The restoration of Lithuanian independence declared on March 11, 1990, marked the joyous beginning of a new era for both Lithuania and its diaspora. It did not unfold without hardships. The assault on the Vilnius television tower in January, 1991, was became one more testament to Lithuanian solidarity, which still mourns the loss of a number of lives, as...
The eighth decade of the century brought a whirlwind of activity that swept the community into an era of unprecedented change. Newspaper stories reflected a busy Lithuanian cultural life, with speakers and song and dance ensembles visiting from other communities in North America, and even from Lithuania. The Lithuanian “Saturday“ school in Toronto, the largest Lithuanian community, had 180...
The 1960’s and 1970’s could be called the “prime of life” for the Lithuanian community and the Lights of Homeland newspaper. The Lithuanian diaspora in Canada blossomed with possibilities enabled by the government’s new multiculturalism policy. Various ethnic organizations and press began receiving grants and support for their activities.
As the community matured, its leaders found new avenues for pursuing...
In 1961, both the newspaper and the community suffered a major shock when Editor-in-Chief Dr. Šapoka died suddenly of a heart attack on March 9, at the age of 55. Not only a historian and editor, he was also a vital member and builder of the Lithuanian community, both in Canada and abroad, having assisted in structuring the World...
The DP’s who came to Canada in large numbers after WWII brought their political convictions with them. With Lithuania being a predominantly Catholic country, friction had arisen between the Nationalists of the pre-war authoritarian government and the Christian-Democrats, and was renewed among the new immigrants, lasting several decades. It influenced the Community until a new generation came into leadership...