Baltics 1987 – Demonstration and Parade in Toronto (1989)

The procession of the Baltic people living in Canada moves from St Paul's Cathedral towards the Toronto City Hall along Bloor, Yonge and Queen Streets. First goes the drummer, followed by young women in Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian national costumes and waving the national flags. Riina Kindlam is carrying the Estonian national flag. The slogans at the demonstration express disapproval towards the occupation of the Baltic states and deportation that took place on June 14th 1941 that ruined the lives of more than 800,000 Baltic people. When the sun goes down the memorial candles are being carried. Demonstration and speeches in front of Toronto City Hall. The speakers are accompanied by quiet zither play by Alfred Kuusk. Silvia Tint gives an overview about the deportation of the Baltic peoples in 1941 and 1944. Latvian Anda Sprudzs tells about life in Norilsk corrective labord camp. Announcer Silvia Tint reads out the resolution addressed to the Canadian government, UN Secretary-General and the Soviet Union, expressing the request to stop occupying the Baltic States.