSL has said that this is all a matter of tactics, and perhaps his candidacy will not be put forward officially.

All of this almost certainly means that the Saeima will not elect a president in the first round of voting. One key element in this is that the vote will be secret. This is another example of the vast gap that exists between Latvia’s political class and the rest of the population. In poll after poll, vast majorities of the country’s residents have called for an open election.  Yes, this would require a constitutional amendment, but constitutional amendments are not impossible. This is just another case in which politicos are putting their own “interests” ahead of everybody else’s. For our purposes, however, it simply means that there can be all kinds of surprises in the vote.

I must say that all of these political games are wearying, but also rather dangerous. The geopolitical situation in this part of the world right now is one in which it would be more than outrageous to elect to the presidency a neophyte who must spend the first six months looking for the bathroom key, so to speak. President Zatlers was just such a neophyte, and a few months after his election, in an interview, he came up with the statement “I am … yes, who am I?”. This example of existential angst became so well-known that this year the former president used the statement as the title of his memoir.

Completely lost in all of this political manoeuvring, therefore, is the question of what kind of person the next president will be. Will he or she be firm in relations with Parliament? Does he or she have a command of international politics? What does he or she think about relations with Russia? What are his or her views on the conflict in Ukraine? What about the European Union?  What about NATO?  Does he or she speak English, which today is pretty much a prerequisite for participation in international affairs?  When US President Barack Obama or his successor meets with the new Latvian president, with whom will he or she be meeting? And above all, what is the president’s experience?  Guntis Ulmanis ran a utility company before becoming president.  Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga was a celebrated psychologist. As noted, Valdis Zatlers was a doctor. Andris Bērziņš was a banker (and, as such, managed to ensure that he has the highest retirement pension in the land – another thing that one would imagine would not fly in many other countries).

To my mind, there are several potential candidates who tick all of the aforementioned boxes, first and foremost Mrs Kalniete. She is a former Latvian foreign minister, a former ambassadress to France, a former ambassadress to the United Nations, a former ambassadress to UNESCO, a former MP, and last year she was handily re-elected to a second term in the European Parliament. It would be hard to find someone more experienced and qualified. Not that that makes any difference in the halls of Parliament. Mrs Kalniete does not even have the support of all MPs from her own party.

To summarise: next month someone is going to be elected President of the Republic of Latvia. I cannot say who that will be. No one can. Is this a way to elect the country’s top official?  One might note that in some senses it is less onerous than what is going on in the United States, with literally dozens of Republican candidates all in a race to the bottom in terms of who can best serve the bigoted “base.” True, to my mind that almost certainly means that the next President of the United States will be Hillary Clinton, and that will not be a bad thing. But in Latvia’s case, as I noted, at a time when Russia is increasingly aggressive and increasingly imperialistic, politicians would do a very bad thing by electing just anyone at all.

The post Oh Where, Oh Where Can My President Be? appeared first on Latvians Online.

Jūlija sākumā Garezers svinēja savu 50. jubileju. Uz svinībām bija sabraukuši no visas plašās Amerikas latvieši, kuriem Garezers ir mīļš un kā "otrās mājas". Lēš, ka ap 2,000 latviešu sabrauca uz Garezera svinībām no 2. līdz 5. jūlijam. Pēc svinībām Latvians Online intervēja vairākus G50 svinību dalībniekus.

Kāpēc jūs piedalījāties G50 svinībās?

Nevarēju nebūt! (Daina Bolšteina, Vašingtona)

Kopā ar pārējiem Frikadeļu zupistiem (pēdējo reizi kopā spēlējām apmēram 35 gadus atpakaļ) bijām lūgti uzstāties sestdienas Palooza notikumā Atbalsīs! (Laila Medne, Filadelfija)

Ieplānojām dalību G50 svinībās savā ASV brauciena laikā (dzīvojam Latvijā pēdējos 8 gadus), jo tā mums bija prioritāte.  Gribējām atdot pateicību un cieņu tiem, kam bija vīzija izveidot Gaŗezeru, kā arī tiem, kas gadu gaitā, tāpat kā mēs abi ar vīru, esam to cēluši, veidojuši, attīstītījuši.  Bija liela vēlme vienuviet satikt savus bijušos klases biedrus un draugus un baudīt svinību programmu, priecāties... (Vanda Dauksta, Latvija, ex-Čikāga)

Biju Garezera svinībās, tādēļ ka piedalos Garezera Sagatavošanas skolā, kā audzinātāja šogad. Vēlējos arī pieredzēt Amerikāņu latviešu kultūru, un iepazīties ar Amerikas jauniešiem. (Laila Grosa, Melburna, Austrālija)

Gaŗezers ir mana dvēsele. Es sāku apmeklēt Gaŗezeru kad man bija apmēram 8 gadi. Es biju Indrānos. Pēc nometnes (pirms tā laika kad bija GSS) es pārgāju uz absolvēju GVV 1982. gadā kopā ar 53 citiem burvīgiem, sirds draugiem. Kurš būtu domājis, ka tagad mans vecākais dēls ir jau absolvējis, un jaunākais ir GVV III. klasē, ka Gaŗezers vēl būtu? Pirms četrām vasarām es gadījos vienā kabīnē kur vācām iekšā mūsu puišus lai apmeklētu GSS, un mēs trīs saskatījāmies, mēs trīs, kas pavadījām MŪSU jaunības gadus Gaŗezerā, tagad dodam to tālāk mūsu bērniem. Tā bija baigi forša sajūta. (Maira Galiņa, Bostona)

Ko Garezers jums nozīmē?

Daina: Es esmu Gaŗezera bērns. Manas mūža pirmās vienpadsmit vasaras pavadīju Gaŗezerā, dzīvojoties pa Dzintariem un vēlāk pāris nedēļas katru vasaru apmeklējot bērnu nometni. Tad piecas vasaras apmeklēju GVV un to absolvēju. Pēc tam arī strādāju Gaŗezerā. Gaŗezers man saistīts ar tik daudz atmiņu, tik daudz draudzību, un vasaru bez tā vispār nevaru iedomāties. Kaut man šajās dienās jāceļo 500 jūdzes, lai tur nokļūtu, es to daru reizi vasarā, lai varu vismaz 2-3 dienas tur pavadīt - vidi baudīt un draugus satikt. Kāds cilvēks esmu, un kā saredzu latvisko šajā pasaulē un manā dzīvē, ir pa lielai daļai saistīts ar to, ko esmu Gaŗezerā iemācījusies un piedzīvojusi.

Laila M: Turpinājums - izglītībai, latvietībai, izaugsmei, tuvām draugu saitēm.

Vanda: Sarēķināju, ka esmu kopumā pavadījusi vairāk nekā vienu savu dzīves gadu Gaŗezerā.  Tā nozīme manā dzīvē, ne tikai laika ziņā,  ir neizsakāmi liela.  Pirms Latvija atguva savu neatkarību, Gaŗezers bija mana Latvija. Gaŗezers man nozīmē vietu kur:

- ieguvu zināšanas par Latviju un latvisko;
- izveidoju draudzības mūža garumā (to skaitā - mēs ar vīru iepazināmies Gaŗezerā, tur laulājāmies un svinējām kāzas, tur kristīti mūsu bērni);
- esmu gan saņēmusi/baudījusi latvisku audzināšanau un kultūru, gan pielikusi savu roku/balsi to veidojot;
- ir mana sabiedrība, kur varu atpūsties un priecāties - latviski.

Laila G: Garezers man nozīmē - vieta kur sanāk latvieši no visiem Amerikas štatiem un izbauda latviešu kultūru.

Maira: Man Gaŗezers nozīmē vietu, kurā es piedzīvoju savu pirmo īsto mīlestību, vietu kur man bija pirmā buča, vieta kur es sadraudzējos ar sirds draugiem un draudzenēm, kuri ir mani vismīļākie draugi vēl šodien. Gaŗezers man nozīmē vietu, kur latviešu jaunieši satiekas un nodibina mūža draudzības - vislabākās un vismīļākās.

Ko sagaidījāt no šīm svinībām?

Daina: Sagaidīju, ka būs daudz cilvēku, un tā arī bija—Gaŗezerā sabrauca milzums daudz cilvēku. Satiku krietni daudz draugus un paziņas, kurus nebiju sen redzējusi - tas vienmēr jauki. Sagaidīju, ka sarīkojumi būs saistoši un labas kvalitātes, un arī tas piepildījās.

Laila M:  Tikties ar ilgi neredzētiem draugiem, paziņām, izbaudīt mūziku, uzvedumus, Māras Pelēces filmu.

Vanda: Sagaidījām nostaļģisku atskatīšanos uz pirmiem 50 gadiem.  Sagaidījām saviļņojošu programmu.  Sagaidījām prieka asaras un smieklus, skaistas sarunas. Sagaidīto arī sagaidījām/piedzīvojām!

Laila G: Sagaidīju daudzus pasākumus, un daudzus latviešus sapulcējušos vienā vietā. Tā arī bija.

Maira: Tieši to, kas bija - draugi, labs laiks, tikšanās, smiekli, ciemošanās, vienreizēji koncerti, notikumi un pāri pār visu, viss bija ELEGANTI noorganizēts! Cepure nost rīkotājiem!

Kas visspilgtāk paliks atmiņā no svinībām?

Daina: Dokumentālfilma "Satiksimies Gaŗezerā!", vispirms tādēļ, ka tas kaut kas paliekošs, ko varēs vēl ar citiem dalīties. Otrkārt tādēļ, ka to ar simtiem gaŗezernieku ezermalā noskatīties bija vienreizējs piedzīvojums. Iepriekš likās, ka cilvēki varbūt uzmanīgi neskatīsies, jo tie gribēs ciemoties un sarunāties. Reiz, kad filma iesākās, iestājās klusums, un skatītāji patiesi dzīvoja līdzi - applaudēja, smējās, vienā punktā pat dziedāja līdzi! Man īpaši aizkustināja, ka spontāni izcēlās aplauss, kad filmā pieminēja prāvestu Vili Vārsbergu, bez kura Gaŗezers nebūtu. Beidzot tādēļ, ka filma ļoti labi atspoguļo Gaŗezeru, tā garu un tā pievilkšanas spēku. Arī paliks atmiņā tas, ka galvenajai svētku programmai Dziesmu leja bija skatītāju pārpildīta - tik daudz cilvēku tur tiešām sen nebija bijis. Koncerts pats bija skaists un piemērots, un to skatītāji arī izbaudīja. Īpaši jauki bija novērot ar kādu sajūsmu un prieku gan GVV jaunieši, gan citu pilsētu tautas deju kopu dejotāji uzstājās. Kad koncerta beigās mēs visi piecēlāmies kājās, sadevāmies rokās un dziedājām "Pūt, vējiņi", tad jau visādas emocijas tika spilgti izjustas.

Laila M: Kopsajūta pēc lielā jubilejas akta. Bija ļoti daudz cilvēku, pilna Dziesmu leja, kad kopīgi noslēdzām vakaru dziesmā šūpojoties un aizvadot saulītes starus.

Vanda: 

1. Māras Pelēces filmas noskatīšanās - gan pati filma (kurā, šķiet, katrs varēja ieraudzīt kautko, kas atspoguļoja viņa/s Gaŗezera piedzīvojumu), gan filmas seanss - voleja laukumā 2 stundas visiem acis pielīmētas pie ekrāna, mutes kaktiņi nepārtrauktā smaidā...
2. Uzvedums Dziesmu lejā - no kora un deju priekšnesumiem līdz ballītei...
3. Koncerts visas dienas garumā Atbalsīs
4. Dievkalpojums, kurā māc. Anita Vārsberga sprediķa laikā no altāra nofotografēja sevi un visu draudzi selfijā, lai uzsvērtu to, ka katrs esam daļa no kautkā lielāka....
5. Atzīšos, ka man tādā negatīvā atmiņā paliks uguņošana. Nepārprotiet - tā bija augsta līmeņa, iespaidīga un ar Gaŗezerā vēl nepieredzētu "WOW" faktoru.  Pie tam atzīmējot 4. jūliju, ASV neatkarības svētkus - vietā, kur latvieši 50 gadus brīvi saglabājuši latvisko identitāti un kultūru. Par to, cepure nost, gods godam un paldies ASV.  Bet dūņezera malā sēžot, acīm žilbstot, mani pārņēma skumjas par šāda veida naudas iztērēšanu. Saprotu, ka uguņošanu noziedoja un paldies arī ziedotājiem par to. Bet nebija ne latviskās pieticības, nedz vienkāršības skaistuma. :-(  Un naudiņu būtu varējuši izmantot lietderīgāk....

Laila G: Visspilgtāk man atmiņā paliks sestdienas vakara koncerts, kuram sekoja Pērkons koncerts un pēc tam DJ-Aiva. Man ļoti patika, kā pirmais koncerts bija salikts, iesaistot gan tautasdejas, gan koru dziesmas, sakombinējot dažādas lietas par Garezeru.

Maira: Koncerts Dziesmu lejā sestdienas vakarā bija nepārspējami aizkustinoši burvīgs.

Kādu jūs saredzat Garezera nākotni?

Daina: Kaut daudz lietu Gaŗezerā nav pa gadiem mainījušās, tomēr maiņas ir redzamas un tā tas turpināsies. Varbūt dotajā momentā grūti iedomāties, ka Gaŗezers vēl pastāvēs 50 gadus, bet 20-30 gadus tas, lēnām mainoties un šodienas apstākļiem kaut cik pielāgojoties, katrā ziņā vēl varēs turpināt darboties kā latviešu kulturāls centrs, satikšanās vieta, un bērnu un jauniešu izglītības iestāde.

Laila M: Es vēlos redzēt Gaŗezeru kā spēcīgu latvisku vidi, kur jauniešiem piedāvā izcilu programmu un dod iespēju pašiem izveidot savu latvisko "es".

Vanda: Bijām klāt paneļdiskusijā par šo jautājumu G50 svinību laikā. Arī neformāli ar klases biedriem šo pārrunājām.  Bez šaubām tas ir sāpīgākais/sarežģītākais jautājums, kas Gaŗezera veidotājiem stāv priekšā. Jo — grūti iedomājams tāds Gaŗezers "for God and Latvia", ja nu tas ir bijis (un tam jābūt?) "Dievam un Latvijai". Kā nodrošināt pēc iespējas daudziem augsta līmeņa programmas latviešu valodā, cenšoties vienlaikus iesaistīt latviešus, kuriem valodas zināšanas ir vājas? Saredzu, ka arvien lielāku lomu ņems audzinātāji un skolotāji no Latvijas.

Laila G: Garezers man šķiet turpināsies ļoti ilgu laiku, te ir nākotne jauniešos, kuriem ir liels gribasspēks uzturēt šo latviešu kultūru.

Maira: Kamēr cilvēki ņem aktīvu dalību, un dzen Gaŗezeru uz priekšu, piekopj visu, kas darāms (fiziski uzturēt Gaŗezeru ir neticāmi grūts darbs), Gaŗezers pastāvēs. Vai ar laiku tas pāries vairāk uz divvalodu līmeni? Grūti teikt vai spriest, ļoti iespējams, BET te vēl arvien pastāv ļoti dedzīga latvietība. Vai ar laiku būs maiņas? Noteikti, bet cerams ka tas gars un tā jušana, kas iesēžas jauniešu dvēselēs nekad nezudīs. Var tikai cerēt.

The post Garezera 50. jubilejas svinības – ko domā apmeklētāji? appeared first on Latvians Online.

The 56th Latvian Cultural Festival, to be held in Melbourne from 26th Dec 2016 to 1st Jan 2017 is just around the corner. Latvians Online spoke to one of the organisers, Lara Brenners, to find out what's in store for Australian Latvians - and anyone else interested in Latvian culture - at the end of the year.

1. The first question on everyone's lips is - who will this year's guests from Latvia be? And will there be any other groups from overseas?
This year we have a number of guests from Latvia. Firstly we have folk dance group from Latvia - "Līgo" - with their leader, Jānis Purviņš, (organiser of countless Latvian Dance festivals, recipient of the Order of the Three Stars, choreographer of many folk dances) as well as mixed choir "Anima" from Saulkrasti, led by Laura Leontjeva un Kārlis Rūtentāls. "Anima" un "Līgo" will have separate guest concerts at the Cultural Festival. Ivars Cinkuss an Uģis Prauliņš will also be here to help produce the project "Pagānu Gadagrāmata" as well as weaver Māris Maniņš.

2. Are any official representatives from the Latvian government planning to attend the Festival?
Several invitations have been extended and we are still waiting for replies. We are hopeful on this front.

3. What is planned in terms of Latvian events in Federation Square [for those unfamiliar with Melbourne - an events/performance space in the centre of town, opposite Flinders St Station]? 
This event is planned as an exhibition of traditional song & dance where we can showcase a small excerpt of our culture to the broader Australian Public.  On the centre stage, our short performance will be broadcast onto the big screen, a free event for passersby to stop and enjoy!

4. Will all the usual KDs events be part of the programme? Choral concert, folk dancing concert, a theatre performance, etc?
Yes, the standard KDs events will all be part of the program.  These events are part of the rich history of the Cultural Festival and are important to the continuing traditions of the festival as a whole.

5. Any other events planned that haven't been part of the programme previously?
This year we have a new event – "Pagānu Gadagrāmata". This is a musical piece written by Uģis Praulins, directed by Ivars Cinkuss which has not been performed outside of Latvia before. Melbourne's own koris "Daina" and male choir " Veseris" were personally selected to perform this. We also have an Arts and Crafts exhibition planned which has not featured as part of the festival for many years.

6. Where can people get more information about the Festival?
The website is almost up and running. Here information will be readily available and constantly updated.

7. The World Latvian Economics and Innovations Forum is also scheduled in Melbourne during these dates. Can you tell me a bit about this event? Will events of both the Festival and Forum overlap?
This event was first hosted in Rīga in 2013, the second in 2015 and it was decided in 2015 that the next event should be held outside Latvia, with Australia selected as the next venue.  The forum will be held on the 29th and 30th December in conjunction with KDs.

8. Which Festival events will those who don't speak Latvian be able to enjoy?
With two art exhibitions, sports, a youth musical performance, folk dancing, a combined choir concert, a musical (with subtitles), a comedy show, film night etc., there are many events that can be enjoyed by those who don't speak Latvian.

9. What is the overall feeling within the Melbourne Latvian community, gearing up for the Festival (bearing in mind that it only takes place in Melbourne every six years)?
Melbourne is starting to get the KDs buzz, with many warm-up fundraising events occuring throughout the year.  The Melbourne community is exceptionally supportive of the upcoming KDs festival & looks forward to welcoming interstate visitors & overseas guests alike to its home.

10. What would you like to say to those who live interstate and are thinking of attending the Festival?
This year's KDs is gearing up to be a big event with a lot to see and do for all people.  We have aimed to keep most of the festival events around the Latvian House hub so that a central location is maintained adding for ease of travel access for guests.

11. Why do you think the Australian Latvian Cultural Festival is still going strong - already into its 56th year?
The festival, although now held every second year, is still going strong because of an ongoing drive within the community for people to identify with their past and their culture. Many of my friends now have children of their own and are back actively in the community exposing their children to the Latvian lifestyle in all its glory.

The post Australian Latvians to celebrate their culture in Melbourne in December appeared first on Latvians Online.

"Vai jūs zināt, kas ir Varavīksne?"

"Protams, to taču zina katrs!"

"Bet vai jūs zināt, ka Varavīksne dzied?"

"Nē, varavīksne nedzied, tā vizuļo, spulgo, laistās, bet nedzied! Kurš gan ir dzirdējis, ka varavīksne dzied?!"

"Bet es esmu dzirdējusi, ka Varavīksne dzied, es dziedāju tai līdz."

"Kas tā ir par varavīksni, kas dzied?! Kā tā ir par varavīksni, kurai tu dziedāji līdz?"

Tā ir un bija latviešu Varavīksne. Latviešiem ir sava Varavīksne, un atrast to var Sibīrijā, Omskas apgabala Augšbebru ciematā. Šogad latviešu folkloras ansamblis „Varavīksne” svinēja 30 gadu jubileju, un Baškīrijas latviešu folkloras ansamblis „Atbalss” bija ieradies, lai to apsveiktu.

Omskas apgabala Augšbebru ciematā latvieši dzīvo jau piektajā paaudzē. Jau izsenis zināms, ka latvieši ir dziedātāju tauta, tāpēc nav it nekāds brīnums, ka ciematā tika veidots ansamblis. Sākumā tā dalībnieces bija vietējās ciema sievas, kuras savā pūrā glabāja vecmāmiņu mācītās un no Latvijas „atvestās” dziesmas. Latviešu sievas dziedāja dziesmas, bet viņu bērni mācījās latviešu rotaļas. Vienas no pirmajām ansambļa dalībniecēm bija Nezduļķe Alma, Brūne Līna, Puce Zenta, Jurašu Alma, Leja Milda. Starp pirmajiem ciemata bērniem, kas sāka darboties „Varavīksnē” mināma Olga Benke (Kalniņa) un viņas māsas Aksana, Inna, Jevgēnija, Natālija. Tagad no mazajām meitenēm, kas gāja rotaļās, izaugušas „Varavīksnes” pastāvīgas dziedones. Daļa Augšbebriešu, kas pārcēlušies uz Omskau, aktīvi darbojas Omskas latviešu biedrībā „Zvaigznīte”.

Gāja visādi. Tērpus darināja tādus, kādus prata, vēlāk ar žurnālistes Vairas Strautnieces un Krievijas latviešu kongresa priekšsēdētājas Laumas Vlasovas palīdzību tos atveda no Latvijas. Ar Laumas Vlasovas gādību „Varavīksne” ieguva savu karogu, arī Latvijā darinātu. Ansamblis trīs reizes ir piedalījies Dziesmu un deju svētkos Rīgā, aktīvi sadarbojas ar latviešu diasporu Baškīrijā. Augšbebrieši savas zināšanas papildina regulāri apmeklējot „3x3” nometni. Aktīvākās ansambļa dalībnieces ir izveidojušas savdabīgu latviešu kultūras iepazīšanas programmu, ar kuru izklaidē uz Augšberiem atbraukušos viesus. Apmeklētāji tiek iepazīstināti ar latviešu sadzīvi, kas ļoti spilgti atklāta ciema muzejā, ar latviešu nacionālajiem ēdieniem, svētku tradīcijām, rotaļām.

Kopš 1991. gada no Latvijas uz Augšbebriem brauc skolotājs, kas māca latviešu valodu. Tiesa gan lielākā daļa ciema ļaužu runā vai saprot latviski, skolotājs vairāk strādā ar bērniem, kuri latviešu valodu nezina tik labi, kā viņu vecāki vai vecvecāki. Diemžēl jau otro gadu skolotājs uz Augšbebriem vairs nebrauc, bet pastāv ļoti liela cerība, ka tas atkal būs iespējams.

Esot Augšbebru ciemā pārņem miers un prieks. Vēro vietējos latviešus un saproti, ar cik lielu apņēmību viņi saglabā to, kas pastāv jau piecas paaudzes – dziesmas, tradīcijas, apziņu, ka esi latvietis. Tiek vārīts ķimeņu siers un pelēkie zirņi, latviešu tautas tērps ir kā pieaudzis viņu miesai. Viņus zina un apmeklē ciemiņi no Latvijas un Krievijas, un augšbebrieši prot pārsteigt, un lielais pārsteigums ir latviskā pieticība un spēcīgā apziņa, ka esi latvietis.

The post Sibīrijas Latviešu folkloras ansamblis “Varavīksne” svin 30 gadu jubileju appeared first on Latvians Online.

Whew! The Latvian capital city of Rīga just finished being the European Cultural Capital, and the very next day all of Latvia became the presiding country of the Council of the European Union for the next six months! This is not an elected position, it comes around on a rotating basis once every … let me see, 28 member states, so once every 14 years. There has been mumbling in Brussels from time to time about the idea that this is rather silly, shifting the centre of operations, as it were, from Rome to Rīga and then on to Luxembourg City, as will be the case this time, but for the time being, the system is what it is.

In practical terms, this means that for the next half-year, Latvia will be able to set at least some of the agenda for the EU. Our government has said that priorities will include employment issues, further steps to overcome the consequences of the recent financial crisis, digitalization issues, the EU’s role in human rights defence across the globe, and particularly the European Union’s Eastern Partnership Programme, which seeks to develop relations with Eastern European countries that are not in the EU, but might want to become members in future. During the course of the presidency, our government ministers will become chairs of the relevant sectors at the EU level. A number of high-level meetings will be held, including a meeting of European and Asian education ministers, a summit meeting on standardisation in the EU, and particularly the Eastern Partnership Summit, which will bring together leaders from EU member states, as well as from the partnership countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine). Fingers crossed that our ministers will be up to the task, seeing as how some of them are brand spanking-new ministers who only took office after last autumn’s parliamentary election. Fingers more precisely crossed that the same will be true of our civil servants, who will be doing the behind-the-scenes work to make sure that all proceeds smoothly.

(A parenthetical note, if one may: The centre of operations for the Latvian presidency will be at our comparatively brand spanking-new Latvian National Library, which means that for the duration, visitors to the library will have to enter through the back door, and they will find that much of the library is closed to them; be that as it may, if you happen to be in Latvia during the next six months, visit the library anyway – it is an architectural glory.)

The Eastern Partnership issue bears particular consideration for Latvia’s presidency, because, of course, to our East (and South) are not only the aforementioned EU member wannabes, but also a big country which would be just as happy to see the said wannabes far away from the EU (to say nothing of NATO). I refer, of course, to Russia, which is a country that appears to have endless stores of mischief and outright aggression in relation to what the Kremlin continues to consider its “sphere of influence” in geopolitical terms. Readers will know what this means. Of the aforementioned six countries, three, or one-half, have territory that is occupied by Russia either supposedly permanently (Abkhazia and South Ossetia in Georgia, Transnistria in Moldova, Crimea in Ukraine) or at least temporarily (the Donbas in Ukraine). Moscow is betting, and not without reason, that the EU will not admit for membership any country that has outstanding border issues with another. Here it bears remembering that the absence of a border treaty between Latvia and Russia at one time was seen as a potential stumbling block for our own membership, though in the event the treaty was only ratified three years after Latvia joined the EU and NATO.

What might Putin do? I would say God only knows, but I suppose that even God with all of his omniscience doesn’t have a clear sense about this. It is clear that the sanctions that were imposed against Russia by the West in the wake of Putin’s grand adventures in Ukraine have started to bite and bite hard. Readers will know that over the past month or two, the value of the Russian rouble has basically collapsed. International companies that operate in Russia have found themselves having to change the price of their goods and services, as denominated in roubles, once a day or even more often. Inflation has been rising rapidly. Capital outflow from Russia, active for some time now, has turned into a raging torrent. The embargo on Western food products that Moscow imposed in response to the sanctions has in many cases resulted in food shortages. Russian leaders may smirk about visa restrictions that have been established on them, but it is clear that in many cases they are inconveniences for grand poohbahs who are no longer able to visit their villas in the South of France or whatever.

Now, in a normal country, all of this would turn public opinion against the ruling regime. In Russia, however, the Kremlin’s nearly total monopolisation of the mass media, and particularly the broadcast media, has ensured an endless flow of mendacious propaganda to suggest that Russia has done nothing wrong, the problem is that the wicked West has always conspired against it with the aim of bringing it to its knees. Putin said so in a speech a while back – even if Russia hadn’t begun to meddle in Ukraine, he said (thus, incidentally, more or less admitting something that he had steadfastly denied – that Russian troops are actually in Ukraine), the West would have found some other excuse to do what it is doing. The current government in Ukraine is made up of fascists. All of the bloodshed in Ukraine has been the doing of the said fascists (Russian TV has gone so far as to show grotesque pictures from conflicts in the former Yugoslavia and Chechnya and claim that they are from South-eastern Ukraine). And so on.

With respect to the Eastern Partnership countries, it is not just Russia’s occupation of land. There is also the so-called Eurasian Union that has been Putin’s baby for the past decade and more. Initially established by Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus on the ruins of the old Confederacy of Independent States, the union is intended to be a counterweight to the EU. Readers will remember that it was specifically former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich’s decision to turn toward the Eurasian Union and away from the European Union that led to the protests that quite quickly caused him to close down shop and flee like the sinking-ship rat that he was. Certainly the new Ukrainian government has no interest whatsoever in re-joining the clutches of the Russian bear. By contrast, Armenia has signed up to the Eurasian Union, and its membership took effect on January 1 this year. It will be interesting to see what the Armenians will have to say when they turn up at the Eastern Partnership summit in Rīga.

There is also, of course, the issue of energy. Moscow has never been shy about using its natural gas supplies as a geopolitical tool of blackmail. True, this tool was more effective back when the price of oil was high. Now that it is very low, the room for manoeuvre for Gazprom is rather limited, because Russia’s national budget, such as it is, is predicated on the assumption that oil prices will be high. Still, it is worth noting here that last autumn, amidst much pomp and circumstance, Lithuania opened a new liquefied gas terminal that, crucially, will be appropriate for receiving so-called shale gas from the United States. Latvia’s government, by contrast, has spent years discussing whether it might possibly start to analyse the eventuality of perhaps considering a discussion about whether to debate the issue of maybe building a terminal of its own and then to ponder where to put it … that kind of thing. Enough said.

Finally, there is the Russian military. Readers will know that in recent times Russian warplanes have been regularly skirting and sometimes entering the airspace of NATO member states such as Latvia. The alliance has been forced to regularly scramble its own warplanes to go and chase the intruders away. This is a potentially dangerous game of one-upmanship. It is accompanied by a lower-level so-called hybrid war, which includes the aforementioned mendacious propaganda (Russian television channels are freely available here in Latvia, too, and it is worth noting that at least a few residents of our country have taken it to mean that they, too, should go to South-eastern Ukraine to fight against the “fascists”), as well as cyber-attacks of various kinds. It was no accident that the EU decided to place its main cyber-security centre in Estonia, which suffered a vast cyber-attack, almost certainly if not from the Kremlin, then certainly with its blessing, after the so-called “bronze soldier” riots.

The $64,000 question here is whether Vladimir Putin is crazy enough to launch a real conflict against NATO. There is a body of thought in Russia itself that suggests that messing around in places such as Ukraine and Moldova will not scratch the dictator’s itch, because such countries are not in the EU or NATO, and thus Russia’s intervention there does not affect Western interests directly. The Baltic States, which are in the EU and NATO, are a different matter, and they may prove to be too tempting a piece of fruit for the Kremlin to resist.

I doubt that this is true. After years of dilly-dallying about Baltic security plans, NATO in more recent times has been saying more and more clearly that if necessary, it will take all necessary steps to defend the three republics, as provided for in the famous Article 5 of the NATO Treaty. There are boots on the ground here already, so to speak – American and other soldiers who are here for the duration. Plus, of course, for some years now NATO has been providing the warplanes that are necessary for monitoring Baltic airspace, something for which we can be grateful not least because Latvia, of course, has no warplanes of its own. Far from it. This, among other things, has, with increasing urgency, brought up the issue of Baltic defence spending. Estonia spends the requisite 2% of GDP. Latvia does not and, even with all that is going on in Ukraine, will not until 2020 at the earliest. Once again – enough said. Readers may roll their eyes if they wish.

All that said, I do not believe that Latvia needs to fear for its security. It is likely that during the EU presidency Latvia will face various kinds of harassment from Russia, as Lithuania did do when it held the presidency during the second half of 2013. But Russia at this time is a wounded bear. The occasional swipe of a paw may be all that it is capable of right now. And I say again – NATO is standing guard. Amen.

In domestic politics, a big event this year will be a presidential election. Readers will know that Latvia’s president is elected by Parliament, not the public, and even though the new Parliament has a number of parties that wish to institute a popularly elected presidency, there is little chance that this will happen in time for the election that is to take place in June (and, for various reasons, it would not be a good idea even after that; that would be the topic for a separate column). The incumbent president, Andris Bērziņš, has not yet said whether he will seek a second term in office. He has been a mediocre president, I must say. No great orator. An excessive focus on business issues at the expense of human rights. Occasional weirdness (as in public ruminations a while back as to whether there really is any reason for Latvia to spend the money that is necessary to take over the EU presidency, as if this were not an automatic process). I believe that it would be just as well if he decided to retire, though that would mean the usual political ruckus in Parliament to come up with an alternative.

Finally, socially conservative readers may wish to skip this paragraph, but also in June, Rīga will host the European LGBT Pride event, Europride. Thousands of people are expected to visit the Latvian capital for the event, and although homophobic types have already been trying to organise a protest of opposition, the event will occur, and it will be a proud and magnificent event. All for the good.

All in all, I believe that Latvians can feel secure about their motherland during 2015. The economy is doing OK, just OK. The 2015 national budget is perhaps predicated upon excessively optimistic expectations of growth, but there will be growth. As noted, security in the primary sense of the word is abetted by the world’s most powerful military alliance. What remains to be hoped is that our politicians will simply demonstrate common sense in response to the various challenges that they will face. Of course, as always in politics, that is easier said than done, but fingers crossed anyway.

What can you do if you live in Chicago or London or Perth or Walla Walla? If you are religious, pray for Latvia. If you have the wherewithal, you can help financially. The Vītols Foundation, for instance (www.vitolufonds.lv), administers hundreds of scholarships to help needy students pursue a higher education. You can set up one of your own if you wish.

But above all, come visit! Not right now. It’s sloppy and messy outside with snow and especially slush. But think about it during the summer. I know that the American Latvian Association will once again be running its “Hi, Latvia” programme for American Latvian teenagers. I know this because one of my nephews will be one of those to take part. Why not come along with your kid? If you’ve never been here, I recommend it. Architecture fans will be agog at the variety of architectural styles, particularly Art Nouveau, that can be seen in Rīga. Countryside types can visit hundreds of guesthouses and inns all across the country (see www.laukucelotajs.lv for a list). It is a sad fact that during the summer, most of Latvia’s cultural institutions are shut down, but if you come in the spring or the autumn, there will be hardly an evening when you will not be able to attend a world-class theatrical or musical performance of one type or another. Come. You won’t regret it.

And keep on reading “Latvians Online.” Keep on reading Latvian news portals. Be up on what’s going on here, particularly if you are a citizen of the Republic of Latvia and plan to or have been taking part in elections. All of us have only these 64,569 square kilometres (almost precisely the same size as West Virginia in the United States) of cherished motherland. For all intents and purposes, the fact that ours is the independent Republic of Latvia is something of a miracle. It could all have gone differently both in the early 1920s and in the wake of the collapse of the Soviet Union. We can all work to make it a better place. Of course, that is easier done if one actually lives here (in September it will be 25 years since I fetched up on these shores – where does the time go?), but, as noted, there are things that you can do, too. You can polish up your Latvian language skills, for instance. Yes, it’s not the easiest language in the world what with all of the cases and declinations and diacritical markings and what not, but knowing Latvian will allow you and your friends to talk about Americans or Canadians or Australians without them knowing what you’re saying. That’s something. And definitely make sure that your kids learn the language. Three hours on Saturday at the local Latvian school and six weeks at a summer camp won’t do the trick if you don’t lay the foundation at home. Perhaps one day your children will want to live and work in Latvia. That won’t work without the language. Don’t deny them the opportunity.

Happy New Year, everyone! It is wonderful that our country is free.

The post 2015: What can we expect? appeared first on Latvians Online.

Kas tas ir par fenomēnu ar mums, latviešiem, ka mums savas tautības un "latviskuma" apliecinājums visefektīvāk izpaužas masu pasākumos? Teiciens, ka "kopībā ir spēks" tiešām ir pierādīts fakts, īpaši saistībā ar skaitliski mazākām tautību grupām. Austrālietim vai amerikānim ir skaidrs, kas viņš ir un par to viņš lepojas jebkurā vietā un laikā. Masu pasākumi, kā piem. futbola spēles, beisbola spēles, vai neatkarības dienas pasākumi ir aizkustinoši un saliedējoši, bet bez tiem pats austrālis vai amerikānis var justies tīri ērti savā ādā, sakot "I'm proud to be an Aussie" vai ko tamlīdzīgu, ne vienmēr alkstot pēc šo masu pasākumu pūļa aizkustinājuma.

Latviešiem ir svarīgi savu piederību latviešu tautai svinēt un ar aizkustinājumu "piedzīvot" masu pasākumos. Mums šis enerģijas lādiņš ir svarīgs, vai tas notiktu pašā Latvijā, Dziesmu svētku pasākumā Mežaparka estrādē, vai kur citur - Milvokos, Hamiltonā, Adelaidē, Sidneja, vai Briselē. Kamēr Latvija bija okupēta, trimdā šis saliedētības moments bija īpaši svarīgs - savu latvisko piederību, savu etnisko mantojumu kopīgi piedzīvot un izdzīvot ikgadus, īpaši atlicinātā laikā un vietā. Tagad mums, latviešiem, šis kopīgais pārdzīvojums ir tikpat svarīgs, arī ja Latvija ir neatkarīga - mums regulāri vajag pašiem sev atgādināt, ka esam lepni par savu tautību, un visu, kas ar to saistīts.

Tāpēc 55. Kultūras dienas Sidnejā ir tikpat svarīgas latviešiem, cik tās bija pirms 50 gadiem Austrālijā, ASV un Kanādā un Rietumeiropā kā arī 2013. gadā Rīgā, Latvijā. Jo tās mums pašiem atklāj no jauna, ka mēs esam dzīva, iedvesmota tauta. Ka mēs spējam paši smelties no mūsu pašu garamantām un tās pārveidot, ļaut tām mūs iedvesmot un radīt - vai tas būtu jauns tautas dziesmu aranžējums, vai skaņdarbs, kas iedvesmots no mūsu piedzīvojumiem Latvijas apciemojumā vai moderna tautas deju horeogrāfija, vai mūsu tautas iemīļotais pīrāgs īsfilmas veidolā. Mēs spējam sev pierādīt, ka mākam iet laikiem līdzi, mākam pielāgoties mūsdienām, turpinot tradīcijas, bet tās ietērpjot mūsdienīgos tērpos. Mums ir vēlme šo visu turpināt, jo mēs vēl arvien gribam un varam no šī kopīgā pārdzīvojuma just piederību kaut kam lielākam un tai pašā laikā vērtīgam. Vērtīgam un augstu vērtējamam. Augstu vērtējamam, jo tas ir mūsu pašu latviskās dvēseles spogulis.

Pievienoju dažu mūsu Kultūras dienu dalībnieku un skatītāju viedokļus par nupat, 55. Kultūras dienās Sidnejā, piedzīvoto, atbildot uz sekojošiem jautājumiem:

1. Kas vislabāk patika, kas visilgāk paliks atmiņā?

Īsfilmu konkurss. Patikās jo tas bija kautkas neparasts un parādija daudz jaunradušās idejas. (Pēteris Strazds)

Man patika visi sarīkojumi, kurus es apmekēju KD. Varēja just, ka darbinieki bija ļoti rūpīgi piestrādājuši pie katra sarīkojuma. Liels lepnums ir par atklāšanas koncertā dzirdētiem vietējiem komponistiem un māksliniekiem. (Elīna Rikarde)

Manā atmiņā paliks vairākas lietas, katra sava iemesla dēļ. Tomēr, ja ir jāizvēlas tikai viena lieta, tad tas būtu kopkoru koncerts, jo es pati tur piedalījos.

Kopkoris - kuplo dziedātāju skaita (no vairākām Austrālijas pavalstīm, kā arī no Īrijas un Latvijas). Bija īsti latviešu svētki, loti vienojoša sajūta. DIRIĢENTI!!!!
Tautas dejas - šis ir sarīkojums, kur nav nepieciešamas latviešu valodas zināšanas, tāpēc var sastapt/redzēt pavisam citu publikas daļu, kam tomēr, acīmredzot ir tuva latviešu kultūra.
Īsfilmu konkurss "Pīrāgs" - ļoti interesanta un saistoša ideja. Vārds un nozīme pīrāgam sniedzas pāri daudzām robežām, valodām un kulinārām mākslām.
Sadziedāšanās vakars - Jaunatne, kas tik vareni dziedāja līdzi! (Kristīne Saulīte)

What we both liked about KD's most of all was the Sadziedāšanās evening.  The evening was really good fun. We sang, swayed with linked arms and smiled and laughed a lot.  The host was fantastic.  He had the focus of the crowd and motivated everyone to sing along to all songs. Particularly we liked the song about "my hat has 3 corners" - brilliantly hosted so we could all follow easily and we laughed a lot. We also liked when Ints was in the middle of the room instructing us to make many unusual sounds. The crowd also danced during some songs making it even more fun. The food was very nice and tasty and plentiful. All around a wonderful evening.

We also love performing in the tautas dejas concert. The rehearsals leading up to the concert were very well organized and stress free, thanks to the organizers.  The concert went well and we were pleased with how we danced as a group (Piektais Ritenis).

The Wizard of Oz play was awesome.  The costumes and the sets were all amazing, very colorful and effective. Overall the play was run professionally and everyone knew what they were doing. The set and scene changes were smooth. What was most pleasing was that many children were involved and they were very well rehearsed.  Well done to the Sydney Latvian Theatre group.

The kids basketball was also a highlight. Melbourne v. Sydney.  It was very exciting and a close game. The kids had a great time and the parents enjoyed it too. (Sally and Eric Cīrulis)

2. Kā šīs Kultūras dienas atšķīrās no citām?

Ar jaunradēm – Īsfilmu konkursu un ar savādāku teātri. (Pēteris Strazds)

Ar jaunu (gados) darbinieku piedalīšanos. Liels dabs kopkora skanējuma uzlabošanai. Piesaistot divus korus un profesionālus vietējos un Latvijas māksliniekus. Jaunievedums - Filmu vakars. (Elīna Rikarde)

Katrām Kultūras dienām ir kaut kas ļoti līdzīgs, bet ir arī savas atšķirības. Manuprāt lielākā maiņa (pozitīva ziņa) sākās jau Melburnā un tad pēc tam Adelaidē. Aktīvi iesaistot musu jaunatni, izvēloties citāda veida teātra izrādes, pieaicinot vairāk mūziķus un diriģentus no Latvijas. Sidnejas Kultūras dienas bija pirmās, kur mums bija daudz jaunu diriģentu, kas varēja izmēģināt savas jauniegūtās prasmes. (Kristīne Saulīte)

One difference to other KD's we have been to was that we had a day off in between the rehearsals for dancing and singing.  This was really good as it gave us time to rest in between. It also meant that for those that participate in both, they were able to attend all rehearsals. We thought this arrangement worked really well.

Secondly, as previously mentioned, there were many children involved in the theatre. This brought more families along to watch the theatre and if continued in future KD's, it will involve a wider range of ages particularly the next generation. (Sally and Eric Cīrulis)

3. Kāpēc mums Kultūras Dienas tik ilgi saglabājušās te - tālajā Austrālijā?

Tāpēc, ka mēs tās uzskatām par vajadzīgām mūsu latviskās identitātes uzturēšanai. KD dod iespēju satikties lielā latviskā pulkā. Austrālijā mēs esam ģeogrāfiski tik izkaisīti, ka šāda veida tikšanās samazina tos attālumus. Nevar panākt to pašu lietojot Skype vai citas datora veida tikšanās.  (Pēteris Strazds)

Jo ar to mēs jūtamies savādāki-īpašaki starp austrāļiem un mēs darām mums pieņemamas un tuvas lietas. Pēc KD jutos pabarojusi savu dvēseli un sajutusi spēku veikt ikdienišķās gaitas. (Elīna Rikarde)

Manuprāt iemesli varētu but sekojošie: Austrālija no Latvijas atrodas bezgala tālu, kas mums liedz biežākus personīgos apmeklējumus (kā to dara Eiropas, ASV, Kanādas utt. tautieši). Tas mums uzliek lielāku atbildību uzturēt latvietību pašu spēkiem.
Uzplaukums un interese par latvietību stipri paaugstinājās 90. gadu sākumā, kad Latvija atkal atguva brīvību. Ap 2000. gadu tā mazliet saplaka (mūsu saikne un saistības bija mainījušās).

Tomēr ar prieku jāsaka, ka pēdējie daži gadi ir atkal atsākuši "jaunu atdzimšanas vilni", manuprāt tas ir galvenokārt saistīts ar maiņām vietējā latviešu sabiedrībā. Daudzās organizācijās ir notikusi paaudžu maiņa - jaunāki spēki, plašāka domāšana un vēlme iesaistīt visus interesentus. Atklāšanas ķoncerts, tautas dejas, kopkoru koncerts, teātris utt. bija jaunāku spēku rokās. Tanī pat laikā ir svarīgi uzsvērt, ka tika pārstāvētas visas paaudzes, šoreiz gan labākā līdzsvarā. (Kristīne Saulīte)

KD's has lasted so many years in Australia due to Latvians who are passionate about their culture and who want to keep their culture going in Australia and pass the teachings onto the next generation. Also, KD's has evolved over time to keep up with the changes in modern society. (Sally and Eric Cīrulis)

The post Austrālijas Kultūras dienas pulcē tautiešus un dod latvisko iedvesmu appeared first on Latvians Online.

“Change is good,”* wrote Latvian poet Janis Rainis. More precisely: “Change is necessary for survival.”

So who would have thought that the Latvian National Federation in Canada Latvian School Teachers’ Seminar held in Toronto this February – primarily for schools of third-generation Latvian immigrant children – could still get emotionally stuck in the language versus culture debate? Fortunately seminar participants were able to come together to embrace new teaching methods and tools.

First the facts

So much has changed since Latvian diaspora schools opened their doors 70 years ago. Third-generation immigrant children have a wider scope of activities – hockey, dance and skiing are reasons to skip class. Latvia is accessible. We have the Internet. And most diaspora Latvian kids don’t speak, read or understand Latvian. Nor do their parents.

Elita Petersone, Education Chair of the LNAK (Latvian National Federation in Canada), kicked off the one-day seminar with findings from a spring 2014 survey of Canadian Latvian schools.

Daina Gross, PBLA Education Council member from Australia, touched on findings from another survey, which she presented at the PBLA (World Federation of Free Latvians) Diaspora Conference in Riga in October 2014. The survey of Latvian school graduates found that the majority of 300 respondents valued Latvian school experiences primarily for geography, history and friendship-building, while language took second place. Respondents also said family and community were more important than schools for building awareness.

Daina Gross deepened the understanding of the current global Latvian school situation with the following findings:

• There are currently 100 Latvian “weekend” schools outside of Latvia (Europe (70), USA (19), Canada (6), Australia (6)). Many of the schools operate every other week; some are not held in Latvian.
• 26 of the schools in Europe were founded after 2012. Conversely, all the diaspora schools in Australia and North America were founded in the 1950’s (there were 70 Latvian schools in the USA in the 1960’s).
• About 2,000 kids attend weekend schools worldwide (Europe (1,200), North America (650), Australia (150)). In Europe only about 10% of recent emigre children attend Latvian schools.
• The number of kids per school ranges from six in Würzburg, Germany to 50 in Reykjavik and Stockholm.

Then what. So what

For some, the stats are a downer. “We’re worried about what’s happening to the Latvian language,” said one teacher at the Toronto seminar. For others they’re just reality and language loss is not considered a deterrent. “Anyone can be an ambassador to Latvia,” said one teacher.

I initially heard about these facts and figures back in the fall when our Toronto Latvian School Valodina had sunk to an all-time low. We had no principal, no desire to really be there anymore, and what do you do with a tiny school that’s shrunk to 11 students?

Daina Gross’ stats provided a group of parents with a much-needed kick-start. Compared to six kids, Valodina’s group of 11 didn’t seem so tiny anymore. Europe was blossoming with new weekend Latvian schools. If Valodina’s current model wasn’t working, why not change it? Some parents even considered renaming the school “Valodina 2.0,” except that Valodina was founded on the principle of change, which the group had obviously lost sight of.

Four months later, Valodina’s head count is up from 11 to 14, feedback is enthusastic, and the team of parents is considering ways to reach other kids in the community who might appreciate the Valodina model.

Together and apart

In fact the group of 30 educators gathered at the Toronto seminar represented a broad spectrum of thinking. Participants included:

• Proponents of standardized Latvian language tests (absolutely necessary when language levels are so extreme, said Andra Zommere, Head of the Schools Sector of the American Latvian Association).
• A school that meets on an ad hoc basis only if everyone wants to.
• A school built on the vision that culture can only grow from language.
• A school developing around Latvian-as-a-Second-Language needs.

The diverse seminar group was united by three key presentations, which provided participants with tools to do the work, regardless of leanings. Participants learned that:

1. What’s going on around the world is relevant to everyone. Daina Gross’ presentation reiterated that change is global and that we can learn from one another. There’s an increasing number of resources available from Latvia on the Internet. Many schools are dealing with the same issues – we need to share resources and stories.
2. Teaching LSL (Latvian as a Second Language) makes sense when Latvian is a second language. Aija Mazsile is a Toronto teacher with 20 years experience teaching ESL (English as a Second Language). Mazsile’s ESL bag of tricks is great for teaching Latvian, which is something Latvian teachers who aren’t in the LSL-reality-headspace might consider getting acquainted with. Inquiry-based learning is the key to engagement.
3. There’s more to teaching than books. Tech-guru Arnis Gross from Australia rounded out the day with a presentation of apps, iPad miracles and various Internet sites, such as Maci un macies that bring learning into the 21^st century.

One example of change: Toronto Valodina’s kick-start

For ideas on what changes can be made, here’s what Valodina did to make the school more appealing:

1. Classes are now held every other Friday and start half-an-hour later. That’s a big change from the way Valodina has operated for 37 years, but it gives everyone an extra 30 minutes to make it through Friday-night traffic, and removes the stress of having to make the weekly trip.
2. An engaging group workshop is held at the beginning of each evening. With just over a dozen kids, activities can still begin even if a few students are missing.
3. Workshops always have new themes, are run by guests (preferably Valodina grads), and aim to inspire. Kids have painted Latvian symbols on mugs, learned to play Novuss, and built model Latvian homesteads. In a few weeks Valodina will be running Iron Chef: Pirags.
4. Kids are split into classes by age, not language ability. Valodina doesn’t have enough kids to separate by age anymore, and history and geography can easily be taught in English. In addition, kids need the opportunity to develop friendships independent of their language abilities; speakers and non-speakers have been segregated for too long.
5. Valodina really makes use of social media. Valodina’s Vardi un burti blog functions as the school journal. The school also has a Facebook page, a Twitter account, and key info is posted on the Latvian Canadian Cultural Centre’s site.

*“Pastāvēs, kas pārvērtīsies.”

The post Get with the program: Latvian schools today appeared first on Latvians Online.

Latvijas Izglītības un zinātnes ministre Mārīte Seile tikās ar ASV latviešu skolu vadītājiem un skolotājiem šā gada 8. martā Ņujorkā Latvijas pastāvīgajā pārstāvniecībā ANO. Ministre bija ieradusies Ņujorkā, lai piedalītos ANO Sieviešu statusa komisijas sanāksmē, pārstāvot ne tikai Latviju, bet Eiropas Savienības prezidentūras pienākumos, arī visu Eiropas Savienību. Tomēr, ministre atvēlēja laiku, lai tuvāk iepazītos ar ASV latviešu skolu darbību un līdzšinējo sadarbību ar Latviju. Uz tikšanos bija ieradusies ALA Izglītības nozares vadītāja Andra Zommere, ALA priekšniece Anita Bataraga, Garezera Vasaras Vidusskolas direktrise Sandra Kronīte-Sīpola, PBLA Izglītības padomes locekle Dace Mažeika, kā arī abu Ņujorkas latviešu ev. lut. draudzes skolu, Bronksas (Jonkeru) un Ņudžersijas, pārstāves. Ministri Seili pavadīja Evija Papule, ilggadīga IZM ierēdne, kas arī labi pārzina dažādo Latvijas izglītības iestāžu darba virzienu un iespējas.

Ievadot sarunas, Latvijas vēstnieks pie ANO, Jānis Mažeiks, uzsvēra to, ka pētījumi apstiprina, ka latviešu skolas ārpus Latvijas ir vieta kur visbiežāk vērojama cieša sadarbība starp „veco trimdu” un nesen no Latvijas izceļojušiem. Tādēļ, Ministres Seiles piekrišana tikties ar skolu pārstāvēm ir pozitīvs apliecinājums tam, ka diasporas skolām ir nozīmīga loma tautas identitātes veidošanā, lai pēc iespējas daudz bērnu un ģimeņu justos latviešu tautai un Latvijas valstij piederīgi. Zīmīgi, ka fakts par skolām kā ciešas sadarbības vietu tika apstiprināts ar to, ka apmēram puse ieradušās skolu pārstāves dzimušas ASV un otra puse Latvijā.

Mārīte Seile ieskicēja daļu no apstākļiem ar ko viņas vadītai ministrijai jānodarbojas, it sevišķi par to, ka Latvijā tomēr bērnu skaits arvien samazinājas. Līdz ar to lauku skolas sarūk un jādomā par to kā nodrošināt, lai visiem Latvijas bērniem būtu pieejama ne tikai kaut kāda izglītība, bet izcila izglītība. Dažādi rādītāji liecina, ka Latvijā samērā labi nodrošina vidusmēra izglītību, bet, ar atsevišķu izcilības saliņu izņēmumiem, kopumā izglītības līmeņa celšana ir mērķis kam būtu jāveltī pūles.

Tālāk, ALA Izglītības nozares vadītāja Andra Zommere īsumā pastāstīja par latviešu skolām ASV, par to skaitu, lielumu un aptuveno darba virzienu un apstākļiem. Ziemas skolas ir dažāda lieluma, bet vidēji ar apmēram 40 skolēniem. Darbojas arī divas vasaras vidusskolas. Vasaras nometņu loma valodas nostiprināšanā ir nozīmīga, jo daudziem bērniem tas ir posms, kad viņu vide ir latviskāka nekā pārējo gadu. Zommere izteica atzinību un pateicās, ka pēdējo 3 gadu laikā manāmi pieaudzis atbalsts un atsaucība no Latvijas puses, it sevišķi no Latviešu valodas aģentūras. ASV skolas arvien cenšas iepazīties ar mācību materiāliem un grāmatām, kas domātas mazākumtautībām vai arī diasporas skolām. Tāpat tīmeklī arvien vairāk pieejamā mācību viela, sākot no programmu aprakstiem līdz spēlēm un valodas vingrinājumiem, ir kaut kas jauns un moderns. Ar visu to, mūsu skolu sastāvs un apstākļi ir unikāli un skolotājiem vajadzīgi mācību materiāli. Esam gatavas turpināt sarunas un sadarbību, lai rastu to, kas mūsu latviešu bērnu izglītošanai ir vislabākais.

Šīs tikšanās galvenā organizatore, Dace Mažeika, bija uzdevusi skolu pārstāvēm mājas darbus, t.i. uzdeva padomāt par sekojošiem jautājumiem, lai sarunas būtu mērķtiecīgas:

1. Kādus mācību materiālus skolotāji izmanto (grāmatas, vietnes, programmas, lietotnes u.c.)?
2. Kādas pārbaudes un testus valodas zināšanu pārbaudei izmanto skolās? ALAs valodas pārbaudījumu pielietojamība un pieredze skolā.
3. Kādos projektos sadarbībā ar Latviju skola ir iesaistījusies un kādu finanšu palīdzību saņēmusi? Kā vērtē sadarbības projektus? Pozitīvā pieredze un ieteikumi.
4. Kādu mācību formu trūkst valodas un kultūras apguves stiprināšanai diasporā? (piemēram, tālmācība, skolotāju tālākizglītība, Latvijas skolotāju viesošanās un pieredzes apmaiņa utt.)

Ieradušās skolu pārstāves katra sevi iepazīstināja un atbildēja tos uzdototos jautājumus, kas vistiešāk saistīti ar katras darbu un pieredzi. Skolotājas cenšas izmantot Latvijā sagatavotus mācību līdzekļus, toties izjūt, ka to ir tik daudz, ka grūti visu apskatīt un izvērtēt tā piemērotību. Vairākas skolotājas pozitīvi novērtē un izmanto Latviešu valodas aģentūras māciunmācies vietni. No skolotājām izskanēja novērojums, ka atšķirīgie līmeņi vienā klasē ir apstāklis ar ko arvien vairāk sastopas un šogad pirmo reizi pielietotie valodas līmeņu pārbaudījumi, varētu sākt kalpot, lai efektīvāk mācītu bērnus. Ļoti noderētu lasāmviela katram līmenim, ņemot vērā bērnu vecumus un vispārējo intelektuālo līmeni. Pieaug skolēnu skaits, kuru vecāki meklē tikai vispārēju kulturālu izglītību, bet ne valodu. Skolas, iespēju robežās, piedalās dažādos Latvijā izsludinātos projektos, piemēram, Latvijas nacionālās bibliotēkas bērnu grāmatu žūrijā vai domrakstu konkursos. Abas pārstāvētās skolas arī saņēmušas financiālu atbalstu no Latvijas. Visas skolotājas visādā ziņā pozitīvi novērtē sadarbības projektus, jo tie viecina reālas saites ar Latviju gan skolēnos, gan skolotājos.

Sarunās par nākotnes iespējām visvairāk pievērsās trim iespējām. Pirmā- iespējai nodibināt tiešākus kontaktus starp skolām vai pat klasēm, izmantojot šodienas relatīvi vieglāko sazināšanos, piemēram Skype, rodot iespēju skolēniem tieši sarunāties. Visas skolotājas atzīst, ka ASV skolēniem noder vairāk izdevību sarunāties latviski par tematiem, kas viņus interesē. Ministre Seile apstiprināja, ka šadu projektu varētu realizēt, ja tam izstrādā skaidrus darbības noteikumus. Andra Zommere, savukārt, stāstīja, ka gatavojoties uz šo tikšanos, bija uzdevusi skolu pārzinēm vairākus jautājumus. Pirmo reizi gandrīz visas skolas atsaucās, ka tām interesētu tālmācības programma. Sarunu gaitā konstatēja, ka precīzāk jāformulē, kā šāda programma darbotos. Vai tā būtu līdzīga plaši pazīstamajai Khan academy? Cik laika skolēnam paredzēts tai veltīt? Kā tā atšķirtos no jau esošajām tālmācības iespējām? Trešais sadarbības projekts starp ASV, vai pat visām, diasporas skolām un Latvijas skolām būtu saistīts ar Latvijas simtgadi 2018. gadā.

Viesošanās beigās Andra Zommere dāvināja Mārītei Seilei eksemplāru no grāmatas, kuru veidoja visas ASV latviešu skolas, katra izgatavojot divas lappuses par sevi. Grāmatu gatavoja Latvijas nacionālās bibliotēkas „Gaismas pils” atklāšanai un ievietošanai Tautas grāmatu plauktā. Ministre Seile, savukārt, bija atvedusi dažādas grāmatas, ierakstus diskos un informatīvo materiālu no LVA un IZM. Par spīti šodienas ērtajiem un veiklajiem sazināšanās veidiem, nekas nav tik spēcīgs kā personīga tikšanās, lai spertu pirmos soļus tālākā kopīgā ceļā. Lai tā arī būtu ar šo Latvijas Izglītības un zinātnes ministrijas un ALA Izglītības nozares uzsākto ceļu!

The post Viens mērķis – latviešu bērnu izglītošana appeared first on Latvians Online.

The post PBLA priekšsēža Jāņa Kukaiņa atklāta vēstule par Latvijas valsts aizsardzības budžetu appeared first on Latvians Online.

Latvians Online recently got their hands on the English translation of the Latvian classic: - Dievs, daba, darbs, Skarbos vējos and Akmens sprostā. This is the work of a Latvian-American living in Minneapolis – Ilze Kļaviņš-Mueller – who has now made 19th century Latvian rural life come to life for the English-speaking world. An interview with the translator herself  provides more insight.

Latvians Online: What inspired you to translate the Brigadere trilogy into English?

Ilze: Back in the ’80s, a listener-supported radio station here in Minneapolis had a daily children’s program. I started reading episodes I had translated from Jānis Jaunsudrabiņš’ Baltā grāmata (The White Book) on the air, and went on to translate and read a few chapters from Brigadere’s Trilogy as well. Much later I decided to translate the entire book, though initially the task seemed daunting.

Why did you choose Brigadere in particular?

I have known and loved Anna Brigadere’s Trilogy since I was little. The Latvians have a number of such wonderful childhood memoirs – Jaunsudrabiņš, Brigadere, Aspāzija, Valdis immediately come to mind. These books gave me a deep insight into rural life in late 19^th and early 20^th century life in Latvia – Latvian history seen through the eyes of children who experienced it. Little Annele, the protagonist of the Trilogy, was one of my favourites.

What were the challenges of translating such a classic piece of literature into English?

The challenges were many. The one that initially seemed insurmountable was the vocabulary – names for tools, foods, plants, clothing that were not in my dictionaries. When I started translating the book in the 1990s, the resources of the Internet were not yet available to me. But then I inherited from a relative the six-volume Dictionary of the Latvian Language by linguists Kārlis Mīlenbahs and Jānis Endzelīns, an incredible piece of luck. Another challenge I faced was Latvian syntax, where, for instance, the subject of a clause is frequently omitted, or the unreliability of a statement is expressed by the so-called narrative mood of the verb.

Brigadere has a sharp ear for the voices of her characters: each has a distinctive pattern of speech – how should I differentiate in English the speech of a farmhand from that of a Jewish tailor, or a pastor’s housekeeper, or a young man trying to pass himself off as a German? The important thing was to avoid obvious Americanisms or modern idioms, which would “place” the story in the wrong setting. I did not always succeed in rendering subtle differences between the voices of the various characters. But I tried.

What did you enjoy most about the process?

As I worked, I found myself “listening” for the voice of the narrator, trying to catch each nuance, searching for the exact shade of meaning. I was happiest when a translation “worked” – when a character’s voice sounded authentic. I had feedback, too, from a women writers’ group I was in whose patient ears heard the first version of my translation. They picked up on things that sounded unclear or wrong. And it was great to realise that the story held their attention, that they too loved Annele.

What new things did you learn about this classic whilst going into each sentence and word in-depth?

As a child, I had focused mainly on the story of Annele. As a translator, I came to appreciate the richness of Brigadere’s language, the subtlety of her descriptions, the craft that went into the writing of this amazing book. From my childhood, I seem to remember only the first two parts of the Trilogy (Dievs, daba, darbs - God, Nature, Work; and Skarbos vējos – Harsh Winds). As an adult, I was stunned by Brigadere’s description, in part 3, of Annele’s sister Līziņa’s fate. The narrator is never sentimental, but pitilessly conveys the tragedy of a gifted young woman’s lack of career opportunities, when marriage seems the only viable choice.

Have you translated other Latvian literary works? Are you planning more in the future? 

Other than a series of poems, I have also recently translated Vizma Belševica’s wonderful Bille books (Bille; Bille and the War; and Bille’s Beautiful Youth). I am looking for a publisher for them. I no longer have the energy or the funds to self-publish them as I did Brigadere’s Trilogy.

One translation project I am considering at the moment is Valentīna Freimane’s memoir about her life growing up as a Jewish girl in pre-war Riga and her survival during the Holocaust. That’s been translated into German (Adieu, Atlantis), but so far there has been no English translation.

Who do you think would be your target readership?

 I envisioned a readership consisting of my American friends here in Minnesota, and the children and grandchildren of Latvians in English-speaking countries. While many of the latter speak fluent Latvian, it may be difficult for them to read and understand Brigadere’s work in the original. People here and all over the United States have also bought the book for their friends. The Twin Cities Latvian community has been very supportive.

How long did the translating take?

I can’t really remember. I worked on the book on and off for something like two years while teaching college German. When I finally decided to publish the translation, there was a lengthy period of proofreading – at least several more months.

What did you learn about translation through this process?

Hmmm. There are several schools of translation: the translators who stick close  to the original even if it sounds somewhat foreign, and the translators who smooth things for the reader, make everything sound familiar. My own philosophy is that the reader enters a translated work as a tourist enters a country he is unfamiliar with – the translator can help a little to orient the reader, but too much help would distort the reality of the other culture. My translation began by being fairly literal, and over the months I became more “emancipated”. I kept on a few Latvian words (pastala, klēts), but sometimes chose similes, metaphors, and proverbs that came from the reader’s own language and tradition. In other words, I evolved as a translator, and hopefully improved a bit.

Do you look at Brigadere differently now that you have come to scrutinise her works so closely?

Yes. I feel now more than ever that Anna Brigadere deserves to be ranked among the foremost European authors of her time. 

The book costs $27 plus postage and can be ordered by emailing Ilze directly  <ilzemueller@gmail.com>  or from Amazon.com (ask for The Annele Trilogy). Libraries outside the U.S. – please contact Ilze directly.

The post Brigadere Annele trilogy English translation available appeared first on Latvians Online.

The American Latvian Association (ALA) recently celebrated its 65th anniversary and is sending a new group of young interns to work in the Baltics. ALA’s recently re-elected president, Peteris Blumbergs, agreed to discuss issues of US-Latvian relations and the threat of Russia by email with The Baltic Times.

What are ALA’s key goals currently? How have these changed over the years?

ALA operates a diverse portfolio of educational, cultural, and sports-related programmes intended to maintain an active and vibrant Latvian American community in the US. We also fund important charitable projects in Latvia, especially those focused on assisting at-risk children and families. Our Information Office tracks geopolitical issues such as Russian aggression in Ukraine and disinformation campaigns. We inform our elected officials in the US about developments in the Baltics and urge them to support their Eastern European NATO allies through programmes such as the European Defense Initiative which this year saw an over four-fold (proposed) funding increase from 800 million US dollars to 3.4 billion dollars.

Our goals in relation to education and culture have not substantially changed over the years and we continue to support Latvian American “Sunday schools” (21 schools nationwide) and cultural events such as concerts and plays. Of course over 65 years (ALA just celebrated its 65th anniversary), assimilation has taken its toll and led to smaller school enrollments and so on. At the same time, the “new immigrants” who have moved to the US since Latvia regained its independence have given many of our communities a jolt of energy and talent.

The biggest recent change for the Information Office is that Putin’s imperialistic ambitions have caused us to become very active again in tracking and responding to geopolitical developments after a relatively quiet time in the years immediately following Latvia’s accession to NATO in 2004.

As I understand it, your internship programme, which expanded last summer, used to only send Latvian Americans to the Occupation Museum. How did the programme begin?

ALA has awarded scholarships and support over the years to Latvian American students. This includes funding to attend the Garezers and Kursa summer high school programmes, college aid, and the subsidisation of ALA’s Sveika, Latvija programme, which sends 8th graders on a 2-week educational tour of Latvia (42 kids participated last summer including one of my sons). It made sense to expand our general scholarship programme to internships to enable older kids to gain some practical work experience. The Museum of the Occupation of Latvija was a natural partner in the project since we have long supported the museum’s mission and provided financial support. And given these ties, we knew the interns would have a rewarding experience.

What were the programme’s early successes and lessons?

Interns to the Occupation Museum always returned happy from their summer abroad. These young people were motivated and would seek out tasks and projects while at the museum. And their enthusiasm generated interest in donors. Some would donate specifically to support the internships.

How and when was the decision made to expand the programme to other museums and organisations?

In the summer of 2014, ALA’s Cultural Office Director Liga Ejupe had invited the Latvian Minister of Culture Dace Melbarde to visit Garezers, the Latvian American summer high school located in Three Rivers, Michigan. Minister Melbarde was impressed by the intensity of the cultural patriotism of the students, but understood that upon graduating the summer high school there were no options for continuing the students’ development of the Latvian language. During her three days at Garezers, the minister, Liga, and Anita Batarags (the then-ALA president) spent a good deal of time discussing the question “What next?” What could these talented Latvian Americans do after graduating Garezers? And that is when the idea formed to expand the existing Occupation Museum internship programme to a broader range of cultural institutions. And Liga took on the role as liaison between the Latvian Ministry of Culture, ALA, the institutions, and the interns.

How were the new museums and organisations chosen? Which have been the most popular among applicants?

The Ministry of Culture invited all of its institution partners to apply. From that list ALA coordinates the positions and the responsibilities with the assigned mentor in each institution. Most popular? According to Liga, “All of them! Last year we had kids express interest in all of the different options.” But the National Library and the Ethnographic Museum lead the pack as each had four interns, so they were the busiest.

How did the expanded internship programme fare last year? From my vantage point, it seemed to be well-regarded.

As Liga put it to me, “Well regarded is putting it mildly — it was fabulous!” ALA could not have predicted such positive results in the first year. All sixteen interns told us they regarded their experience as life changing. One intern decided to continue her studies at the Latvian Academy of Art. Two interns found full-time employment through the programme and now live in Latvia.

I hear that this year’s interns will soon be headed to Latvia. How many are there?

This year 18 students will be participating in the programme. Fourteen from the US, one from Canada, and three from Australia. One intern has already started working at the Academy of Culture. The majority will start work by the middle of June. The intern feedback was so positive last year, that the Latvian Association of Australia and New Zealand (LAAJ) wanted to include their interested students, even though the kids will miss part of their winter school semester.

Does ALA have any plans to further expand or change the programme in the near future?

We are continuing to look at ways to evolve, especially with an eye toward finding opportunities that particularly interest or professionally benefit our Latvian American students. This year we have expanded the options beyond the original cultural institutions and have included three leading technology firms for those applicants with business or scientific backgrounds. We are looking to create partnerships with think tanks or NGOs that might take on students with political science, international relations, or journalism backgrounds.

To change the subject, ALA recently hosted its 65th Congress in Los Angeles. What were some of the highlights and takeaway messages?

Our annual meetings have evolved over the years. In the early days, there were internal political battles and feisty debates over the direction of the organisation. These days things are calmer, but I think that more serious work gets done. We have really focused on getting leading Latvian thinkers to serve as guest speakers, and their presentations and findings help propel our organisation’s agenda for the upcoming year. In Los Angeles, for instance, we heard from Yale researcher Inta Mierina who has just completed the most significant study ever conducted of the post-1991 Latvian diaspora. The numbers are troubling and it made us realise the importance of a Latvian re-emigration plan. Similarly, we gained valuable insights into the Russian state-sponsored disinformation campaign when we screened the Re:Baltica film, “Masterplan,” and heard from the filmmakers. ALA will be active on these two issues (demography and disinformation) in the upcoming year.

What was the general sentiment regarding “Masterplan”?

The general sentiment is that film is really well done and the filmmakers are talented and courageous. So long as Latvia has a steady supply of people like Re:Baltica’s Sanita Jemberga and Inga Springe, I have a lot of optimism for the country’s future. Some had warned that the film’s subject matter (Russia’s disinformation war in Latvia) was depressing and alarming, but I think most Latvian Americans share such a dim view of Putin that nothing said about his schemes and machinations surprises us. It was interesting to understand, however, that Putin’s “masterplan” is general destabilisation and that Putin is an opportunist with no particular blueprint. So, in response, we have to limit his opportunities and build stability. ALA can help in a variety of ways. We will encourage expressions of support for Latvia through visits by congressional delegations and high-level governmental officials, we will continue to expose Putin’s agenda by hosting seminars and publishing works, and we will combat disinformation by promoting institutions such as Radio Free Europe and the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence.

What is ALA currently doing in response to Russia’s continued presence in Ukraine?

ALA has adopted and published numerous resolutions condemning the activities in Ukraine. We have organised seminars (including two in the past year, in New York and Chicago) and published articles that cast light on the situation. We have periodic meetings with the State Department where we voice our concerns and propose solutions (including, for instance, enhanced funding for the European Defense Initiative which we view as a major achievement). Our affiliate organisation, the Joint Baltic American National Committee, which is a registered lobbyist, is very active in the halls of Congress. This upcoming summer, Congress will be considering whether to renew sanctions connected to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and JBANC has been actively advocating on the issue.

To end on a lighter note, what role is ALA playing in preparing for Latvia’s 100th anniversary in 2018?

As our gift to Latvia, we will concentrate on raising public awareness of Latvia and Latvians in America. We will emphasise the positive history of Latvian American relations as well as future partnerships. ALA through its Cultural Office has conceived a plan that will mirror the celebration in Latvia. From Nov. 18, 2017 through Nov. 18, 2018 we invite everyone, every organisation, every group large or small to participate. Our goal is to celebrate 100 events for the Centennial. The ALA Cultural Office will serve as an information conduit and idea center. The Centennial year celebration is an ideal opportunity for everyone — whether you speak Latvian or not — to work together.

To end on a lighter note, what role is ALA playing in preparing for Latvia’s 100th anniversary in 2018?

As our gift to Latvia, we will concentrate on raising public awareness of Latvia and Latvians in America. We will emphasise the positive history of Latvian American relations as well as future partnerships. ALA through its Cultural Office has conceived a plan that will mirror the celebration in Latvia. From Nov. 18, 2017 through Nov. 18, 2018 we invite everyone, every organisation, every group large or small to participate. Our goal is to celebrate 100 events for the Centennial. The ALA Cultural Office will serve as an information conduit and idea center. The Centennial year celebration is an ideal opportunity for everyone — whether you speak Latvian or not — to work together.

Emma Ikstruma

Originally published in The Baltic Times 19/5/2016

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Latvians Online interviewed Australian-Latvian living in Sydney - Linda Ozers - who is currently undertaking PhD studies at University of Technology Sydney. The topic of Linda's thesis: Ethnic identity and heritage language in the third generation: the Australian Latvian experience.

Latvians Online: Please tell me a bit about yourself and  your area of study.

Linda: After spending many years working in various roles in secondary education I returned to university to do further study and to work helping students with academic writing. During my Master in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages course, I discovered that most immigrant languages are lost by the third generation. This caught my interest and I started to ponder the fact that there are third generation Latvian speakers here in Australia. I started to wonder what motivates them, how do they identify and how do they use Latvian?

You’ve been an active member of the Sydney Latvian community for many years. Has this contributed to the reason for wanting to tap into the “psyche” of the younger generation in the community?

Growing up as a second generation Australian Latvian there were periods when I questioned my own identity and when I spoke no Latvian. At the time the Latvian community was much bigger and more active. My Latvian upbringing was fairly typical in that I went to Saturday school and participated in folk dancing. I was also in the Latvian girl guides, played kokle and volleyball, belonged to the Latvian Youth Association of Australia, organised meetings, conferences, events etc. From a young age my main interest has always been acting in the Sydney Latvian Theatre ensemble and this has given me many opportunities to use Latvian. Young Australian Latvians today are part of a generation with interests and opportunities that are perhaps different from previous generations. I am interested in how they see their “latvianness” - and what role their identity and Latvian language has in their everyday lives.

The topic for your PhD that was presented to youth at the Summer High School was: Ethnic identity and heritage language in the third generation: the Australian Latvian experience. You conducted individual and focus group interviews. How many youth members of the community have you interviewed so far? Please share some of your preliminary findings.

The study has 2 parts – focus groups and interviews. Focus groups were held at the Summer High School to initially help identify what are the important issues for this adolescent age group. I’m just starting the interviews. They will be used to probe deeper - especially with the older youth (20+) group. I am seeking to gather views from as wide a range of young people as possible – those who do and those who don’t speak Latvian, participate in the community and so on.

52 young people participated in 8 focus groups at the Summer High School. The students were very articulate and willing to share some deep, and at times humorous, observations. As the research is still underway, I can’t reveal too much of what I am finding, as it may influence other participants. As a general observation I can say that 2 very powerful messages that came from these focus groups were the importance of friendships and the role of various community activities in the formation and maintenance of their “latvianness”.

Did you have an initial hypothesis that you wanted to test? Has is been confirmed or refuted?

I deliberately approached this research with no hypothesis. There is little research around topics of adolescent and young adult ethnic identity and heritage language use in the third generation. My study is very much exploratory and follows what is known as a “grounded theory” approach. Data is gathered and analysed revealing theories and findings.

Have your questions proved a challenge to answer for your interviewees? 

The one question that proved to be somewhat challenging for the focus group participants involved their views on what would happen in the fourth generation. They obviously hadn’t considered this scenario, but after some thought many answered that they would try to pass on as much of their heritage and language as they could.

Have your preliminary findings conformed to what happens with other cultures and languages in a similar situation?

There are many variables that influence what happens not just within different ethnic groups, but also with individuals. One important aspect is to do with how a particular ethnic group values their language and culture. There was some research done in the late 1970s in Australia, across a number of ethnic groups, indicating that for Latvians their language was very important - more so than for many other groups. There is some evidence that having refugee origins results in quite different migration, adaptation and assimilation motivations and experiences than for other migrants. For the first generation it was important to maintain and pass on the language and cultural traditions from Latvia’s independence period between the two World Wars. The question is whether this motivation continues into the second and third generation.

I am still seeking young people to interview. If you are interested and have at least one Latvian grandparent who came to Australia post World War 2 and at least one Latvian parent who was born in Australia, please contact me to see if we can arrange an interview Linda.Ozers@student.uts.edu.au. Paldies!

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Latvians Online visited the Latvian Artisans' workshops that take place annually over 2 days at Melbourne Latvian House. The 4th annual workshops were run this year. We caught up with Ilze Švarcs, the main organiser and driving force behind the workshops.

Who had the idea to start running the Latvian Artisans' workshops and market?

The idea sprang from a wonderful group of artisans, known as the Latvian Australian Artisans Guild. (LTMF = Latviešu tautas mākslas fonds* ). We are a core group of around 10 members who meet about once a month and undertake projects to foster Latvian culture and identity through maintaining and furthering Latvian applied arts. We are involving a growing number of artisans who cannot attend meetings, but are willing to share their knowledge and skills by teaching at our workshops, and being involved with our work in other ways. The number of participating artisans is edging 20, which is just fabulous!

* The group currently known as LTMF is in the process of changing its name back to the name of the group formed in in 1965 during the Australian Latvian Culture Festival in Melbourne. The group was called the LDAA Latviešu Daiļamatnieku Apvienība Austrālijā or the Latvian Artisans’ Association of Australia. I love the English acronym: LAAA!

How did the idea come to you? Did something happen to give you the idea?

I lead the LTMF. I become passionate about rebuilding the Latvian Australian artisans’ movement for two reasons. Firstly, I participated in organizing an exhibition of vintage Latvian crafts here in Melbourne in 2012. Such an exhibition had not been mounted for years, and I was amazed at the variety and beauty of Latvian craftwork. I felt really proud of my Latvian heritage and thought this is the best marketing tool for promoting Latvia, which is still so little known in the world. Furthermore, I saw that some of the people who had created these beautiful works were still with us and are still very active, kind and generous, but they are elderly. If we want to harvest their knowledge and pass it on, it must be done straight away.

Then I heard some news which struck me as a cultural tragedy: the family of a fabulous Australian Latvian craftsperson who had died several years earlier, disposed of his tools and materials, not realizing their incredible worth. Specialised tools, particularly old, well-made tools, are hard to find and often very, very expensive to replace. Similarly, old materials can be a precious, rare find. Some of the disposed materials included started projects from which we could have learnt so much today, and unique, customized tools, which cannot be replaced.

I now regularly write in the Latvian newspapers to encourage people to donate any relevant tools, materials and items to us. We either use them in our workshops, or donate them to the Australian Latvian Summer School in Adelaide, or we sell them at our vintage artisans’ market to raise funds for our projects.

How many times have the workshops been held now?

We just held our 4^th round of workshops. The first was for two days in 2013. Sometimes they are held over 2 days, sometimes just one day.

Do you find that you are reaching those community members that rarely come to the usual Latvian events?

Absolutely! I just love the fact that we involve several generations of learners and presenters, from all walks of life and levels of “Latvianness”. Some participants are well known members of the Latvian community, some are very rarely seen, some are friends or partners of Aussie Latvians. It is great to have people come in and admire Latvian House and see how fabulous and fresh it looks, and how busy it is, particularly on a Saturday.

Why do you think they find you?

If you mean how do we advertise: we use notifications in both the Latvian newspapers here in Australia, we place fliers in all the places where Latvians congregate, but quite frankly, the best form of advertising has been Facebook. News seems to spread like wildfire. We had most of our bookings secured within hours of first posting the event!

If you mean why are people attending: I think there is a growing interest in old school skills. It’s great having the instantaneous pleasures of the digital world. But there is something uniquely satisfying by seeing something evolve using your own hands.

I also think that people are searching for an identity. The Latvian applied arts are very attractive, ancient and they contain a lot of symbology. Exploring their Latvian roots through the ancient crafts, allows people to learn about their own heritage in a practical, but personal way. As you sit and plan your item, or go through the steps required to create it, you feel a direct link to the many, many people who developed the process over the eons before you.

What has the response been like - comparing the three years? Do you feel that holding the event annually is often enough? Is interest waning or growing?

This movement sure is growing! I presented a speech at the Latvian Culture Festival in Adelaide on Latvian Jewellery and Symbology in 2012 after which I surveyed the public on their perceptions of the future of Latvian applied arts in Australia. I was shocked to find that the overwhelming majority thought that there was a great past, but no future, and even no present! The subsequent work of the Australian Latvian Artisans’ Guild has reanimated the movement. Each year we have had more interest from both artisans and participants. We had 14 artisans and 32 learners at the last workshops. That’s pretty amazing, I’d say!

I don’t think we will hold the event more often than once a year. The event is a huge ask for the artisans involved. I think it takes a year for the energy to rebuild!

You know what is interesting? Many of the artisans insist that they are not artisans, that they don’t know enough. But they come along, and see that they do know a lot more than anyone else in their field. They see that the learners are so keen, that the atmosphere is great and they enjoy themselves. They do a little more learning and a little more research, and the next year they are starting to accept their title! I think that’s why we are growing. We are just a bunch of inclusive and accepting people sharing our knowledge to the best of our abilities.

There is a Latvian Cultural Festival scheduled for the end of the year in Melbourne. Will the Handicrafts Association be hosting an exhibition or workshops during the Festival?

Yes! But don’t call us “Handicrafts”. That reminds me of crocheted toilet roll covers. We are artisans!

Our group is organizing an exhibition of Latvian applied arts as part of the Australian Latvian Culture Festival. We are proud to have involved important artisans from both Australia and Latvia. The idea behind the exhibition is to showcase works which reflect Latvian culture past, present and future. There will be plenty of local artists on display, but we will feature world reknown textile artist India Flint, who is creating an installation specially for this exhibition, as well as award-winning Rīga Master Weaver Māris Maniņš, who will be bringing works from Latvia. There will also be an artisans’ market and a place to put your feet up and enjoy the atmosphere. The exhibition will take place at the home of the Daugavas Vanagi (Latvian Relief Society) 87 Chetwynd Street North Melbourne, every day 10am – 4pm, 26^th – 31^st December 2016.

How and why did you get involved in handicrafts?

I have always had an artistic talent. I wanted to be artist, but my mum talked me out of it. She said there was no money in being an artist and I could always go back to art later. She was right. I’ve had a great career in education, and now I’ve retrained and run a small business as a jeweller, called Vasara, making Baltic-inspired jewellery.

I’m glad I’m not trying to earn a living from making hand-made jewellery. I think all our artisans suffer the same problem. People like individual, authentic and handmade, but they don’t grasp how many hours are involved.

Give us a bit of an idea of how these workshops are run (the format).

The artisans prepare materials, samples, masters and tools at home and arrive with carloads of gear. We arrive at 8am and set up for 2 hours. Participants arrive at 10am and work through until 4pm. Then the artisans clean up (we got lots of help last time from the participants, thanks!) and pack up. Almost the biggest task for me is retooling my studio at home after the event.

If it’s a Saturday, we make use of the wonderful fare at the Latvian House café. If it’s a Sunday, we provide food and refreshments. That way we don’t lose time and people to going off in search of sustenance away from Latvian House.

The artisans are just marvellous. They donate their time, knowledge and use of their tools. All money raised goes to further our projects and buy materials for the workshops. No money goes to the artisans themselves: what cultural heroes!!

At the last workshops we offered our participants the opportunity to try their hand at a craft at the very reasonable rate of $40 per day including all materials (except sterling silver and some specialist woods).

For more information on the workshops and LTMC please contact Ilze Švarcs on svarcsilze@gmail.com

Thanks for the interview!

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Latvieši Jāņus svin ar uzviju visās pasaules malās. Pievienojam aprakstu par to, kā Jāņus svinēja Brisbanē, Austrālijā. Svinēšana notika pāris nedēļas pirms Līgo vakara, pasākums patiesībā bija Jāņu ielīgošana, bet viss noticis, kā pa Jāņiem pienākas. Pie tam, tas sanāca kā izglītojošs pasākums ne tikai latviešiem vien, bet arī vietējiem ieinteresētiem austrāļiem.

Tiešām lija, vairāk gan gāza. Meteoroloģijas birojs un sociālie mēdiji aicināja neatstāt māju tajā nedēļas nogalē. Daži līgotāji atteica savu ierašanos, bija bail ka plūdu dēļ netiks atpakaļ uz mājām.

Bijām tad gatavojušies uz ļoti mazu pulciņu. Tomēr sanāca daudzi, dažas jaunas sejas, citas sen neredzētas. Bija atnākusi trešā trimdas paaudze, kur daži tikai varēja pateikt "sveiki". Bet atnāca. Atnāca un patika. Vienai jaunai meitenei bija vecmāmiņas darināts tautas tērps Vācijas DP nometnē.

Brisbanes Jāņu ielīgotājus īpaši priecēja mūziķi no Melburnas - Ivars Štubis un Laila Gross. Dzirdējām gan dziesmas no tikko iznākušā Ivara diska " Young Blood", gan arī senās, bet mūžam dzīvās "Līgo māmiņ līgodama", "Nāc nākdama Jāņu diena".

Laila un Ivars programmu vadīja abās valodās un izskaidroja Jāņu paražas, kas dažiem varbūt likās jau simtreiz dzirdētas, bet citam pirmo reizi. Ļoti noderīga bija arī katras dziesmas pārtulkošana ātros vilcienos, lai tie kas ar latviešu kultūru nav uzauguši ir lielāka izpratne par dzirdēto.

Mūzikanti no Melburnas organizēja rotaļas un dejas visiem viesiem. Vismīļākā manuprāt bija "Rīgas tilti", daudzi no Brisbanes latviešu bērniem to pirmo reizi iemācījās Bērnu Vasaras nometnē Kilmore un šī rotaļa piesaista ar savu azartu "lai tik kāds mani nenoķer".

Tad uzstājās arī Brisbanes Latviešu skoliņa ar divām dziesmām-rotaļām " Krauklīts sēd ozolā" un "Nu ir visi Jāņu bērni sanākuši te", atkal iesaistījās ne tikai skoliņas dalībnieki, un bija liela jautrība.

Lai gan ne tieši Jāņu sakarā, bet gribās pieminēt ka pirmo reizi Brisbanes Latviešu Namā ieradās jauns pāris no Zelta Krasta (Gold Coast). Meitene no Latvijas, puisis no Austrālijas. Abi satikušies Londonā un tad kādu gadu dzīvojuši Latvijā, kur vīrs ir mācījies latviešu valodu un tad pašmācības ceļā to turpinājis apgūt tālāk. Pie tam viņš ir tas, kurš ierosinājis savā starpā runāt latviski. Nu tad tik skaistu latviešu valodu mēs nebijām ilgi dzirdējuši no nelatvieša! Varbūt šis piemērs būtu labs pamudinājums citiem jauktiem pāriem!

Grupiņa brisbaniešu ar bērniem pašus Jāņus svinēs Jaundienvidvelsā - Hozanas lauku sētā (Hosannah Farmstay), kura daudziem mums atgādina Latviju - ar zaļiem pakalniem un lejām un dziesmām gan ēst taisot, gan arī vakarā pie ugunskura sēžot. Līgo!

The post Līst kā pa Jāņiem! – Jāņu ielīgošana Brisbanē appeared first on Latvians Online.

The first thing that has to be said about the referendum held in Great Britain this past Thursday on whether or not to withdraw from the European Union is that as soon as it became clear that the "leave" side had won, the value of the British pound plummeted to its lowest point in 30 years. That is what the business world thought about the decision.

Readers, I am sure, will know that the "leave" side won by a margin of about four points, 52 to 48 on a 72% turnout. Turnout in the last presidential election in the United States was 57% percent, which is dismal for a democracy, but it does show the level of interest that there was in Britain about the issue at hand.

That said, I am equally sure that a great many, if not most of the Britons who went to the polls last week did so without much information at all. The campaign for and against membership in the EU was a series of exaggerated claims, outright lies and lots and lots of yelling and screaming. Oh, if we withdraw, the British economy will collapse right away! Oh, it we don't withdraw, all of Turkey will move to the UK in the near future!   We send endless amounts of money to faceless bureaucrats in Brussels who do God only knows what with it, and we get hardly anything back in return! Wrong, because the British economy is one of the world's largest. Wrong because Turkey is not in the EU, and thus its citizens do not have access to the EU's free-movement-of-people principle. Wrong because the truth is that Britain gets around 10 times more money from the EU than it pays in (for Latvia, it is a ratio of around 4:1). There were people who tried to analyze the situation rationally. A group of lawyers put out an open letter saying that they had studied all of the pros and cons, and on balance they had concluded that it would be better to stay in. No one much listened.

The lawyers, of course, were not the only ones. Withdrawal from the EU was formally and officially opposed by the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the OECD, the G-7, the G-20, presidents and prime ministers from all over the world, groups of scientists, groups of cultural workers, groups of economists. Never mind. Nativism prevailed. Xenophobia prevailed. Racism prevailed. Shortly before the referendum the truly odious Nigel Farage of the truly odious United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) put out a poster reading "Breaking point! The EU has failed us all. We must break free of the EU and take back control of our borders." Behind him on the poster was a long line of refugees -- people of color, women in headscarves, a couple of turbans. The message could not have been more clear -- people are invading our country, and they are not like you. They are not like us.

There was a reason why most of the world said in advance that Britain should not leave the European Union. That is the fact that there is no question whatsoever that the decision was a bad one. It was wrong. Above all it was wrong because it casts into utter doubt the world of business in Britain and in countries that do business with it. Certainly the UK can expect foreign investment to plummet. Who is going to invest in a country which may be in a totally different economic, political and trade situation two years down the line? No one. That's the answer.

According to the EU's Lisbon Treaty, what happens once a country decides to leave the bloc is that it must formally request the implementation of Article 50 of the treaty or, if it does not, the European Commission can implement it on its behalf. That launches a two-year process of negotiations to figure out just what kind of relationship the departing country will have with the EU once it leaves. If at the end of those two years agreement has not been reached, the negotiations can be extended with the express authorization of all other EU member states (27 not counting Great Britain), and if not, the country is out of the EU, and its economy is governed no longer by Brussels, but instead by the World Trade Organization. In practice, that would mean that each EU member state, and every other country in the world, would be free to negotiate its own trade arrangements with London. Tariffs, customs fees, import restrictions, the lot. Similarly, the UK would no longer have access to the EU's trade agreements, of which there are a great many. It, too, would have to strike out on its own. No wonder the country's businesses and banks are aghast.

British Prime Minister David Cameron resigned in the wake of the referendum, but postponed his resignation until October, pending the identification of a new prime minister and a new cabinet. By law, a British prime minister may not resign until such time as his or her successor has been identified. In political terms, the next head of government should probably be former London Mayor (and current MP) Boris Johnson, who was the most visible representative of the "leave" leave campaign. The problem is that Mr. Johnson is something of a loose cannon, sort of like a British version of Donald Trump, only not as vulgar. He, too, is capable of making the most astonishing claims such as, during the referendum campaign, that the EU bans shops from selling bananas in bunches of more than two or three. First of all, "two or three" is not a hard rule and, most importantly, that is simply not true. Asked once why people should vote for his Conservative Party, Johnson replied, "voting Tory will cause your wife to have bigger breasts and increase your chances of owning a BMW M3." Channeling Bill Clinton and his non-inhalation of marijuana, Johnson declared that "I think I was once given cocaine, but I sneezed, so it didn't go up my nose. In fact, it may have been icing sugar."   In short, this man is something of a loose cannon, and he is going to be heading up Britain's withdrawal negotiations with the EU? What is more, EU leaders have already made it clear that they expect the UK to start the negotiations forthwith, and October is not forthwith.

There is also the fact that the EU is not likely to be particularly charitably inclined toward Britain's wishes in this process. The UK has always been a problem child as a member state, whether it was Margaret Thatcher banging her purse on the table and yelling about Britain's rebate, Britain's refusal to accept the EU's social charter and the euro, Britain's refusal to join the Schengen border-free zone, or the UK's withdrawal from the European Exchange Mechanism on what has ever since been known as "Black Wednesday." It is also true that the to-do list for the EU is already overflowing -- Greek profligacy, sanctions against Russia and whether to extend them, the European Central Bank and its negative interest rates, the whole migration issue, the TTIP agreement with America. Who needs another bit of business that will probably prove to be one, big hassle?

On the other hand, there is also reason to believe that the European Commission, at least, will choose to be pragmatic about this. The EU did not want the UK to withdraw, because with all of its fussing, it has been a major partner therein. Options are not unlimited, and there will probably be no way for London to say "well, we didn't really mean it, let's just leave things as they are." One possibility will be an arrangement of the type that Norway and Switzerland have with the EU -- being part of the free trade bloc while not being part of the organization as such. The problem with that is that being part of the free trade bloc means accepting all of the EU's trade regulations, of which there are a great many. A decade or so ago I visited Norway and interviewed people who wanted their country to join the EU and those who did not. Both of them told me the same thing -- that most of Norway's laws are written in Brussels, and Norway has to accept them even though it has had no part in drafting them. Is that what Britain really wants?

There is also the fact that there were parts of the UK in which people voted very much in favor of remaining in the EU. London, where the country's economic processes are concentrated, was one, but the others were Northern Ireland and Scotland. Readers will know that Scotland held a referendum of its own a few years back on leaving the UK, with a narrow majority preferring to stay in. The leader of the governing Scottish National Party has already said that a second referendum is on the table. As for Northern Ireland, it shares an island with Ireland proper. Would one group of Irishmen have to put up border controls against another group of Irishmen?

As for Latvian interests, from the national perspective the withdrawal is no good thing, because in most cases Britain has been a staunch ally for our country's interests. From the perspective of the almost countless Latvians who are making a living for themselves in the UK, there will now be a time of uncertainty. Until such time as the aforementioned negotiations are complete, Great Britain will remain a full member of the EU, and so the rules under which Latvians moved there and found jobs will remain in place. What will happen after that, however, is very much up in the air, and it is also true that the ugly nativism that underpinned much of the "leave" campaign may mean increased hostility among "natives" toward the "migrants." Psychological pressure and even violence are very much not out of the question.

The bottom line here is this: a majority of voters in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland made a mistake last Thursday. It is going to take a long, long time to clean up the mess that they have created.

The post Shoot yourself in the foot much? appeared first on Latvians Online.

„Es zinu, kāpēc latvieši izvēlējās Baškīriju. Te izskatās tāpat kā Latvijā”, tā par Baškīrijas dabu izteicās skolotāja Rita Jaurēna, kas šogad ieradās Maksima Gorkija (Arhlatviešu) ciemā, lai divas nedēļas palīdzētu strādāt latviešu lingvistiskajā nometnē „Avots”, kā arī palīdzētu gatavoties Latviešu biedrības Baškīrijā 20 gadu jubilejai, kas tika svinēta saulgriežu naktī.

Ufā Latviešu biedrība tika nodibināta 1996. gadā, tās priekšsēdētājs – Viktors Kārkliņš. Latviešu Kultūrvēsturiskais centrs Arhangeles rajona Maksima Gorkija (Arhlatviešos) ciemā tika nodibināts 2006. gada jūnijā, tā pirmā direktore – Anna Gusarova (Veisa), tagadējā - Ludmila Muceniece. Biedrības un kultūrvēsturiskā centra mērķis ir veicināt latviešu valodas un kultūras pastāvēšanu un attīstību Baškortostānas republikā. Jāteic, ka latviskās dzīves, kultūras un valodas centrs ir Arhlatviešu vidusskola, un par tās uzturēšanu galvenokārt rūpējas latviešu valodas skolotājs.

Lai gan Latviešu biedrība Ufā nevar lepoties ar tādu stabilitāti kā, piemēram, Omskas Latviešu biedrība, tomēr tās priekšsēdētājs Viktors Kārkliņš savu iespēju robežās vienmēr ir atbalstījis latviešu kultūras dzīvi Baškīrijā. Ņemot vērā to, ka finansējums šīm biedrībām un kultūrvēsturiskiem centriem ir niecīgs, un paši darbinieki bieži vien tajā iegulda savus līdzekļus, Kārkliņa kungs bieži vien ir sniedzis finansiālu palīdzību Baškīrijas latviešu vajadzībām. Katru gadu Ziemassvētkos skolēni, kas apgūst latviešu valodu un apmeklē latviešu folkloras pulciņu, ir saņēmuši paciņas ar saldumiem, 2013. gadā, kad latviešu folkloras ansamblis „Atbalss” devās uz Dziesmu un deju svētkiem, Viktors Kārkliņš finansēja ceļu 11 dalībniekiem, arī latviešu valodas skolotāja mājas labiekārtošanu ir sponsorējis Kārkliņa kungs. Tā ir tikai neliela daļa no palīdzības, kuru ir sniedzis Latviešu biedrības priekšsēdētājs. Bez šaubām, finansiāli un morāli Baškīrijas latviešus ir atbalstījusi Krievijas latviešu kongresa priekšsēdētāja Lauma Vlasova. Arī viņa ir sniegusi savu artavu, lai tiktu iegādāta un labiekārtota latviešu valodas skolotāja māja (līdz 2005. gadam skolotājs mitinājās istabiņā, kāda no vietējo iedzīvotāju mājām), 2013. Lauma Vlasova ansambļa „Atbalss” 6 dalībniecēm uzdāvināja latviešu tautas tērpus.

Jubilejas svinības ar savu klātbūtni pagodināja arī Latvijas vēstniece Krievijā Astra Kurme, kura latviešu folkloras ansamblim „Atbalss” uzdāvināja pastalas. Pēc vēstnieces teiktā, tas ir pēdējais elements, kas nepieciešams, lai „Atbalss” būtu ideāls latviešu folkloras ansamblis, kas atrodas ārpus Latvijas.

Latviešu biedrības Baškīrijā jubileju apmeklēja arī Latviešu biedrības Omskā pārstāvji, kuri šogad svinēs savas biedrības „Zvaigznīte” 25 gadu pastāvēšanas jubileju. Tika kaldināti kopīgi plāni, tika domāts un runāts par jauniem projektiem, kas apvienotu Krievijā dzīvojošos latviešus, kā tas bija 2009. gadā, kad Baškīrijā tika organizēti Krievijas-Latvijas Dziesmu svētki.

Ir padarīts liels darbs. Tas apstiprinājis to, ko sen pamanīju strādājot Baškīrijā, proti, vietējiem ir pavisam cita izpratne par to, kas ir latvietis, kāda ir tā mentalitāte, pasaules izpratne. Lai arī mūs sauc par bāliem, varbūt pat neizteiksmīgiem (salīdzinot ar krieviem, tatāriem vai baškīriem varbūt tā arī izskatās), bet vienu noteikti mums nevar atņemt. Tā ir skaistuma izjūta, latvietis ir estēts, tāpēc savu pasauli tas būvē skaistu. Arī svētki, kas arī mēdz būt pieticīgi, vienmēr būs skaisti, un pavēstīs galveno – ne jau spilgtas drēbes un vainagi rotās Baškīrijā svinētos Jāņus, tās būs mūsu tautas dziesmas, dejas un melodiskā valoda. Mēs esam īpaši ar to, ka esam latvieši, skaisti savā pieticībā un viedumā, to mums neatņemt.

The post Latviešu biedrība Baškīrijā svin 20 gadu jubileju saulgriežos appeared first on Latvians Online.

Tuvojoties Pasaules latviešu ekonomikas un inovāciju foruma (PLEIF) norisei Austrālijā šī gada nogalē, Austrālijā dzimušais Krišjānis Putniņš, kurš pirms astoņiem gadiem pārcēlies uz Latviju un Rīgā atvēris pirmo folkklubu „ALA pagrabs“, dalās pieredzē par uzņēmējdarbības iespējām Latvijā.

„Kad es pirmo reizi Rīgā atvēru folkklubu, tad Latvijā vēl nebija tāda tautiskā kustība, kāda tagad ir, kad visiem ir telefonu vāciņi ar latviešu rakstiem un šalles ar Lielvārdes jostas rakstiem. Latviešu folklora nebija vēl tik populāra. Tā ļoti nosacīti eksistēja tikai starp tiem, kuri ar to nodarbojās folkloras kopās un atsevišķos pasākumos,“ skaidro K. Putniņš, kura vadītais klubs šobrīd ik dienas pulcē ap 1000 apmeklētāju. „Man personīgi ir tāda sajūta, ka esmu piedalījies folkloras kustībā un to daļēji arī palīdzējis popularizēt,“ uzskata uzņēmējs.

Putniņš atzīst, ka procesā esot nācies pielaist daudz kļūdu un gūt smagas mācības, bet tas viņu nav atturējis turpināt. „Ir jāmācās un jāpieļauj tās kļūdas, bet galvenais nepadoties. Iespēja augt te tomēr ir krietni lielāka nekā Austrālijā vai Amerikā vai vēl kaut kur. Te tirgus ir mazāks. Te ir arī krietni mazāk līdzekļu vajadzīgs, lai uzsāktu pirmo biznesu. Un te arī ir ļoti daudz ideju, kas vēl nav realizētas, un līdz ar to te, savā ziņā, ir atvērts tirgus,“ uzskata K. Putniņš. „Ja tu nāc no ārzemēm ar godīgu, pozitīvu un strādīgu attieksmi, kādu es redzu ārzemju latviešu jauniešos, tad tādiem cilvēkiem ir visas iespējas kaut ko sasniegt,“ piebilst uzņēmējs.

Lai veicinātu ārpus Latvijas dzīvojošo latviešu uzņēmēju un biznesa līderu interesi par ekonomisko sadarbību un ieguldīšanu Latvijā, kā arī lai iepazīstinātu Latvijas uzņēmējus ar biznesa iespējām Klusā okeāna un Āzijas reģionā, šī gada 29. un 30. decembrī notiks Pasaules latviešu ekonomikas un inovāciju foruma pirmais reģionālais pasākums ārpus Latvijas ar skatu uz Klusā okeāna un Āzijas reģionu.

„Kopš Latvijas neatkarības atjaunošanas uz Latviju ir pārcēlušies un savu uzņēmējdarbību ir uzsākuši vairāki Austrālijas latvieši, kuri, atverot savus uzņēmumus, algojot darbiniekus un maksājot nodokļus Latvijā, sniedz nozīmīgu ieguldījumu Latvijas tautsaimniecības izaugsmes veicināšanā,“ skaidro Kristīne Saulīte, Pasaules Brīvo latviešu apvienības priekšsēža vietniece un PLEIF 2016 koordinatore. „Rīkojot Pasaules latviešu ekonomikas un inovāciju forumu Melburnā, Austrālijā, vēlamies ne vien iepazīstināt Latvijas uzņēmējus ar eksporta iespējām Klusā okeāna un Āzijas reģionā, bet arī ieinteresēt Austrālijas latviešus ieguldīt Latvijā,“ piebilst K. Saulīte.

Pasaules latviešu ekonomikas un inovāciju forums ir Pasaules Brīvo latviešu apvienības sadarbībā ar Latvijas Republikas Ārlietu ministriju attīstīta iniciatīva, kuras mērķis ir Latvijas ekonomiskās izaugsmes veicināšanas nolūkā stiprināt sadarbību starp dažādās uzņēmējdarbības nozarēs strādājošiem profesionāļiem Latvijā un pasaulē, veicināt zināšanu pārnesi un finanšu kapitāla piesaisti Latvijai. Pirmais šāds forums notika Rīgā 2013. gada vasarā, bet otrais – 2015. gada vasarā, pulcējot vairākus simtus augsta līmeņa uzņēmējus un dažādu nozaru speciālistus no pāri par 25 valstīm. 29. un 30.decembrī PLEIF ietvaros Melburnā, Austrālijā notiks pirmais reģionālais pasākums ar skatu uz Klusā okeāna un Āzijas reģionu, kurā tiks diskutēts par Latvijas uzņēmēju iespējām darboties Austrālijas, Jaunzēlandes un Āzijas tirgos un par šā reģiona uzņēmēju investīciju iespējām Latvijā.

Interviju ar Krišjāni Putniņu:

Ilze Garoza, Pasaules Brīvo latviešu apvienības ģenerālsekretāre, Mob. tālr. 29123329

The post Uzņēmējs Krišjānis Putniņš: Latvijā uzsākt pirmo biznesu vieglāk nekā Austrālijā appeared first on Latvians Online.

Webcams are an interesting way of catching a glimpse of what goes on in a country — from afar. You won't see the main sights but you may see some interesting goings-on in the city or town you may be interested in visiting. Some of the main tourist towns and cities in Latvia now have live-streaming webcams installed. Latvians Online interviewed Antons Mironovs, PR Manager of Baltic Live Cam. 

When did you start installing webcams in Rīga and Jūrmala?

We have been installing the webcams since 2011, but we have recently started to expand our collection and, with webcams in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, are aiming at Scandinavian countries, with our most recent webcam installed in the capital of Finland - Helsinki.

What was the purpose of installing the webcams?

In order to increase the people’s interest of Rīga and Jūrmala and to show the most noticeable moments in the life of these two cities. Then, we have noticed that there is beauty in all parts of the Baltic region and in 2015 we started to expand further into the Baltics and installed a webcam in Tallinn. Right now, the purpose of the streams has slightly shifted to a more practical use, but a lot of people are still fascinated by the unique atmosphere of our featured locations and practically flood our website when certain events are captured by our webcams.

Which webcams are favorite among the internet users?

The people that watch the streams do it for three different reasons: check the current weather conditions, see various different locations across the Baltics and watch an event they cannot or decided not to attend. Concerning the weather, almost every camera is useful, as they show crucial places for weather observation, be it a city skyline, a panorama, a beach, etc. I personally have found out that some of my friends, without knowing that I work here, actively use our webcams in Old Rīga every day before going to work, the typical weather forecast is useful, but seeing how people are dressed on the live stream helps better than any weather report. In case of weather, as it has been said, the most popular are in Old Rīga, especially Freedom Monument Square and Livu Square. Also, the Vanšu Bridge over the river Daugava, which is also useful for seeing how intense the traffic is. The Majori Beach and Jomas Street in Jūrmala are incredibly popular, as the city is favorite among Riga citizens to go to for a weekend.

There are also a few sightseeing locations captured by our live stream webcams. We have a webcam in Narva that is pointed at the two medieval castles - Narva Castle and the Ivangorod Fortress that stand next to each other on the opposite banks of the Narva River. On top of that, one castle is located in Estonia and the other one - in Russia. You can actually see the border of the two countries, which at the same time is the border of Russia and the EU! Needless to say, the view is always fascinating, also considering that there is a crowded beach in the foreground.

Which interesting and unique incidents have been caught on camera? Perhaps, for example, the police was able to catch a thief thanks to your camera?

We have never been asked by the police or any authorities to assist them, largely due to the fact that we are not allowed to record anywhere we want. That is because some of our webcams are situated in the places that concern national or even international security.

However, we have been asked by some people to provide the footage of the previously mentioned Narva and Ivangorod Castles, after a child almost drowned near the beach and people wanted to know what exactly happened. Unfortunately, this particular webcam we were not allowed to record for sure, as this is the one that concerns international security. Thankfully, the child was okay and if we could, we would definitely help and provide the recording.

What percentage of people realise that there is a webcam while passing by and start attracting attention?

Not many, even though there is a sign underneath each webcam where people’s faces can be seen (we are obliged to do that by law), there are so many cameras everywhere nowadays - no one sees the difference between the ordinary security cameras and live stream webcams.

However, if people already know about the webcam, they usually try to figure out where it is and play with it in some way. A lot of Facebook users from Daugavpils upon seeing the webcam from their Central Square have written to their friends and relatives to come there and wave. Some even sent screenshots from their phones with themselves on some of the webcams, but usually, people stick to just watching the streams and that’s all.

How many webcams are there in, for instance, the Old Town that are installed for security’s sake?

Actually, none of them are essentially for security, as security footage is not allowed to be viewed publicly like our webcams. Although some of the owners of the places where our webcams are installed, like the cafe near the beach in Narva-Joesuu, Estonia, can definitely use the streams for security purposes.

Which webcams are the most interesting for tourists?

When it comes to tourists, they usually check our webcams in order to compare views of different cities and countries to decide where they would want to go. As different views provide different perspectives, tourists watch all of them, but in essence, they find the panoramic views and the views of beaches to be the most interesting.

Most of the people from abroad like to watch our webcams just for the sake of enjoyment. They often like to watch the events or just the buzz of day-to-day city life.

In which part of the day is it most interesting to watch what is happening through the webcam? During the day or the night?

It depends on the location. Mostly, it is most interesting during the day, especially during the evening, when the people are free from work and are just taking a stroll. Summer provides a chance to observe the coastlines of several beaches, which is probably one of the most beautiful things that you can get out of our website. Sometimes, it’s really fun to look at the morning rush in the crowded transportation knots and some places become truly alive only after dusk - especially in the Old Town of Rīga. Certain events obviously attract a huge amount of people - some of our followers from abroad usually eagerly express their envy in our Facebook comment section (in a good way, no trolling).

Concerning this very moment, in the recent Pokémon GO craze, it is extremely interesting to check any webcam of the Old Town or Jomas street in Jūrmala either for checking where the most people go to find more Pokémon or Pokestops or just watch the people play - there are swarms of gamers practically everywhere.

The post Webcams in the Baltics – what can you see? appeared first on Latvians Online.

The Australian Latvian 56th Arts Festival will be held in Melbourne this year. During the Festival another event – the World Latvian Economics and Innovations Forum is scheduled for 29th and 30th December. Latvians Online spoke to the coordinator of the forum, Kristīne Saulīte.

What do you aim to achieve with this forum - to be held in Australia, so far away from Latvia?

Firstly, I'd like to mention that the President of Latvia, Mr. Raimonds Vējonis, is patron of this event and the forum is being organised in conjunction with the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia. This is a jointly organised forum, as the Latvian government understands the desirability for Latvia to find new export markets outside Europe. The event has also been officially announced as one of Latvia's centenary events (Latvia will be celebrating 100 years in 2018).

There are two main aims of the forum. Firstly, the interaction of the Latvian government with our diaspora has, until now, mainly been in the cultural arena and very little collaboration has taken place in the economic sphere — either in export, investment or sharing of expertise and knowledge. It's time for those Latvians living outside of Latvia to share their experiences with Latvian-based entrepreneurs.

I mean this in a practical sense: for instance, what are the expectations if you wish to conduct business in Australia or other countries in this region? What are market realities, what is the business climate like and what are the business etiquettes in this region? It's important to realise that you can't conduct business in other countries relying on the business standards and practices of your own country. In order to be able to successfully develop an export business, you need to understand the business culture of the market that you are entering. You need to conduct market research, make contacts with others in the industry, research the best way to promote your product, and many other tasks associated with export.

The second aim is to attract business leaders of Latvian heritage living in the Asia/Pacific region, entrepreneurs or other business specialists interested in developing contacts and/or business projects in Latvia and to give them the opportunity to network with like-minded people.

Australia was chosen for the 2016 Forum as it is a stable, economically developed and mature country in the region with longstanding business connections in the strategically important countries of the region. Also, it is a particularly significant time at the moment, as the European Union is actively working towards establishing free trade agreements with Australia, New Zealand and other ASEAN countries. This could be a very appropriate time for Latvian businesses with a view to export to explore this region, and the intention is that our forum might better equip them to enter these markets.

This networking opportunity will give Australian and Latvian businesses a chance to meet, exchange ideas, provide a forum to learn about the Australian markets and business culture. There is no guarantee for anyone that this forum will lead to the signing of business deals, yet the personal connections participants will make will be invaluable and could serve as a springboard for further collaboration between businesses.

The previous World Latvian Economics and Innovations Forum was held in 2015. This next one is being organised only a year later. Why so?

The two year gap between the first and second forums held in Rīga highlighted a certain loss of momentum by not having an annual event. Introducing a regional forum outside of Latvia on the “off years” that the Riga forum is not being held, will not only enhance continuity, but will also expand the quality of interactions available. With this in mind, the next regional forum outside of Latvia is anticipated to be held in the United States.

Have any participants from Latvia already confirmed they will be attending?

The opening session will be dedicated to Latvia's vision for growth and building ties with Asia Pacific region. Participants in this session will be Dace Melbārde (Latvian Minister for Culture), Egīls Levits, (Judge at the Court of Justice of the European Union), and a Latvian Ambassador from the Asia Pacific Region. Other confirmed participants include Lāsma Līdaka from LIAA (Investment and Development Agency of Latvia) and Jānis Endziņš, representing LTRK (Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry).

A number of Latvian business owners are planning to attend – representatives from Latvijas Finieris (a large Latvian plywood company), Jānis Ošlejs, owner of Primex (industrial concrete floor construction), Arnis Petrānis from Peruza (customised production equipment), owner of translation services company Linearis – Voldemārs Brēdiķis and Jānis Jenzis, owner of a number of wine bars and restaurants in Rīga. Some of our ex-diaspora Latvians now living in Latvia will also be in Melbourne – Krišjānis Putniņš, owner of popular folk club ALA Pagrabs in Vecrīga, Pēteris Stupāns, Founder and Managing Director at Nordplay SIA, and Arnis Kākulis, Regional Director of AECOM (engineering design firm) and President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Latvia.

Why is the forum being held during the Latvian Arts festival (Kultūras dienas)?

As there will be a large concentration of Latvians in one place, similar to the Latvian “Dziesmu Svētki” (Latvian National Song Festival, held every five years) we thought this the perfect time to organise this event. The forum has been coordinated with the Latvian Arts Festival organising committee and we have scheduled not to overlap with major festival events, but rather to complement their offering.

Where will the event be held?

In the centre of Melbourne – at the Rydges Hotel, Exhibition Street.

What will be the format of the event?

The first day (29th December) will be devoted to panel discussions related to Latvia building ties with the Asia Pacific region both from a visionary perspective as well as the practical side of conducting business in this region and 30th December will comprise a day of technical tours. These will be visits to various local businesses outside of Melbourne to see how they operate. This will also provide the opportunity for people to meet and network in a less formal environment.

What will be the working language of the event?

The event will be held in English, to maximize accessibility and reach out to as many interested participants as possible.

For more information have a look at the PLEIF website or the PLEIF LinkedIn page or Facebook page.

The post World Latvian Economics and Innovations Forum to be held in Australia appeared first on Latvians Online.