(ENG – Latvian below)

Greetings, Edmonton Latvians! 

The Latvian Saeima elections will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026. PBLA (World Association of Free Latvians) and LNAK (Latvian National Federation in Canada) are actively preparing for these elections and have invited IMANTA to consider establishing a polling station in Edmonton.

To be approved for a polling station, we request some input from our community. Please fill out our voter participation survey and/or express interest in serving as a polling commission member, no later than March 1. 

• Voter participation — please fill out this survey to let us know if you would participate if a local polling station were established.
  • Link to survey
    
• Polling station — we must have three commission members before the Central Election Commission (CEC) will approve our polling station. Members must be/have:
  • Latvian citizens with eID cards with PIN and PUK codes, and must be able to sign documents with eParaksts or eParaksts mobile
  • Latvian language skills at least at the C1 level
  • with general secondary education
  • sufficient professional ability to perform the duties of the position

Please reach out to us to express interest in serving at the polling station or if you have any questions about the requirements: imantaedmonton@gmail.com. 

Sincerely,
IMANTA Executive Committee

(LAT)

Sveiki mīļie Edmontonas latvieši!

Latvijas Saeimas vēlēšanas notiks Sestdien, 2026.g. 3. oktobrī. PBLA (Pasaules Brivo Latviesu Apvieniba) un LNAK (Latviešu Nacionālā Apvienība Kanādā) gatavojoties vēlēšanām ir aicinājuši IMANTA apsvērt vēlēšanu iecirkņa izveidi Edmontonā.

Lai saņemtu apstiprinājumu vēlēšanu iecirkņa izveidei, mēs lūdzam mūsu kopienas palīdzību. Lūdzu, aizpildiet vēlētāju līdzdalības aptauju un/vai izsakiet interesi strādāt vēlēšanu iecirkņa komisijā, ne vēlāk par 1. martu.

• Vēlētāju līdzdalība — aizpildiet aptauju, lai paziņotu mums vai jūs piedalītos, ja tiktu izveidots vietējais vēlēšanu iecirknis
  • Aptaujas saite

• Vēlēšanu iecirknis — mums ir vajadzīgi trīs komisijas locekļi pirms Centrālā vēlēšanu komisija (CVK) apstiprinās mūsu iecirkni. Locekļiem jābūt:
  • Latvijas pilsoņi ar eID kartēm ar PIN un PUK kodiem, un jāspēj parakstīt dokumentus ar eParaksts vai eParaksts mobile
  • Latviešu valodas zināšanas vismaz C1 līmenī
  • ar vispārējo vidējo izglītību
  • profesionālām spējām amata pienākumu veikšanai

Lūdzu sazinieties ar mums, ja vēlaties strādāt vēlēšanu komisijā. Ja jums ir jautājumi par prasībām, droši rakstiet imantaedmonton@gmail.com.

Sirsnīgs paldies,
IMANTA valde 

IMANTA celebrated Latvian Independence Day on Sunday, November 23 — a huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined us!

A special thank you to Dace Veinberga, who joined us from Toronto, representing the Latvian National Federation in Canada (Latviešu Nacionālā Apvienība Kanādā/LNAK). Her presentation about the Canadian Latvian Virtual Museum reminded us that one of the key figures who founded the central Latvian organization in Canada in 1948 was Konrads Dobelis from Edmonton, who founded IMANTA in 1947.

We also listened to the Latvian President’s video greeting and Latvian National Anthem, celebrated Zane Gara for her hard work with the Children’s Latvian School, and later watched a video of the school’s weekly activities, and enjoyed Edgars Rudzītis’ talk about Growing up with Latvian Heritage in Canada.

Thank you to all the hardworking IMANTA board members and extra helpers who brought this amazing event to life! Happy Birthday, Latvia! Saules Mūžu Latvijai!

IMANTA Latvian Society of Edmonton is pleased to announce the Dr. Ena Rudovics Memorial Scholarship for 2025/2026. Our program is dedicated to honouring Ena’s legacy of community leadership and nurturing the values she championed. Funds for this program are allocated in accordance with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission’s approved use of casino proceeds for the Society.

Scholarship Eligibility

The scholarship is open to:

• Alberta residents who are Canadian citizens, landed immigrants, or foreign students on visa and are registered as full or part-time students as defined by the accredited or licensed educational institution
• Applicants who are registered in a Continuing Education course related to a career goal

Eligible Institutions

All accredited post-secondary educational institutions in Canada. Such institutions include universities, colleges, polytechnics, and trades training institutions that the Advisory Committee is satisfied are duly accredited or licensed.

Scholarship Award Criterion

Applications will be evaluated based on the applicant’s response to the application question (or requirements). Other criteria that may be considered are the applicant’s demonstration of leadership, volunteerism, or community involvement, and/or academic record.

Evaluation Process

Applications will be evaluated by an advisory committee consisting of at least one IMANTA board member and two members from the community at large.  The committee will present its recommendations to the Executive for approval. IMANTA’s Executive retains final approval over the selection of scholarship recipients.

Application Process

All applicants must complete and submit the attached application form along with the four requirements as listed on the form. The deadline for scholarship applications relating to enrollment in the 2025/2026 fall/winter program or the 2026 spring/summer program must be received by IMANTA no later than October 31, 2025. Awards will be announced in November 2025. Payment will be made directly to the individual upon submission of proof of attendance (i.e. tuition receipt) at the recognized educational institution.

Submit applications by email to:
The Edmonton Latvian Society ‘Imanta’
Attn: Adjudication Committee
imantaedmonton@gmail.com

The 2025 Midsummer Festivities have officially wrapped up – and what a celebration it was! A huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined us to make it unforgettable.

Extra love and gratitude to all the amazing people who helped bring it to life – we couldn’t have done it without your energy, creativity, and dedication.

Your continued support means the world to us. We’re already looking forward to the next time we gather – until then, stay joyful, stay connected, and see you soon!

Priecīgus Līgo Svētkus!

Alberta has a unique charitable gaming model. It is the only province in Canada where charitable organizations are licensed to conduct and manage casino events. The Alberta government has established a system where proceeds from charitable gaming activities,  including casino events, are allocated to support nonprofit groups and charitable causes. This involves volunteers of the nonprofit working with licensed casinos to run gaming events like casino nights, where the proceeds from the event are donated to the nonprofit organization. This fundraising event means that Imanta earns revenue to keep things like our scholarship program, senior’s taxis, and children’s programs running.

So, what would a volunteer do?
It’s not as scary as it sounds.  It’s actually terribly easy (and sometimes even boring). No previous casino experience is required!  All volunteers are trained during their shift, and there are always advisors present to answer any questions and ensure everything goes smoothly. There’s also a comfortable Volunteer Lounge with plenty of seating, a TV, and snacks! You can also order a complimentary meal from the casino’s restaurant while working your shift. There are two key areas within the casino that depend on volunteer workers:  The Cash Cage and the Count Room.
The Cash Cage Room:
Chips and cash are held in this room. It is accessible to casino players’ to redeem their chips won for cash. The General Manager, Banker and Cashier volunteers will be in this room along with a casino advisor.
Position: Banker
The Banker helps supervise the cash cage. This includes ensuring the security of the chips and cash, and working with the cashiers to ensure correct payouts are made. A casino advisor is always nearby to help monitor.
Position: Cashier
The cashier’s role is similar to a bank teller’s. The cashier interacts directly with casino players. The cashier redeems players’ chips for cash. A casino advisor is always nearby to help monitor the amount of cash for chips.
Position: Chip Runner
The chip runner works with casino security to open and close tables, and deliver chips to the game tables. When required, security will lead the chip runner to the appropriate tables to deliver the chips. Chip Runners can spend the majority of their shift in the Volunteer Lounge waiting for a notification of when they are needed.
The Count Room:
This is a separate room near the Cash Cage. Volunteers wait in the volunteer lounge until there is a count of chips and cash to complete near the casino’s closing hours. There is always a
casino advisor to supervise and help with the count and handling of chips and cash. Count room volunteers take on one of four possible jobs:
1. Sorter: Sorts all cash or chips by denomination
2. Counter: Counts the sorted cash or chips, by denomination
3. Recorder: Records the number of bills, coins, and chips counted in a computer
4. Amalgamator: Verifies the cash or chips counted and groups them into bundles

The volunteer work involved is very easy, safe, and secure. There is always a friendly advisor to help monitor and ensure everything is being done correctly.   A lot of time is spent waiting for transactions to happen, so there is a lot of down time. Catch up on reading! The only real downsides to volunteering are the late hours that you must be there.  You can also request Casino security to walk you to your car when your shift is over, especially for the late Count Room shifts.  Volunteers can also use a taxi service to get you to and from the Casino.  Just keep your taxi receipts and present them to one of the board members of Imanta and you will be reimbursed.

IMANTA Latvian Society of Edmonton is pleased to announce the Dr. Ena Rudovics Memorial Scholarship for 2024/2025. Our program is dedicated to honouring Ena’s legacy of community leadership and nurturing the values she championed. Funds for this program are allocated in accordance with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission’s approved use of casino proceeds for the Society.

Scholarship Eligibility
The scholarship is open to:
– Alberta residents who are Canadian citizens, landed immigrants, or foreign students on visa and are registered as full or part-time students as defined by the accredited or licensed educational institution
– Applicants who are registered in a Continuing Education course related to a career goal

Eligible Institutions
All accredited post-secondary educational institutions in Canada. Such institutions include universities, colleges, polytechnics, and trades training institutions that the Advisory Committee is satisfied are duly accredited or licensed.

Scholarship Award Criterion
Applications will be evaluated based on the applicant’s response to the application question (or requirements). Other criteria that may be considered are the applicant’s demonstration of leadership, volunteerism or community involvement and/or academic record.

Evaluation Process
Applications will be evaluated by an advisory committee consisting of at least one IMANTA board member and two members from the community at large.  The committee will present its recommendations to the Executive for approval. IMANTA’s Executive retains final approval over the selection of scholarship recipients.

Application Process
All applicants must complete and submit the attached application form along with the four requirements as listed on the form. The deadline for scholarship applications relating to enrollment in the 2024/2025 fall/winter program or 2025 spring/summer program must be received by IMANTA no later than October 30, 2024. Awards will be announced in November 2024. Payment will be made directly to the individual upon submission of proof of attendance (i.e. tuition receipt) at the recognized educational institution.

Submit applications by email to:
The Edmonton Latvian Society ‘Imanta’
Attn: Adjudication Committee
imantaedmonton@gmail.com

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear Ena.

https://pointewestfuneral.com/obituary/rudovics-dr-ena-agnes/

It is with much love and sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of our beloved Helen Richards (1928-2024), on February 11, 2024, the day after her 96th birthday. Helen Voley Frey was born in Edmonton to Latvian immigrant parents and lived here her entire life. Helen was very involved in the Latvian community up to this past year. It’s evident that she had a remarkable and fulfilling life, dedicated to her community and those around her. Her contributions to the Latvian community, particularly her involvement as a board member and her commitment to helping newcomers, showcase her kindness and generosity.It’s heartwarming to know that she shared her artistic talents with Latvian school children, leaving a lasting impact on the younger generation. Her involvement in various Latvian community activities reflects a life well-lived and a legacy that will be remembered fondly by those who had the privilege of knowing her. Helen’s vibrant spirit and selfless contributions to the Latvian community will forever be remembered. May her enthusiasm for life inspire us all to embrace each day with love, just as she did. A Celebration of Helen’s Life will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Connelly-McKinley Downtown Funeral Home, 10011 – 114 Street NW, Edmonton. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Helen’s favourite charities, the Salvation Army or the Laurier Heights Building Society.
Salvation Army Edmonton
Laurier Heights Building Society
To send condolences and/or tributes please visit Connelly-Mckinley Funeral Home:
Helen Richards Obituary

Other News
Imanta celebrates 77 years on March 8th!  Despite all the challenges we are still an active society and the oldest active Latvian organization in Canada. We are hopeful that we can keep Imanta up and running for many more years.

Viola Baker, one of the founders of Imanta, recently celebrated her 102nd birthday! Peter Green celebrated his 103rd birthday! These are truly remarkable achievements. These individuals, as founding and active members of Imanta, have not only witnessed the passage of time but have contributed to the community’s growth and spirit over the years.

Please join us as we host our AGM and review the successes and challenges of the past year. We are always looking for a new active members and new ideas. Support us, become a member or join our board!
Location: Laurier Heights Community Hall 14405 85 Avenue, Edmonton, AB
Saturday, March 23rd, 2024. Doors open at 12:00pm. Meeting called at 1:15pm. Refreshments will be served. We look forward to seeing you!