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BALTIC HERITAGE NETWORK
Newsletter no. 3 (24) 2018 issn: 228-3390
In this issue:
• Estonia Opens Memorial in
Remembrance of Victims of
Communism
• First Summer Course for Estonian
Dance Teachers Abroad
• A Book on Lithuanian-Polish
Relations
• Reflections of the Worldwide
Estonian Societies Festival “Sajaga
seltsis”
• The Order for Merits to Lithuania
• Lithuanian and Estonian at IU
Bloomington
• Discussion on the Preservation of
Lithuanian Identity Abroad
• Ruta Karma was nominated for the
BaltHerNet Conference in Tartu to Languages Award
celebrate 100 years of the Baltic Republics • National Library of Lithuania at the
and 10 years of our organization World Lithuanian Events in Vilnius
The conference “New Beginnings of Baltic Diaspora” took place at the
Estonian National Museum in Tartu from June 26-29. The conference Editor-in-Chief: Piret Noorhani
Editor: Kristina Lupp
was organized by the NGO Baltic Heritage Network with the help Designer: Kristina Lupp
of partners including the Estonian National Museum, the Estonian The Baltic Heritage Newsletter is
Literary Museum, Centre of Excellence in Estonian Studies, and the distributed quarterly, on-line. The next
National Archives of Estonia. deadline for submissions is 15 November
2018. Please send all related enquiries
The conference celebrated the 100th birthdays of the Republics of and submissions to Piret Noorhani:
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The conference was also an opportunity piretnoorhani@gmail.com
to examine the current and past experiences diaspora communities The Non-Profit Association Baltic Heritage
Network was founded in Tartu on January
have had opening and closing archives. The conference covered topics 11, 2008. NPA BaltHerNet was established
such as creating new collections, promoting existing collections, to foster cooperation between national and
questions regarding preservation and accessibility, as well as oral history private archives, museums, libraries, and
institutions of research, public associations
and family stories, writing memoirs, and the importance of passing and organizations collecting and studying
history on to following generations. Speakers included academic the cultural heritage of the Baltic diaspora.
researchers, memory institution specialists, in addition to hard-working It aims to facilitate the preservation and
research of the historically valuable cultural
volunteers, and representatives of diaspora community memory property of the Baltic diaspora, as well as
institutions. to ensure accessibility of these materials to
the public.
A total of 24 presentations were made at the Baltic diaspora gathering,
NPA BaltHerNet is also committed to
Greetings were given by Anne-Ly Reimaa, the Head of International the organising of conferences, seminars
Relations on Integration Issues at the Ministry of Culture, the Director and workshops, and to developing and
of the Estonian National Museum, Alar Karis, and the President of administrating the electronic information
website Baltic Heritage Network, a
BaltHerNet, Piret Noorhani. The conference was opened by Uppsala multilingual electronic gateway for
University professor Raimo Raag, whose opening speech focused on the information on the cultural heritage of the
definitions of “new” and “old” in the context of community. Often the Baltic diaspora.
development of new communities abroad gives previous generations www.balther.net
within the community reason to consider the next generation to be ISSN 2228-3390
2018 no . 3 (24)
Ba lt i c h e r i tag e n e t wo r k 2
new. Similarly, ethnic groups heritage of the Baltic University Kolevinskienė), and research
give refugee communities their that was active in Hamburg about emigration through the
own names. The 19th century and Pinneberg, Germany from educational programs at the
emigration that took place for 1946 to 1949. The establishment National Library of Lithuania
agrarian reasons was without a of the Baltic University was (Jolanta Budriuniene). The rest of
doubt very different from the incredibly important, as it was the presentations examined the
migratory wave that took place very successful in poor conditions activities of Estonian diaspora
during and following the Second providing scholars who had left in Australia (Inno Salasoo, Maie
World War. Each new wave of the Baltic countries academic Barrow, Terry Kass/Jüri Voan),
migration has been accompanied work and simultaneously in the United States of America
by the renaming of the previous providing an academic education (Ave Marie Blithe) and in Canada
wave. Furthermore, the alteration to young Balts in DP camps. P. (Piret Noorhani). Lectures
of terminology is also recognizable Heikkilä presented a lecture about focusing on Estonian memory
over time (terms used early on, questions surrounding committees institution activities surrounding
such as refugee or displaced fighting to free Estonia and their diaspora included: the research
persons, change over time or activities at their peak during status of Siberian Estonians (Anu
disappear entirely). Therefore, the 1950s and 1960s, when the Korb), the accessibility of film
the diaspora lifestyle can be relationship between the Estonian heritage on topics of diaspora
considered cyclical. Proferssor American National Committee (Ivi Tomingas), the heritage of
Raag found that it is interesting to and Committee for a Free Estonia literary scholar Ivar Ivask (Aija
analyze the conference title with was complicated, including power Sakova), the life works of author
“beginnings” plural - was there struggles and attempts to outdo and artist Gunnar Neeme (Marin
one similar beginning in the Baltic each other’s actions. K. Beķere Laak), and the literary relationship
diaspora or rather many different introduced questions regarding between the diaspora and the
ones depending on the ethnic the legal consistency of Baltic homeland following the Second
group, destinations, period of countries since the end of Second World War (Anneli Mihkelev).
migration, or other reasons related World War until the restoration Representative of the “Kogu Me
to the field. of national continuity at the Lugu” (Collecting Our Story)
Presentations by academic beginning of the 1990s. Although project Michaela Snopkova and
representatives from abroad representatives of Baltic countries Tartu University professor and
included Geert Franzenburg in the free world could not direct literary scholar Tiina Ann Kirss
from the University of Münster, USA politics in the direction of gave overviews of capturing life
Marcus Velke from the University the Baltic countries, the activities stories. Tiina reviewed the status
of Bonn, Jüri Kivimäe who has of diplomats were important for of the incredible collaborative
been a longtime professor at the preservation and recognition project “Minu elu ja armastus:
the University of Toronto, Pauli of national continuity. Eesti Vabariik 100” (My Love
Heikkilä from the University of This time there were 5 presentations and Life: Estonia 100). The
Helsinki, and Kristīne Beķere at the conference about Latvian and first day ended with Helga
from the Latvian Academy Lithuanian diaspora. Presentations Merits’ documentary about the
of Sciences. G. Franzenburg covered an introduction of research Geislingen DP camp, which
discussed the process of done on Siberian Latvians included children’s interviews and
constructive memory, memory living in Krasnoyarsk region a thorough introduction from
codes, and culture identity as based on the Latvian author the author. A guided tour of the
a dynamic process that has a Melanija Vanaga’s work (Liene Estonian National Museum, the
strong sense of belonging. M. Salmina), today’s composition opening of the exhibit “Food: A
Velke spoke about the Baltic of Lithuanians in the ethnically Treasury of Estonian Heritage.
community in post-war Bonn, Latvian settlement in the Šventoji Businesses and Factories in
focusing on two distinguished region (Krišs Kapenieks), Latvian Toronto,” a visit to the National
Baltic exile institutions, the lecturers at the Baltic University Archives of Estonia, and the
Baltic Institute for Research and (Baiba Vanaga), the activities of opening reception of the exhibit
Development and the Baltic the Lithuanian Authors’ Society dedicated to Gunnar Neeme at the
Christian Students Union. J. in the United States of America Estonian Literary Museum all fit into
Kivimäe gave an overview of the in the 1950-1970s (Žydronė the conference program.
2018 no . 3 (24)
Ba lt i c h e r i tag e n e t wo r k 3
The conference lectures were
available via livestream for all
those who were curious and soon
they will be available on Youtube
(use the keywords Baltic Heritage
Network to search). The NGO
BaltHerNet Annual General
Meeting also took place during
the conference period and it was
decided that the Chief Archivist of
the Museum of Estonians Abroad,
Piret Noorhani, will continue
as the President of BaltHerNet.
victimised? Communist crimes Photo: Kaarel Langemets
The Board of Directors was grandchildren,” the President of
and European memory” was held
elected: Karin Kiisk (secretary, the Republic said.
in Tallinn.
Estonian National Museum),
Vice-Presidents Kristine Bekere The memorial commemorating The opening of the Memorial
(Latvian Academy of Sciences) Estonia’s victims of communism was followed by the high-level
and Jolanta Budriuniene is dedicated to all Estonian people conference “Utopia unachieved
(Martynas Mažvydas National who suffered under the terror despite millions victimised?
Library of Lithuania), Board inflicted by the Soviet Union. The Communist crimes and European
Members Maarja Merivoo-Parro names of over 22,000 people who memory”, organized by the
(Tallinn University) and Birgit never returned home are inscribed Estonian Institute of Historical
Kibal (National Archives of on the memorial’s name plaques. Memory, supported by the
Estonia). Two honorary members They were murdered or died due Estonian Ministry of Justice
were also elected: David Jacobs to inhumane living conditions and the Embassy of Germany to
from the Hoover Institute in imprisonment or forced Estonia.
Archives and Andris Ķesteris from resettlement and the remains of Richard Overy, the Professor of
the Latvian National Federation in many of them are in unnamed History at the University of Exeter
Canada. graves in unknown locations. emphasized in his keynote speech
This conference was the 5th, At the memorial opening Kersti that despite that Europe is free
as they have been taking place Kaljulaid, the President of the from communist regimes, the
every 3 years since 2006. The next Republic of Estonia said: “Still, situation in the world is far from
destination is in Vilnius in 2021. there are those who justify peaceful. “Few Europeans seem
You are welcome to join us! totalitarian ideologies on various willing to acknowledge that China
pretexts, and say that ideally one is a single-party authoritarian
Birgit Kibal
or the other is actually noble, only state that abuses human rights
Estonia opens implementation has failed so far. and denies freedom of expression
30,000 sqm memorial But every totalitarian ideology is or association to around one-
in remembrance by its nature an enemy of freedom, quarter of the world’s population.”
and we know its high price from Through this example Mr Overy
of victims of our own historical experience.” emphasized the fact that freedom
communism can not be taken for granted.
“Democratic countries should
On 23 August, the European Day stand for the fact that hatred “Historical memory is critical and
of Remembrance for victims of will never lead the decisions of it must be kept alive not only by
all totalitarian and authoritarian anyone. We need to think about the dedicated work of scholars
regimes, a 30,000 square meter maintaining and protecting who expose the gap between
memorial was opened in Tallinn democracy and European totalitarian rhetoric and the
with more than 22,000 names of moral values – citizens’ rights brutal reality, but by wider public
Estonia’s victims of communism. and freedoms – from all forms engagement with the memory of
On the same day a high-level of populism and extremism. victimhood through programmes
international conference “Utopia Only then we can be sure about of education, public events and
unachieved despite millions the future of our children and sites of remembrance,” said Mr.
2018 no . 3 (24)
Ba lt i c h e r i tag e n e t wo r k 4
Overy. human rights against both today’s living abroad, Estonian cultural
Nikita Petrov, the Vice-Chairman and future threats that arise from festivals also take place outside of
of the Board of Memorial`s hostile ideologies,” Reinsalu said. Estonia.
Scientific Research Centre (Russia) The government representatives From August 15-19, the first
agreed with the necessity of a of the European Union member summer course for Estonian folk
common culture of remembrance states, who were present at dance teachers abroad organized
in Europe. “It is necessary to the meeting, also invited the by the Estonian Dance Festival
create an international court for governments of other countries to Museum took place in Kihnu and
communist crimes. To talk widely express their respect for all those Pärnu. The goals of the five-day
about those crimes through the who fell victim to the political course were to create a functional
education system,” said Mr. Petrov. terror of the totalitarian regimes web of communication between
He emphasized that it has to be with the joint statement. At the the leaders of Estonian folk dance
remembered that communist same time, the participants of groups abroad, pass on skills for
ideologies are based on fear and the meeting expressed their the heritage and author’s dances,
violence. support for the initiative of the as well as for organizing festivals,
Among the speakers of the Estonian government to establish share experiences, and create
conference were internationally an international museum for a plan for collaboration. The
renown people, such as writer and the victims of communism in summer school program included
playwright Sofi Oksanen, historian Tallinn. The representatives of skill-building tips for the main
and Professor of History at the the ministries of justice and patterns of movement in folk
University of Toronto Andres the ministries of foreign affairs dancing, how to prepare a group,
Kasekamp, historian and Professor in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and local heritage was introduced.
of History at the University of Romania, Croatia, Czech All the leaders of Estonian folk
Exeter Richard Overy, Member Republic, Poland and Hungary dancing groups abroad were
of the Board of Trustees of the joined the joint statement. invited to participate to make
Platform of European Memory preparations for the jubilee party
The Estonian Dance
and Conscience Göran Lindblad, in 2019.
Festival Museum
historian and vice-chairman of The summer course offered
Organized the First
the Board of Memorial`s Scientific the Estonian Dance Festival
Research Centre Nikita Petrov. Summer Course for organizers the opportunity to
On the same say, at the invitation
Estonian Dance survey the needs and wishes of
of Minister of Justice Urmas Teachers Abroad the Estonian folk dance groups
Reinsalu, the government abroad. Important information
representatives of European about the repertoire, workshops by
Union countries gathered in Estonian dance mentors, and tips
Tallinn to adopt a joint statement on how to acquire folk costumes
to commemorate the victims was shared. A visit to the Kihnu
of communism and to support Museum took place and a concert
the initiation of the Estonian by the ensemble Kihnumua at
government to establish an the Mõnu farm was attended. In
international museum of the Pärnu, the summer course took
crimes of communism in Tallinn. Estonian folk dance groups place in the new auditorium at
abroad have played a large role in Paikuse Elementary School, where
“It is noteworthy that the the group met the Anna Raudkats
representatives of eight countries introducing Estonian culture to
the world. In 2014, 14 groups from Dance Society and enjoyed their
demand the continuation of concert. In the evening, the open-
investigations into communism’s various countries participated in
the Estonian Dance Festival in air performance “Saja-aastane öö”
crimes. It is clear that investigating (100-Year-Old Night) was enjoyed
totalitarian regimes and Tallinn. There are 31 folk dance
groups from 16 different countries at Vallikääru in Pärnu.
acknowledging their hostility is a
shared responsibility of Europe. applying to participate in the 2019 The jubilee dance festival and pre-
Together, we can protect the XX Estonian Dance Festival. In festival activities were introduced
achieved freedom, democracy, and collaboration with compatriots to the course participants by the
2018 no . 3 (24)
Ba lt i c h e r i tag e n e t wo r k 5
Estonian Folk Dance and Folk 2-3 years. A total of 43 dance Summary and
Music Chairman Kalev Järvela, the teachers and group representatives Reflections of the
Estonian Dance Festival Director participated in the summer course
Worldwide Estonian
Vaike Rajaste, and the leaders from ten different countries:
of different types of folk dance Finland, Sweden, USA (Portland), Societies Festival
groups Erika Põlendik, Agne Canada, Holland, Ireland, “Sajaga seltsis” (In
Kurrikoff-Herman, Karin Soosalu, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Companionship with
and Rauno Zubko. Folklorist and the Czech Republic. 100)
Ingrid Rüütel introduced her Anne-Ly Reimaa In 2018, the Republic of Estonia
publications on Kihnu, Muhu, and celebrates its 100th birthday
Saaremaa cultural heritage. Anne- A Book on
and from August 3-4 the
Ly Reimaa from the Estonian Lithuanian-Polish Association of Estonian Cultural
Ministry of Culture discussed the Relations Societies (EKSÜ) organized
goals of the Compatriots Program a festival “Sajaga seltsis” (In
and their methods of support Companionship with 100)
for Estonian cultural collectives to celebrate at the Estonian
abroad. Erika Põlendik held a National Museum in Tartu. The
master class for the participants festival brought together cultural
on the main dance steps of people from Latvia, the Suetuk
Estonian folk dancing and tips on region, Krasnoyarsk region, St.
how to teach them. The Estonian Petersburg, the Crimea, Kiev,
Folk Dance and Folk Music dance The author Dr. Giedrė Milerytė- London, Toronto, Luxembourg,
mentor Tiiu Pärnits introduced Japertienė is signing her book.
Melbourne, Portland, Moscow,
Pärnu county’s heritage dances Photo: National Library of Lithuania. Minsk, Finland, Tver, and Belarus.
and folk costumes. Additionally, Tiit Rosenberg opened the first
On July 4, Dr. Giedrė Milerytė-
a handicraft morning took place discussion group “Societies as the
Japertienė, the head of the
where jewelry artists Kairi Himma Keepers of Estonianness Yesterday,
Lithuanian Studies Unit of the
and Jüri Urb taught participants Today, and Tomorrow” by giving
Documentary Heritage Research
how to make strings of beads and an overview of Estonian societies
Department at the National
necklaces to go with folk costumes throughout Estonian history.
Library of Lithuania, presented
and how to consider special Tiina Kirss, Anne-Ly Reimaa,
her monograph “Imagining
regional features when making Vera Oinets, and Rein Taagepera
Lithuanian-Polish Relations in
jewelry. also presented on topics about
Emigration from 1945 to 1990.”
Estonian folk dance groups The monograph examines the Estonian society activities all over
abroad have played a large role in fifty-year Lithuanian-Polish the world.
introducing Estonian culture to relations in emigration – real During the first discussion group
the world. In 2014, 14 groups from contacts as well as ideas, cultivated the book about the Estonian
various countries participated in private intellectual gatherings, World Council (ÜEKN) that
in the Estonian Dance Festival which marked mutual cooperation will be published in September
in Tallinn. There are 31 folk or provoked hatred. It also was introduced along with the
dance groups from 16 different highlights a wide debate in the upcoming ESTO festival taking
countries applying to participate press about the future of Lithuania place in Estonia next year.
in the upcoming Estonian Dance and Poland, and the attempts to
Festival. Therefore, an important answer the question: What ideas In the second discussion group
point of discussion at the summer and who in particular resulted in various workshops took place:
course was creating connections today’s harmonious relationship of Preserving the History of
between Estonian folk dance the two neighboring countries? Societies (Kärt Summatavet),
leaders abroad. Collaborations Between Societies
The book will be soon published (Ants Johanson), Estonianness
The goal of the Estonian Dance in Poland. The monograph was on This Side and That Side of the
Festival Museum is to bring financially supported by the Border (Liina Miks), Estonian
the leaders of Estonian Dance Research Council of Lithuania and Cultural Heritage – How Do We
groups abroad together and offer published by the National Library Preserve It (Monika Tomingas),
them additional training every of Lithuania.
2018 no . 3 (24)
Ba lt i c h e r i tag e n e t wo r k 6
Country day took place on August summer language course is the
5, the day when societies from first chance to get acquainted with
abroad visited our societies. The Lithuania and its people, since
Muuga MNS Eha hosted the St. they have only heard about this
Petersburg Estonian Cultural country from their grandparents
Society (folklore group Neevo) or great-grandparents. However,
and the Narva-Jõesuu Estonian there is a substantial group of
Society Kalju hosted the Estonian students who have been returning
Society Pääsuke (Belarus Estonian to the summer language course in
Media and Society Activities – Society ensemble Vaaks). Vilnius.
How to Get on Screen (Katrin Liina Miks Lithuanian and
Uuspõld), Funding Society
Discussion on the Estonian at IU
Activities and Society Economic
Activities (Kadri Pau). After the Preservation of Bloomington
workshops concluded, the leaders Lithuanian Identity For the third year in a row,
summarized them. The discussion Abroad an intensive Lithuanian and
groups were moderated by Iivi Estonian language course
Zajedova from the Czech Estonian returned to the University of
Club. Indiana Bloomington (USA). This
August 4 was the festival party day, summer, eight students enrolled
which began with the opening of in the course: three in Estonian
exhibits by the Forest University in class and five in Lithuanian class,
Canada and the London Estonian offered by the Baltic Studies
Society at the Estonian National Summer Institute (BALSSI).
Museum. This was followed by a The discussion drew a huge crowd. BALSSI was founded in 1994
parade to the museum park where Photo: National Library of Lithuania. and is currently funded by
an oak tree was planted in honour The debate about emigration, the a consortium of American
of the activities of societies. Lithuanian identity crisis and universities: Indiana University,
Reet Piiri led a presentation of global Lithuania is still ongoing Stanford University, University of
folk costumes. The party square in Lithuania. On August 14, 2018, California-Berkeley, University of
also had a number of workshops, the National Library of Lithuania Illinois, University of Pittsburgh,
a handicraft sale, and society book hosted a discussion about how to University of Texas, University
stalls. Keepers of the Estonian preserve Lithuanian identity in the of Washington, and University of
language and spirit came to world organized by the Center of Wisconsin-Madison. At Indiana
perform on the song and dance Lithuanian Language and Culture. University, BALSSI is held in
stage from all over the world: conjunction with the Summer
Every summer in August, the
Estonian Folks and the London Language Workshop and benefits
Center organizes a month-
Estonian Society Folk Dance from the Workshop’s long
long Lithuanian language
Group, St. Petersburg folklore experience as a leader in intensive
and culture course. Almost
group Neevo, Belarus Estonian summer language instruction and
100 students – from China to
Society ensemble Vaaks, the programming. In the past, BALSSI
Argentina – participate in this
folklore group Kaval Käsi (Clever summer’s course. Some students
Hand), character dance group are of Lithuanian descent, while
Salome, folk dance group Linda, others, and there are many of
folk song ensemble Liiso, the them, want to study Lithuanian
Rakke Regi song group, ensembles language because of their deep
Allikabänd and Lüüra, folk dance interest in Lithuanian culture.
group Kajaks with Kupparimuori Vilma Leonavičienė, the director
and accordionist Ants Habakukk. of the Center, noted that every
The day was led by Tiina Kosen participant has an exciting story
and Ülle Kool played accordion at about his relation to Lithuania The Estonian class is learning how to make
the folk party. open-face sandwiches.
to tell. For some students the
Photo: BALSSI archives.
2018 no . 3 (24)
Ba lt i c h e r i tag e n e t wo r k 7
was hosted by the IU Summer in the 1990’s and to return to their
Language Workshop in 1998, homeland.”
1999, 2005, 2006, 2016, and 2017. The exhibition is aimed to
Next year BALSSI will celebrate highlight the life of each of the
its 25th anniversary. The program three activists. Although, all three
will offer all three languages, men were concerned with political
Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian, and social issues, at the same time
and will take place at IU they were family persons. The
Bloomington. The opening of the exhibition “Three fight for homeland’s freedom,
Friends: Damušis, Kazickas and
the most significant moments in
The Order for Merits Ambrozaitis”
one’s professional and public life,
to Lithuania Photo: National Library of Lithuania.
and most importantly, the great
organized a series of events.
joy of being able to return to free
On June 15, an exhibition “Three Lithuania, are other important
Friends: Damušis, Kazickas and milestones of the exhibition.
Ambrozaitis” was opened in the
National Library of Lithuania. The opening of the exhibition was
One of the main organizers of followed by a two-day conference
the series, the director of Adolfas “The Fight for Freedom and
Damušis Democracy Studies the Lithuanian Diaspora:
Dr. Dalia Cidzikaitė. Centre, Vidmantas Valiušaitis, Legacy, Present Concerns and
Photo: National Library of Lithuania noted, “All three were the children Expectations.”
On July 6, 2018 Dr. Dalia of the independent Republic of RUta Karma was
Cidzikaitė, senior researcher of Lithuania: during that time, they nominated for the
the Lithuanian Studies Unit of were raised, grew up, received
an education, and distinguished
Languages Award
Documentary Heritage Research
themselves. Their youth coincided In an official ceremony at the
Department at the National
National Library of Latvia on 21
Library of Lithuania, was awarded with the fate of Lithuania, which
August 2018, the Foreign Minister
the Order for Merits to Lithuania. was being devastated by Soviet
and Nazi occupations. Therefore, of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs,
The award is presented by the
one of the most striking links together with the Foreign Minister
President of Lithuania. Dalia is
connecting them was the of Estonia, Sven Mikser, presented
a former editor-in-chief of the
resistance to the occupation translator Rūta Karma with the
American-Lithuanian newspaper
regimes of 1940-1944, the Latvian and Estonian Languages
“Draugas,” since 2014, she is the
commitment to freedom, and the Award for her translation of a
representative of the Lithuanian
consistent and enduring struggle novel “Varjuteater” (Shadow
American Community, Inc. in
for democratic Lithuania in 1944- Theatre) by Estonian writer Viivi
Lithuania.
1990. They were lucky to succeed Luik.
The Three Friends: professionally in the West, to Edgars Rinkēvičs thanked Rūta
Damušis, Kazickas witness Lithuania’s independence Karma for introducing a number
and Ambrozaitis of Estonian literature masterpieces
In commemoration of the to Latvian readers over the years.
anniversaries of the three Both ministers unanimously
prominent Lithuanian émigré agreed that the award has become
activists and freedom fighters, a well-established tradition
scientist Adolfas Damušis, which enables both neighbouring
philanthropist Juozas Petras nations to get to know each other
Kazickas and doctor Kazys even better. Sven Mikser also
Ambrozaitis, the Martynas praised the laureate’s important
The participants discussed various topics contribution to building a bridge
Mažvydas National Library of related to the Lithuanian diaspora and its
Lithuania, Adolfas Damušis relationship with the homeland.
between the cultures of Estonia and
Democracy Studies Centre and Latvia.
Photo: National Library of Lithuania.
the Kazickas Family Foundation
2018 no . 3 (24)
Ba lt i c h e r i tag e n e t wo r k 8
The National Library Magnus University), Marija
of Lithuania at the Antanavičiūtė (Lithuanian
Youth Association in the UK),
Lithuanian Events in
Dovas Lietuvninkas (Lithuanian
Vilnius American Community, Inc.),
Thousands of Lithuanians Irena Kowalewska (Lithuanian
living abroad came to Lithuania Students’ Club Abroad), Rimas
to celebrate country’s 100 Leonavičius (Uruguayan
anniversary of independence this Lithuanian Community),
The award ceremony took place summer. The National Library Sandra Bernotaitė (editor-in-
during the first joint meeting of the of Lithuania participated in and chief of the magazine “The
Latvian and Estonian Governments organized and hosted several World Lithuanian”), Dr. Darius
on 21 August in Riga. events. Udrys (Vilnius University), and
This is the ninth time that the On July 1, the Lithuanian Studies Prof. Egidijus Aleksandravičius
Foreign Ministries of Latvia Unit of the Documentary (Vytautas Magnus University)
and Estonia are presenting their Heritage Research Department discussed questions: What
award. Over the years, the award presented its travelling exhibition defines world Lithuanian youth?
has been received not only for “Lithuanian Publishing in Post- Are world Lithuanian youth,
prose and poetry translations, WWII Europe” as part of the emigrants and diaspora identical?
but also for academic translations event “100 Faces of Lithuania Do students who study abroad
and dictionaries. The aim of the – Let’s Connect Lithuania” in constitute diaspora? and etc.
Languages Award is to strengthen Vilnius City Hall Square. The Vladas Oleinikovas, the chairman
bilateral cooperation between exhibition reflects the situation of the World Lithuanian Youth
both countries by promoting the of Lithuanians in the displaced Association, led the discussion.
learning and use of the Latvian persons’ camps in Western On the same day, the National
and Estonian languages, the work countries after WWII. Library of Lithuania hosted
of Latvian-Estonian and Estonian- On July 9, the representatives of another event – the presentation
Latvian translators in translating the World Lithuanian University of the book “History of Lithuania.
literary, political, scientific and at Vytautas Magnus University From Medieval Kingdom to
other texts, and the work of and the World Lithuanian Modern Democracy.” The book
Latvian and Estonian linguists Youth Association invited was written and published by
and teachers who contribute the members of Lithuanian American-Lithuanians. The
to the promotion of Latvian in diaspora and Lithuanians publication, written in English,
Estonia and Estonian in Latvia. living in the country to discuss provides yet another opportunity
The monetary value of the award the changes in Lithuanian to introduce the past of Lithuanian
is 3,000 euros, and the award fund diaspora’s consciousness. people to a broader audience.
is made up of equal contributions Manvydas Džiaugys (Vytautas
from the Ministries of Foreign
Affairs of Latvia and Estonia.
The books translated by Rūta
Karma also include the works
of Jaan Kaplinski, Mari Saat,
Mats Traat and other renowned
Estonian authors.
Baltic Heritage Network
congratulates our long-time friend
Rūta on the acknowledgment!
Palju õnne, Ruuta! Apsveicu, Rūta!
The participants of the discussion about
the world Lithuanian youth.
Photo: National Library of Lithuania
2018 no . 3 (24)
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