euskalkultura.eus

On December 3, International Euskera Day (Euskararen Nazioarteko Eguna ENE), Eusko Ikaskuntza announced that the ENE Saria 2017 would be awarded to the William A. Douglass Center for Basque Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno.  Xabier Irujo, Director of the Center, received the award on December 13^th from Eusko Ikaskuntza President, Iñaki Dorronsoro.  The ENE award is a reproduction of the anagram designed by Basque artist Nestor Basterretxea.

Donostia-San Sebastian.   According to Eusko Ikaskuntza, the jury highlighted the following when arguing its decision: “The Center for Basque Studies has done tremendous work in favor of Euskera and the Basque culture in its 50 years of life.  In fact, the Center itself is an important symbol for the Basque culture.  It has spread the Basque language in a more academic way.  The truth is that it has done fantastic work since it was established a half-century ago.  University work, more scientific in nature.  We think that it is fair to acknowledge their efforts and accomplishments.”

William A. Douglass Center for Basque Studies

The William A. Douglass Center for Basque Studies has 50 years of history.  Although not always with the same name.  In 1967 it was baptized the Basque Studies Program.  It was founded by William Anthony Douglass and bibliographer, Jon Bilbao.  William A. Douglass fell in love with Euskal Herria on his first visit that resulted in his beginning to analyze the role of the Basque Diaspora in the US.

In 1969, bibliographer, Jon Bilbao was invited to Reno to create the Basque Studies Library.  This library’s mail goals was to help researchers outside of the Basque country who wanted to study the Basque culture or any other topic related to Euskal Herria.  Currently, the Jon Bilbao Library is the largest collection outside of Euskal Herria of books related to the Basque culture.  The library boasts a collection of 30,000 books, more than 100 archive resources, photos, and many other documents.

Another name to be highlighted is that of writer Robert Laxalt who always maintained a close relationship with the Center.   He was born in the US in a Basque-American family and was always very interested in supporting Basque culture.  One of his most important works was the book Sweet Promised Land, written in English and translated into several languages including Euskera.  This book also celebrates its 60^th anniversary this year.