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...
This is the first of a series of articles outlining the 75-year history of the newspaper “Tėviškės žiburiai” – The Lights of Homeland, established in Toronto, Canada, in 1949.
Many memoirs have been written about the hardships, successes, and self-sacrifices of Lithuanians who endured and escaped WW2. They created a new community in a totally foreign environment. It was a...