«Is It Easy to Fit In? Challenges and Success Stories of Exiles and the New Diaspora»

At the beginning of the event, the project leader, Maija Krūmiņa, provided an overview of the project’s objectives, main research areas, achievements to date, and planned activities. She highlighted the project’s contribution to the study of the Latvian diaspora and post-exile processes, as well as its role in fostering public understanding of the experiences of exile communities and issues of integration in Latvia.

The seminar continued with presentations by researchers Maruta Pranka and Daina Grosa, who shared key findings from the project.

In her presentation, «Common Ground and Differences between the Exile Community and the New Diaspora in Sweden», Maruta Pranka introduced the audience to the study’s findings on the values, worldviews, and experiences of cooperation among representatives of different waves of emigration within the Latvian community in Stockholm. She emphasized the community’s ability to find common ground in preserving Latvian identity despite differences in generations and migration experiences.

In her presentation, «Factors Influencing the Integration of the Second Generation of the Latvian Exile Community after the Restoration of Independence», Daina Grosa discussed the key preconditions for successful integration identified by the research. She highlighted the importance of the Latvian cultural heritage preserved within exile communities, an enduring interest in Latvia, prior connections with the country, and personal qualities, such as courage, perseverance, and patience, that helped members of the second generation of the exile community adapt to life in Latvia after returning.

The presentations were followed by a panel discussion with former members of the Latvian exile community - Ilga Bērzkalne, Zuze Krēsliņš-Sils, Andris Briedis, and Uldis Brūns - who reflected on their experiences of settling and building a life in Latvia. The discussion was moderated by Daina Grosa. Among the key themes that emerged was the value of the skills and experience the participants had gained through their involvement in Latvian community life while in exile, which later proved beneficial in their lives and careers in Latvia. Entering the Latvian workforce required not only adapting to local practices but also introducing more Western approaches to workplace communication and collaboration. The panellists agreed that Latvia has changed profoundly over the past 35 years. As generations have changed, both working conditions and everyday life have evolved considerably, making today’s Latvia markedly different from the country they encountered in the early 1990s.

The event took place at the premises of the Latvians Abroad – Museum and Research Centre in Berga Bazārs, 84 Dzirnavu Street, Riga.

Photos: Ginta Elksne and Arnis Gross.

The event was organised in collaboration with the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Humanities and the project «Navigating Post-Exile: Transformations and Transitions in the Latvian Exile Community after 1991» (Project No. lzp-2024/1-0114).