Daugavas Vanagi

ABOUT US:

The Indianapolis Chapter of the Latvian Welfare Association (“DV”) was founded in November 1952. Over the decades, the DV members perpetuated their mission to not only support the Veterans of WWII, but to gather and unite Latvians for the preservation of the Latvian nation, due to the Soviet Occupation of Latvia during and after the war. Eventually, Latvia regained its independence in 1991. In addition, DV has also striven to foster the education and involvement of young Latvians in the local Latvian Community by providing stipends to students and facilitating the work of the Indianapolis Latvian school, choir and folk dance groups, sports teams, and various other cultural activities. In addition, the entire DV organization has become one of the largest shareholders and supporters of the Latvian Camp “Garezers”, located in Michigan.

DV Indianapolis Chapter
General Meeting (2012)

To raise funds to continue to support these charitable activities, DV sponsors several events each year including a summer picnic, concerts, benefit dinners and fundraisers. Annually, this organization raises thousands of dollars to support these cultural activities both here locally and abroad. Sadly, fewer and fewer Latvian Veterans remain today, which is the reason why the organization has begun to shift its focus from a Veterans organization to a youth and cultural organization.
To learn more about the National USA DV Organization please visit: http://www.daugavasvanagi.org/

MEMBERSHIP:

Annual membership starts at $21.00, or you can become a “Lifetime” member for only $210.00.Membership in the DV organization is open to all who support the DV’s goals and activities. If you are interested in joining the local Indianapolis Chapter, please contact Andrejs Kancs, the Membership Director, at 317-414-4535 or at Dreday517@aol.com.
In 2020, the Indianapolis Chapter had 118 members, of which 93 are Lifetime members. Since 1952, there have been 405 members in this chapter.
Additional questions can be directed to the President, Nora Cerins at NCerins@aol.com

LOCATION:

DV conducts a majority of its meetings and activities at the Latvian Community Center which is located at 1008 West 64th St. Indianapolis, IN 46260. Please check the Calendar for upcoming events