Ambassador Silkalna Congratulates Vilnius Latvian Association on its 35th Anniversary

On 12 October 2024, the Vilnius Latvian Association celebrated its 35th anniversary. Ambassador Solveiga Silkalna thanked the Chairperson of the association, Gunta Rone, as well as presented appreciation letters to the most active members — Daina Kloviene, Rūta Miškiniene, Lidija Pinkule, Nijole Sisaite, Rita Upīte and Velta Žīgure-Anužiene for their long-term commitment and work in maintaining Latvian culture and values in Vilnius. Kristīne Saulīte, the Chairperson of the Central Election Commission, former Chairperson of the World Association of Free Latvians, addressed the attendees encouraging all generations to actively participate in the events of the Latvian community.

The Riga Latvian Society, Department of National Minorities under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, and representatives from other Associations of minorities in Lithuania congratulated the association, while Rīgas danči, folk musicians, dancers and artists of the Folklore Commission of the Riga Latvian Society, gave a performance filled with traditional features.

The Latvians of Vilnius came together for the first time following the initiative of Latvian students studying geology in Lithuania. Gradually, a group of people formed, and in October 1989, Inesis Ķišķis, who was a student at the time, founded the Vilnius Latvian Club. In the automn of 1990, Rūta Ķišķe took over and continued to manage the club, whereas in 1995 Gunta Rone became the Chairperson and transformed the club by registering it as the Vilnius Latvian Association.

The project is supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia from the funding of the diaspora support project programme.

Photo by Andrejs Vaivars