Valentina Krčmar: A Life of Activism and Advocacy
Valentina Krčmar is a Canadian-Croatian activist known for her unwavering dedication to Croatian independence and justice. Born in Vrbanja near Županja, she grew up in Zagreb, where she attended school and later earned a liberal arts degree from the University of Zagreb.
In 1970, Krčmar immigrated to Toronto, Canada, with her family. She and her husband established a surveying business, and she quickly became an integral part of the Canadian-Croatian community. During the Homeland War for independence, she took an active role in mobilizing support for Croatia, advocating for its sovereignty on the international stage.
In 1991, Krčmar co-founded the Canadian branch of Bedem Ljubavi (Mothers for Peace) alongside Ljubica Bukatko and Biserka Butković. The organization united Croatian women in the diaspora, particularly in Mississauga, to protest the forced conscription of Croats into the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) and to champion Croatia’s independence.
Beyond her activism with Mothers for Peace, Krčmar served as the president of AMCA Toronto from 1997 to 1999, working to promote Croatian culture, education, and professional collaboration in Canada.
She continues to be a strong advocate for human rights, working tirelessly to raise awareness of war crimes committed against Croatians and Bosnians during the wars of the 1990s. Her efforts in gathering evidence, lobbying international organizations, and challenging governmental institutions have been instrumental in the fight for justice and accountability. She has been particularly vocal about exposing the wartime activities of the Serbian Red Cross, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and prosecuting those responsible for war crimes.
While Mothers for Peace represents a shared legacy among many courageous women, Valentina’s personal legacy blossomed later through her work on Iskra, a publication that became both her creative refuge and her voice. Iskra brought her joy and purpose during a deeply challenging period, revealing her gift for storytelling and reflection. Through that experience, she discovered her calling as a writer, a realization that led her to author three books: Hrvatska mojim očima i srcem (Croatia Through My Eyes and Heart, 2005), I Dreamt of Christmas in Croatia (2016), and Our Incredible Croatia.
Valentina Krčmar remains deeply engaged in her community, using her voice to challenge injustice, support Croatian causes, and educate future generations about the importance of activism and historical truth.
Painting by: Eli Ilija Vranešić