NP-UN Western Bureau.
Toronto investigative journalist, Victor Malarek, will be among the featured speakers at the sixth annual Babas & Borshch Festival to be held August 25-26 at Lamont, located 60 kilometres east of Edmonton.
He will be discussing his first work of fiction,
Orphanage 41, announced Hazel Anaka, Festival Coordinator at the media launch for the festival, held at St. John’s Institute in Edmonton, June 19
“We are so pleased that such a prominent and accomplished Ukrainian Canadian will be part of the festival. While Orphanage 41 is fictional, it was inspired by Victor’s interviews with victims of sex trafficking and visits to Ukrainian orphanages. It reflects the same level of talent that distinguished his career as an author of six non-fiction books. In the past he’s tackled such topics as his own life in Quebec’s child protection services, immigration, the global drug trade, his stint in war torn countries, the global sex trade and its johns,” said Anaka.
Malarek’s career as a journalist has spanned nearly 50 years. His start began in print with Weekend Magazine, The Montreal Star and The Globe and Mail. In 1990, he made the move to television as host/reporter on CBC’s the fifth estate. In 2000 he moved to CTV’s W5 where he spent 17 years until his retirement. His memoir, Hey Malarek, inspired a feature film (Malarek) and a TV drama series called Urban Angel.
Another speaker this year will be Dr. Serge Cipko, Assistant Director (Research) at the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies and the author of Starving Ukraine: The Holodomor and Canada’s Response.
News about a famine in Soviet Ukraine that was claiming lives on a colossal scale traversed the borders of the USSR in 1932 and 1933. Although the government of the USSR denied it, Canadians came to learn about the famine from many albeit sometimes contradictory sources. Through an analysis of newspapers, political speeches, and protests, Starving Ukraine examines both Canada’s reporting of the famine (today known as the Holodomor) and the country’s response to it, highlighting the important role played by journalists and protesters. In his presentation, Dr. Cipko will emphasize the protests and actions that took place in Vegreville, Willingdon, Mundare, and other places in east-central Alberta.
A third presentation will be about Medical Mercy Canada by Elaine & Dr. Myron Semkuley. Medical Mercy Canada is a registered charity whose mission is to “relieve suffering and improve quality of life through direct provision of supplies, education, and services to medical facilities and schools for overlooked and impoverished areas of the world.” Myron and pharmacist wife, Elaine will talk about the projects they have undertaken in Ukraine during the charity’s 26 years of existence.
Back by popular demand, Edmonton’s Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Company is the festival headliner this year. They will be performing at the Zabava. Also performing will be the Promin Ukrainian Dancers plus individual youth dancers from Edmonton and several musical groups.
Workshops on various Ukrainian art and crafts will be held, there will be plenty of children’s activities, a borshch cookoff and much more.
New this year is a drive-by tour of Lamont’s historic buildings with tour guide TJ Fenton. Driving the team of horses is mom, Gail Fenton.
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