NP-UN Western Bureau.
Alberta celebrated its first annual Ukrainian-Canadian Heritage Day with flag raisings and a series of cultural performances, September 7.
Economic Development and Trade Minister Deron Bilous and representatives from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress raised the Ukrainian flag at Federal Plaza in Edmonton.
The Ukrainian flag was also raised at the Alberta legislature in Edmonton and McDougall Centre in Calgary to mark the occasion.
That evening, Premier Rachel Notley welcomed the Volya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, the Ukrainian Male Chorus of Edmonton and the RUTA singers, who performed at the south bandshell on the legislature grounds. Dominika Koziak taught Charcoal drawings (sunflowers) to children in the Park.
“Our government is proud to recognize the remarkable contributions that Albertans of Ukrainian heritage have made to our province. From business and industry, to academia, public service, culture and sports, Ukrainian-Albertans have played a pivotal role throughout Alberta’s history,” stated Premier Notley.
Minister Bilous recalled how his own grandfather came to the province as a young man, alone, almost 90 years-ago, looking for a better life.
“He had very humble beginnings, as a shoe maker, but he made sure his children and grandchildren were proud of our culture – and proud to give back to the country where he made his new home.
“Many others made this journey fleeing strife or even persecution, including the events now known as the Holodomor.
“They overcame incredible hardships for a new start in Alberta – and when they arrived here, they helped build this province, the minister said.
“Ukrainian language has been taught in Alberta schools since 1956 and instruction in Ukrainian was made available in 1974.
“The opportunity to participate in Ukrainian immersion as a child helped me learn to appreciate my own culture and the diversity of our province.
“Ukrainian culture has also become a part of Alberta culture.
“There are renowned Ukrainian dance companies from Alberta that delight audiences worldwide. As a boy, we always looked forward to the excitement of dancing at St. Basil’s (Ukrainian Catholic Parish),” he added.
“Perseverance, resilience and sheer tenacity is in our genes, as Ukrainians have survived and overcome centuries of persecution, only to rise on top. Our story about possibilities and opportunity in the face of immense hardship. Can you imagine arriving here 126 years ago with a small suitcase in hand and being brought into a field full of bush, rock and trees to clear by hand?” noted Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Alberta Provincial Council President Olesia Luciw-Andryjowycz.
“Today we are students, teachers, agriculturists, farmers, nurses, doctors, engineers, mechanics, labourers, musicians, conductors, business men and women, journalists and politicians. We are volunteers, community workers, mothers, fathers, and neighbours. We are proud Ukrainians who fill the ranks of every profession. And we are Ukrainian Canadians and Proud to call Alberta, Canada home,” she added.
Jessica Littlewood, MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville, and chair of the Advisory Council on Alberta-Ukraine Relations served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
In 1891, Ivan Pylpiw and Vasyl Eleniak were Alberta’s first documented settlers from Ukraine. Last year, 125 years later, the Alberta government designated Sept. 7 as Ukrainian-Canadian Heritage Day.
“We can all be proud of the strong role Ukrainian-Canadians have played in building a vibrant culture in our province and country. Ukrainian-Canadian Heritage Day will ensure that the stories of Alberta’s Ukrainian ancestors continue to live on,” says Ricardo Miranda, Minister of Culture and Tourism
Today, the province is home to more than 350,000 Albertans of Ukrainian descent – the largest population of Ukrainian Canadians in Western Canada, and quite possibly the country as a whole. According to the 2006 census, Ontario surpassed Alberta by only 4,000 Canadians of Ukrainian origin. The 2016 data for ethnocultural diversity will be released on October 25, 2017.
Alberta’s cultural links to its Ukrainian heritage are shared through performance groups, educational programming and historical preservation like the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, an open-air museum where the life of early Ukrainian pioneers is recreated.
There are also strong economic ties, bolstered by the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA) which came into force on Aug. 1, 2017. CUFTA reinforces the potential for trade and investment growth between the province and Ukraine.
To continue strengthening the Albertan and Ukrainian bond, the Advisory Council on Alberta-Ukraine Relations (ACAUR) was established to provide strategic advice and recommendations to government on how to manage relations with Ukraine. The council also serves as a two-way information resource to Alberta’s Ukrainian community and the government.
Ten public members have been appointed to the advisory council. Three of the public members have been re-appointed while seven are new appointments. The council members represent a diverse range of professionals and community leaders, and were selected through an open recruitment process.
“I am honoured to continue the work of the Advisory Council on Alberta-Ukraine Relations. I recognize the importance of being able to identify and promote how Alberta and Ukraine can cooperate on matters of mutual interest,” says ACUAR Chair Littlewood.
Share on Social Media
