What does it mean, as a refugee, to lose everything — even your sense of cultural identity? How does one connect to their heritage after being displaced? The need for belonging is a universally held desire, especially among those who have been removed from a culture. Experiential ethnic identity activities, that are compelling, not prescribed, may be the unifying thread that connects generations together, regardless of geography and time.

Līga Ruperts is a teacher and a family therapist. She earned her PhD degree in Counseling at the University of Michigan. Many years ago Līga organized a week‑long overnight camp for Latvian diaspora families to learn about their culture. Little did she know that this camp would evolve into a movement spanning many countries, 40,000 people strong, of shared roots, values and goals.

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Posted by Līga Ruperts