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Celebrating Strength Unity at UCHV
Celebrating Strength Unity at UCHV
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
The Ukrainian Day Festival at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village (UCHV) attracted a very large crowd of visitors.
“We had a successful Ukrainian Day on Sunday, a special event co-hosted with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress-Alberta Provincial Council. This year’s theme, Strength in Unity, paid tribute to Alberta’s Ukrainian community and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress-Alberta Provincial Council, who is celebrating their 50th anniversary as the voice of Alberta’s Ukrainian-Canadian community.
In a similar manner, the Friends of the Ukrainian Village Society is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The legacy of the UCC-APC and Friends of the Ukrainian Village Society represents the dedication of the many organizations, institutions and volunteers to preserve Ukrainian culture and heritage in our province, as illustrated on Ukrainian Day,” stated UCHV Director David Makowsky.
Ukrainian Day was a busy day with approximately 2,400 visitors. Makowsky said festivities included:
· Two church services in the morning (St. Nicholas Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church)
· An afternoon concert featuring:
o Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Company
o Feyeria Bandura Group – bandura ensemble from Edmonton
o Kikino Northern Lites – outstanding Metis dancers
o MRIYA – newly formed musical group where 90% of the members are newcomers from Ukraine
o Pereveslo – a choir from Calgary
o Ruta Musical Folk Ensemble
o Razom Orchestra Society – all musicians recently arrived from Ukraine
o Ukrainian Male Chorus of Edmonton (Yavir)
o Respond Contemporary Dance Company – comprised of newcomers from Ukraine
The day was enriched with a number of guests in attendance. They included:
· Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani
· The Honourable Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women
· His Worship Amarjeet Sohi, Mayor of Edmonton
· Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA, Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk
Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA said it was wonderful to be at the UCHV to celebrate Ukrainian culture and independence. Today, is an excellent opportunity for everyone to enjoy and learn more about Ukrainian heritage, traditions, food and history.
But today is also an opportunity to come together to support the Ukrainians who have evacuated to Alberta. Since the invasion of Ukraine, Alberta has welcomed over 60,000 people to our province.
Being of Ukrainian heritage, and a descendant of the first Ukrainian settlers to Canada, I acknowledge that Alberta has enjoyed a longstanding and productive relationship with the people of Ukraine.
In my role as Parliamentary Secretary, I recognized the need to provide a safe haven to Ukrainian evacuees fleeing the horrors of war. The Alberta Government has worked in partnership with a number of organizations, to help Ukrainian evacuees adjust to their new home, language and communities.”
She thanked the various settlement agencies and volunteer groups who have assisted Ukrainian evacuees, including the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. Additionally, “As we celebrate today, let us recognize the vital role that the Ukrainian people have played in building our great province.”
Makowsky said that, “Since 1986, the UCC-APC has honoured individuals who have previously been elected officials with the Michael Luchkovich award for their significant contribution and dedication to the betterment of all Canadians. This award, named after the first Ukrainian Member of Parliament of Ukrainian origin in 1936, has been presented annually by the UCC-APC President on Ukrainian Day.
The 2024 Luchkovich Award recipient is Tyler Shandro, former cabinet minister with the Government of Alberta. Mr. Shandro is a strong supporter of the Ukrainian Canadian community. As Minister of Labour and Immigration during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, he helped coordinate Alberta’s response. He also advocated for a monument in Edmonton commemorating internment operations, co-founded the Calgary Ukrainian Festival, and is a board member of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.”
