About the LCC
Mission Statement
The Lithuanian Canadian Community represents all Canadian residents who consider themselves Lithuanian either by birth or descent or loyalty or who choose to be supportive to Lithuanian Causes.
The Lithuanian Canadian Community is apolitical and maintains Lithuanian identity and consciousness through organized community events and activities.
Key Facts
In 1952, there were 17 chapters throughout Canada; this number has remained fairly constant. All Canadians of Lithuanian origin are considered to be members of the LCC. A membership fee is collected annually at the chapter level. Main sources of operating funds include voluntary donations from individual members and organizations, the Lithuanian Canadian Foundation, financial and commercial institutions, bequests. In some cases, provincial governments or the Federal Government provide assistance for approved special projects.
The voting body is the National Council of delegates at the LCC Council annual convention. Each chapter elects its delegates for a term of three years.
The National Council elects a National Executive for 3 years to carry out the business of the LCC which, in turn, reports to the Council at the annual convention.All positions on the National Executive and at the chapter and national level are voluntary; there is no compensation for time and work contributed within the LCC framework.
The LCC maintains an office in Toronto.
Key Dates
1949 – An interim organizational committee starts organizing people of Lithuanian origin in Canada.
1952 – First convention of Lithuanians in Canada results in the founding of The Lithuanian Canadian Community.
1963 – Under it’s official name, The Lithuanian Canadian Community (LCC) is granted a charter as ” . . .a body corporate and political without share capital for the purpose of carrying on, in more than one province of Canada, without pecuniary gain to its members, objects of a national, patriotic, religious, philanthropic, scientific, artistic, social, professional or sporting character, or the like…”
1972 – The LCC applies for and receives registered charity status for the Lithuanian Canadian Community Fund for Culture, Education and Charity.
PREVIOUS NATIONAL EXECUTIVE PRESIDENTS
I | 1952 – 1955 | Jonas Matulionis |
II | 1955 – 1957 | Balys Sakalas |
III | 1957 – 1959 | Vytautas Meilius |
IV | 1959 – 1962 | Steponas Kesgaila |
V | 1962 – 1965 | Dr. Petras Lukosevičius |
VI | 1965 – 1968 | Antanas Rinkūnas |
VII | 1968 – 1971 | Dr. Silvestras Čepas |
VIII | 1971 – 1974 | Eugenijus Čuplinskas |
IX | 1974 – 1977 | Jonas R. Simanavičius |
X | 1977 – 1980 | Jonas R. Simanavičius |
XI | 1980 – 1983 | Joana Kuraitė-Lasienė |
XII | 1983 – 1986 | Algis Pacevičius |
XIII | 1986 – 1989 | Vytautas Bireta |
XIV | 1989 – 1990 | Algis Pacevičius |
1990 – 1991 | Juozas Krištolaitis | |
1991 – 1992 | Gabija Petrauskienė & Vytautas Bireta | |
XV | 1992 – 1995 | Algirdas Vaičiūnas |
XVI | 1995 – 1998 | Algirdas Vaičiūnas |
XVII | 1998 – 2001 | Algirdas Vaičiūnas |
XVIII | 2001 – 2004 | Rūta Žilinskienė |
XIX | 2004 – 2007 | Rūta Žilinskienė |
XX 2007-2010 Joana Kuraitė
XXI 2010-2013 Joana Kuraitė
XXII 2013-2017 Joana Kuraitė
XXIII 2017- Kazimieras Deksnys