Jānis Kukainis, former chairperson of the World Federation of Free Latvians (Pasaules brīvo latviešu apvienība, or PBLA), has been awarded a Latvian Cabinet of Ministers Certificate of Recognition, a cabinet spokesperson announced Feb. 5 in Rīga.
Kukainis is receiving the recognition for his many years of service defending Latvia’s interests and for helping to preserve Latvian culture.
Kukainis served as head of the PBLA from 2002-2007. He also has been involved with other organizations, twice serving as chairperson of the American Latvian Association and twice as head of the Joint Baltic American National Committee. Born in Latvia in 1943, he now lives in Michigan.
Kukainis is one of several individuals who will receive certificates of recognition, the Cabinet of Ministers announced. For their work in the nation’s forestry industry, certificates have been awarded to Andrejs Nikuļcevs, Aija Fišere, Juris Matīss and Jānis Elmārs Rubens, all of Latvia. Also honored is Oskars Gerts, editor-in-chief of the official daily newspaper of the Latvian government, Latvijas Vēstnesis.
Oskars Kastēns, special assignments minister for social integration affairs, is to present the certificate of recognition to Kukainis.
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Janis Kukainis deserves a great deal of recognition for his long service for the good of Latvia! Well deserved for a true Latvietis!
Janis Kukainis has provided leadership, positive ideas and dedicated service to all Latvians. We are proud of his accomplishments and owe him many thanks. We also thank his wife Aija for support of Janis in his service.
Janis Kukainis contributions to the Latvians outside of Latvia and in Latvia is far-reaching and the recognition he is receiving from the Cabinet of Ministers is well deserved.
Yes, congratulations! Unexpected honor ( from the cabinet of ministers). After Oaskars Kastens presents the certificate of recognition, Janis should teach or persuade Kastens to take some Latvian grammer lessions from prof. Rasma Grisle.