Dzhyha’s Family Speak on their Love of Canada

Dzhyha’s Family Speak on their Love of Canada

Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent

Oleksandr, (nickname Sasha) Dzhyha and his wife Alionka are both 36 and their children: Anhelina, (Angelina) is 10, Kiril is seven, and Miriam who is two arrived in Edmonton from Ukraine on March 31, 2023.

Vegreville resident Lynda Olsen, who is related to them, described their arrival to Canada. “They had a long journey to Canada from Vinnytsia, Ukraine. With no working airports in Ukraine, it was a train journey from Ukraine into Poland. From Warsaw they flew to Paris. From Paris to Toronto, and then Toronto to Edmonton airport.

Dzhyha’s family with the first vehicle they had in Canada from L-R: Oleksandr Dzhyha, Miriam, Alionka, Kiril and Anhelina at the Vegreville Elks/Kinsmen Park.

(Lynda Olsen/Submitted Photo)

The Vegreville and Area Stands with Ukraine committee members’ Jennifer Nawrot met the family at the airport along with myself. It was just after midnight, March 31, 2023, that the Dzhyha family arrived at the Edmonton airport, and from there they were driven home in the early hours to what would be their new Canadian home in Vegreville.

Oleksandr is a highly educated agronomist. His resume states that he has a Master of Agricultural Science degree and a Bachelor of Accounting and Auditing degree as well as a lot of work experience in these fields and other areas. When he came to Vegreville, he did labour work on someone’s farm.”

When Lynda was asked how she was related to the Dzhyha’s family, she answered, “The simple answer is through my father Volodymyr, (Wally) Musiowsky.

Although the precise relation is hard to pinpoint, we are family. It has been wonderful to have this connection now in real life, instead of only as pen-pals. Almost all of my family from Ukraine was displaced in WW II or killed. People fled the war to Germany, Poland, Canada, Czech Republic, Moldova, Macedonia, Argentina, Brazil and Australia. So, it was wonderful to reconnect with relatives who were still living in Ukraine!”

When asked how he felt about Canada, Oleksandr explained, “The first thing that struck us about Alberta and the town of Vegreville itself was the support for Ukrainians and the size of the Ukrainian population. Every street reflects the extraordinary diversity and cultural richness that we Ukrainians have brought to this land, with Ukrainian flags flying alongside the flags of Alberta and Canada, Ukrainian symbols and words of support on cars. This is a place where we feel at home, where our traditions and values come alive with renewed vigor.

But it’s not just the symbolism and cultural heritage that makes us grateful. Canadian hospitality is overwhelming in its scope and sincerity and permeates every aspect of our lives here. When we set foot in this country, we were treated with care and affection by everyone. People gave us gifts and greeted us with smiles on their faces as if we were part of a big family.

While traveling to Vegreville at night, our children were met with a big surprise; cartoons in Ukrainian, specially recorded for them which immersed them in the world of our native culture. Our new home was fully furnished and designed and was overflowing with love and care.

In no particular order are: Oleksandr, Alionka, Anhelina, Kiril, and Miriam Dzhyha.

(Lynda Olsen/Submitted Photo)

We now live in a world where every day is filled with gratitude and hope. People in Canada welcomed us with open arms and showed us that its true strength lies in its people’s multicultural spirit and co-existence of different nationalities, mutual support, and empathy. Here we found safety, freedom and the opportunity to fulfill our potential.

We also strive to preserve our culture and traditions, and we are actively involved in the Ukrainian community in Canada. We participate in folklore festivals, organize cultural events and exhibitions, and promote the Ukrainian language, music and folk customs. We are proud of our origins and share this with our new friends in Canada.

In no particular order are: Oleksandr, Alionka, Anhelina, Kiril, and Miriam Dzhyha.

(Lynda Olsen/Submitted Photo)

Canada has become our second home, where we have found happiness, security and opportunities for development. We are grateful to this country and its people for the warm welcome and support we have received. We will continue to make efforts to contribute to the development of the community and become full-fledged Canadian citizens in the future.”

Oleksandr Dzhyha with his daughter Miriam.

(Lynda Olsen/Submitted Photo)