The President of the Basque Country expressed gratitude to the Basque diaspora for their contribution to the internationalisation of the language and culture.

• The Basque Government has marked the 7ty International Day of the Basque Diaspora in Oñati, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the arrival of a group of Basque students and teachers from the University of Boise to Gipuzkoa.
• Imanol Pradales emphasised the “fundamental role” played by the Basque diaspora, while outlining the advantages of a “Global Basque Country” in terms of “prosperity for our Country” and future challenges.

The President, Imanol Pradales, presided over the 7th International Basque Diaspora Day, the institutional event organised by the Basque Government. This year, the event was held in Oñati.

The Gipuzkoa town’s objective was to commemorate and pay tribute to the inaugural programme for students and teachers from the University of Boise, Idaho, which took place 50 years ago, in 1974. A representative from this group was in attendance at the event.

“Today marks a significant milestone in our history: 50 years ago, 90 people arrived on our shores. A group of Basques, led by Boise professor Pat Bieter. Their objective was to repatriate themselves. To appreciate the culture and to gain proficiency in the Basque language. And that is precisely what they did," the President stated in his address.

He also wished to express his gratitude for the courage shown in embarking on this venture, which has paved the way for the continued “dissemination of the Basque language on a daily basis.”

Pradales also highlighted that the Basque diaspora is commemorating this day in 15 countries with over a hundred events, which demonstrates the growing significance of this Day within the Basque diaspora.

Imanol Pradales also dedicated a portion of his speech to other Basques who had to leave their homeland and seek opportunities elsewhere. He referenced Miguel Mari, from the Baztan Valley, who emigrated to Mexico and whose story he had the opportunity to hear 26 years ago.

“He lacked the necessary support and opportunities to succeed. One day, he received a letter from an uncle who had emigrated to Mexico a few years earlier. The uncle informed him that there was work there and extended an invitation to him to go. This prompted feelings of nervousness and vertigo,” as the President narrated. “This marked the first time the Basque diaspora had made contact with him. It became evident to me that our country is also a Country of migrants.”

In the case of Miguel Mari, who established a family and spoke the Basque language and taught the culture to his children, Pradales emphasised the role of the thousands of Basques who “have become our ambassadors”. He stated that, “as a result of their efforts, our language and culture have gained a new international dimension. It is now essential for us to establish a new relationship with the new diaspora.”

Global Basque

In alignment with this declaration, the President highlighted the challenges currently facing the Country.

“In the coming years, our Country will have a great deal at stake in the international context. It is essential that we establish new connections and collaborate with partners who can provide added value. A global and international strategy that will enable the Basques to once again explore new markets and opportunities to drive prosperity for our Country.” Imanol Pradales went on to highlight the importance of a Global Basque.

He highlighted the importance of the Basque diaspora in achieving this objective.

Pradales also highlighted the contribution of Basques who have received training in the region and subsequently relocated abroad, noting their role as an integral part of the Country's foreign network and a driving force behind its continued growth and advancement.

The Importance of Being Welcoming

In his speech, he made reference to the first reception centre that Larraña Etxea in Oñati has become over the last few years. He then went on to stress the importance of welcoming, because “the Basque people were and continue to be welcomed.”

“New challenges require new roles, and I am confident that the Basque diaspora will continue to make an invaluable contribution.” The President concluded by stating, "Because they were, we are, and because we are, they will be.”

In addition to the President, the following institutional representatives were in attendance: the Mayoress of Oñati, Izaro Elorza; the councillors María Ubarretxena, Mikel Jauregi and Juan Ignacio Pérez; and the Secretary General for the European Union and External Action of the Basque Government, Ander Caballero; and the Director for the Basque Community Abroad, Gorka Álvarez.