Every year, the “Children of Siberia” Foundation organizes both March 25 and June 14 memorial concerts, as well as other events. This year, a conference-meeting “For the Deported” was held at the Riga Latvian Society on June 13, and on the evening of June 13, a concert was held at Riga St. John’s Church in memory of the deportation of June 14, 1941.
Conference-meeting “For the Deported” on June 13
On June 13, 2026, a conference-meeting “For the Deported” was held in the Golden Hall of the Riga Latvian Society, which brought together children deported to Siberia in the 1941 and 1949 deportations, those born in Siberia, their relatives, participants of children’s competitions, educators, and other interested parties. The event was organized by the Children of Siberia Foundation, which has been preserving and preserving the history and personal testimonies of Latvian deportations for 25 years.
The conference took place at a time when 85 years have passed since the deportation of June 14, 1941 – one of the most tragic pages in Latvian history, when the Soviet occupation authorities deported more than 15,000 people from Latvia in one night.
The conference was opened by Dzintra Geka, head of the Children of Siberia Foundation, and a prayer was delivered by Rev. Emeritus Guntis Kalme. The conference was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia Baiba Braže, the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Latvia Edvards Smiltēns, and the former President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers. On behalf of the Latvian Association of the Politically Repressed, the guests were addressed by LPRA Chairman Tālis Veismanis.
During the conference, the importance of preserving historical memory was highlighted, especially at a time when war is again raging in Europe and society is facing new security challenges. Participants shared memories of deportations, life in Siberia, and returning to Latvia.
The event was complemented by musical performances. Those present were delighted by the Riga Ēbelmuiža Primary School ensemble, as well as performances by Mārtiņš Vilsons and Mārtiņš Egliens.
During the conference, the winners of the children’s drawing and essay contest were awarded. The essay contest participants performed with readings of their works. The best works of the 2026 drawing competition were exhibited in the Golden Hall, while in the lobby of the society building visitors had the opportunity to view a selection of the best works from competitions from other years.
Concert “For the Deported” on June 13
On June 13, 2026, the Latvian Radio Choir concert “For the Deported” organized by the “Children of Siberia” Foundation took place in Riga’s St. John’s Church, dedicated to the memory of the Latvian children deported to Siberia on June 14, 1941. The program of works by Latvian composers – Ādolfs Ābele, Rihards Dubra, Andris Dzenītis, Ēriks Ešenvalds, Romualds Jermaks, Imants Kalniņš, Jānis Lūsēns, Jānis Mediņš, Pēteris Vasks and Andris Vītoliņš – also featured organist Kristīne Adamaite, saxophonist Artis Sīmanis, and the conductor was Sigvards Kļava.
Director and founder of the “Children of Siberia” Foundation Dzintra Geka-Vaska emphasizes: “The concert “For the Deported” is not only a moment of remembrance for those who suffered and died in exile, but also a living testament to the strength of their spirit. With music, we open the door to memories and conscience. This concert is like a moment of silence and gratitude for those who survived and those whose path was left in the snow. My duty and my heartfelt desire is to remind them that they are not forgotten.”