New Pavilion at Cave and Basin Opening June 20

amk2013

amk2013

Banff's Cave and Basin is a popular tourist attraction featuring thermal waters and a protected environment for rare plants and creatures, but is also celebrates Canada's National Parks and our history. A while back ukrainiancalgary blog received an invitation to the reopening of the Banff Cave and Basin historical site, and ceremonial opening of the new exhibit honoring Canada's First World War Internment Operations on June 20, 2013.

amk2013

So I recently visited the Cave and Basin site, and was surprised by the nostalgic trip it presented. When I was there the site was dripping in rain, hazy with mist and fragrant with natural beauty. The Cave and Basin site in Banff is absolutely gorgeous. Walking around the site, we found the new pavilion, which a worker called the Tea House - still under construction. Inquisitive, we silently walked down the stairs to the marsh to see a beaver, birds, little fish and a remarkably tranquil natural area, and we wished had lounge chairs.

The Government of Canada and its Ukrainian Community have achieved a financial redress settlement by which an educational and commemorative endowment is providing Parks Canada the financial resources required to build a permanent exhibit. The special site will honor Canada's first national internment operations at the Cave and Basin site in Banff National Park. The permanent display will provide visitors an opportunity to appreciate how Canada takes responsibility before all its citizens to honor Canadian history, the complex but true stories of people with aspirations, for themselves, their kin, their nation and the world. 



amk2013

Looking forward to the Thursday afternoon ceremonies at the Pavilion on June 20, 2013 - see you there!





amk2013



Calgary's 2012 Holodomor Commemoration

amk2012

Calgary honored the Holodomor with a commemoration event that took place at 11 AM on Saturday, November 24, 2012 in the St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Church Cultural Centre.  Master of Ceremonies - Michael Ilnycky, President of Calgary's Ukrainian Canadian Committee.

amk2012

About a dozen students from Calgary's Ukrainian Student's Society presented a montage of poems, and verses (presented by Roman Storoschuk and Katrusia Owad,), an interpretive dance by Christina Chumak, and song accompanied and sung by Stephania Romaniuk.

amk2012

Dr. Roman Serbyn, a Canadian historian of Ukrainian origin, Holodomor scholar, and guest speaker from Montreal,  spoke in brief about how the Holodomor came about, and used the terms "post genocidal community" and "post colonial community" as descriptors of the Ukrainian community's internal perceptions of this experience.  Internal community change, and external acknowledgement is now possible because of free-er access to historical documents which irrefutably attest that the Holodomor was an act of intentional destruction of the repository of ancestral memory - the people of Ukraine.

amk2012

A Memorial Service (Panachyda) was served by the clergy of Calgary's Ukrainian churches, St. Stephen the Protomartyr Ukrainian Catholic Church, St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church.

The participants prayerfully joined in the singing of Vichnaya Pamyat' - the prayer for eternal memory of the reposed.

amk2012

Organizations listed participated by laying wreaths of memorial:  Sister Servants of  Mary Immaculate, Assumption of the  Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Stephen Protomartyr Ukrainian Catholic Church, St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Ukrainian Senior's Club at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Knights of Columbus-St. Nicholas Ukrainian Council #7659, Order of St. Andrew, Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada-Calgary, Ukrainian Museum of Canada-Calgary Collection, Ukrainian Catholic Women's League of Canada, League of Ukrainian Women in Canada-Calgary Branch, Barvinok Ukrainian Dance Society, Yalenka Ukrainian Dance Society, Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, Suzirya Ukrainian Dance Theatre, Korinnya Ukrainian Folk Ensemble, Plast Ukrainian Scouts, CYM Ukrainian Youth, CYMK Ukrainian Orthodox Youth, Ukrainian Student's Society at the University of Calgary, SOS Ukraine, Ogen House Ukrainian Cultural Society, Echos of Ukraine Television Program, Ukrainian Canadian Civil  Liberties Association, Ukrainian School at Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Slava Chamber Choir, Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association, Association of United Ukrainian Canadians, Friends of the Ukrainian Catholic University, Calgary Board of Education, Calgary Separate School Division, City of Calgary, Government of Alberta, Government of Canada, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

amk2012

amk2012

amk2012

Our elected officials from three levels of government came to honor the event.  Speeches were given by elected officials, representatives of each respective level of government - Alderman Jim Stevenson - Ward 3, Government of Alberta - Linda Johnson, Calgary Glenmore and Government of Canada - Michelle Rempel, Calgary Centre North.

amk2012

An important forward looking presentation was given by the representative of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights -  Eric Hughes.  He spoke of the upcoming opening of the new museum in Winnipeg, the complexity of this human rights issue and the truly significant and critical role Canada's new museum will play in uncovering the truths for future generations - may they learn from the lessons of the past.








Thanking all the guests for their generous participation in today's commemoration, MC and UCC Calgary President Michael Ilnysky thanked CYM Ukrainian Youth Association for the Display and Artwork from the Kyiv Art Institute - and then  invited everyone to sing O Canada, the national anthem of Canada, and Sche Ne Vmerla Ukraina - the national anthem of Ukraine.  Then everyone was invited to a Hungry Lunch of broth and bread.

Calgary and the First Ukrainian Canadian Member of Parliament

Did you know that the first Canadian Member of Parliament of Ukrainian Descent attended the University of Calgary?  Did you know he also attended Normal School here - essentially teachers' college.  And did you know his name?

Perhaps it would be interesting to consider how many Canadians have served in municipal, provincial and federal politics as servants of the people over this past - say just over a hundred years?  Well, I haven't compiled the list yet.  But, I do know that Calgary's education system can be very proud for contributing to the formation of Mr. Michael Luchkovich.

Michael Luchkovich's father emigrated to find work in the coal mines of Pennsylvania, and that is where Luchkovich spent the first years of his life.  The family moved to Winnipeg, but after high school graduation, Luchkovich headed west to the University of Calgary where he received his political science degree, and then later attended Calgary Normal School in order to become an Alberta Certified teacher.

He was a teacher, author and obviously a social activist - and with his fabulous education launched a ten year career in Canadian federal politics.  True to many prairie Canadians, he ran as a United Farmers of Alberta candidate and in 1926 was elected to the Canadian House of Commons representing the Vegreville constituency.  He was the first person of Ukrainian descent to be elected to the Federal Parliament - and the University of Calgary was an important stepping stone in his professional formation.  Thanks, Calgary! 

http://www.uccab.ca/HetmanBanquet/Luchkovich%20Award.asp

Former Prime Minister Campbell on Ukraine

Ethics, enterprise, and equity - these are words I  would like to hear more often when discussing the future of Ukraine.  Possibly the most important of them would be ethics - the ethics of a free and democratic state building a bright and prosperous future for all its citizens. 

Thankfully, the Ukrainian Canadian community has communicated long and well with our elected officials, and besides concerning themselves with the wellbeing of Canadians, many of these gracious individuals are doing more than simply listening intently.  In fact, besides the Observer Mission to monitor the upcoming Parliamentary Elections in Ukraine on October 28th, Canadian officials from Prime Minister Harper, to Former Alberta Premier Stelmach, to Former Prime Minister Campbell are advocating for Ukraine's democratic freedoms.

http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/former-canadian-premier-free-trade-area-with-eu-better-for-ukraine-than-customs-union-with-russia-314752.html

Multiculturalism - Dr. Lupul to Speak

For a unique, historical perspective on Ukrainians and the Policy of Multiculturalism in Canada, here's an opportunity to hear Dr. Manoly Lupul.   He has a very close perspective on its origins, impact and some personal observations on the legacy of this widely accetped policy.  On Thursday, October 25, 2012, the Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association of Calgary is hosting a dinner meeting with guest speaker! 

Dr. Lupul is Professor Emeritus of the University of Alberta, one of the many minds who contributed to the development of the founding principles of the multiculturalism policy for Canada. Over his career, and in the forty years since the Government of Canada enacted the policy of Multiculturalism, the world has changed significantly.  In fact it is believed that the adoption of this policy in Canada has fundamentally changed how ethnocultural groups are perceived and treated here in Canada, paving the way for change elsewhere.

indigo.ca

Come hear how community advocacy, and interactions with policy makers, contributed to Government policy, and how Canada has evolved over time -everything from perceptions of cultural maintenance, inter-cultural communication, integration and race relations.  What an interesting discussion to have with Dr. Manoly Lupul - hope you can attend.

Thursday, October 25, 2012 at the Valhalla Ballroom in the Danish Canadian Club, 727 - 11th Avenue SW
Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association of Calgary
Box 6474, Station D, Calgary AB T2P 2E1
Phone 403-670-5477
e-mail: admin@ucpbacalgary.org
www.ucpbacalgary.ca

http://www.ualberta.ca/CIUS/ukrcan/ucp-press/lup-vis.htm

http://www.ualberta.ca/CIUS/ukrcan/ucp-press/lup-ukr.htm

Multiculturalism and the Canadian Identity
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCUOosz36yY

2012 Historic Election Mission to Ukraine - Harper

During the forthcoming elections in Ukraine, Canada is helping the young state with election observers to ensure freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.  Canada's bonds with Ukraine are deep and wide, and thanks to waves of immigration to Canada, Ukraine's diaspora in Canada now numbers over a million and a quarter people.  The Ukrainian Canadian community has worked to forge excellent relationships with our Canadian government - and through this relationship, encourage Ukraine on its journey to providing its citizens the freedoms we have realized here in this free land. 

Recently, the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honorable Stephen Harper spoke to the delegation being sent as observers to the upcoming elections in Ukraine.  The clarity of his words indicate a thorough and serious understanding of the Ukrainian diaspora's concerns for the ancestral homeland.  Speaking to Canadians, he shows our nation's determination to support the free life, democracy, political maturity, and rule of law for all people.  As he says, Ukraine is simply a very important place in the world, not only for its citizens, but for Europe, Eurasia, its diaspora, and the world.  Canada is simply standing vigilant with the world in service to the greater good - a free, democratic Ukraine, human rights and the rule of law.

http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Politics/ID/2294026115/

Seeds for the Future

Ah, the lovely smells of Autumn!  Leaves of golden yellow, fields of stubble, the harvest bounty brought home - such a time of plenty.  Time to thank, appreciate, and then put the gardening tools to sleep for a winter's rest. 

Hopefulness comes of this time.  Time to think  - well that patch of garden space really needs to rest, or...that section of the garden would be great for runner beans next year.  Ah, dreaming of next year's planting season.

I am not a seed harvester, however perhaps you could be.  I remember Baba saving tomatos for their seeds, and harvesting beans to dry some for next year's seeds.  This involved hopefulness, planning, dreams for a better tomorrow.

The bad news, however, is that there are major seed-developing companies that are already introducing "terminator technologies" into Canada so that every time you want to grow a grain or vegetable or a flower, you will have to purchase new seeds.  These seeds will produce, but will not reproduce!!!  The seed will be sterile!!!

This scares me a lot.  When you consider the accumulated agricultural wisdom of our Canadian prairie producers, and place that against the HOLODOMOR experiences of Ukrainians in the last century, our food security is a huge issue!!  Who controls our food security??

The National Council of Women of Canada (www.ncwc.ca) , and the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada (www.uwac-national.ca) have asked the government of Canada to ban terminator seeds in Canada.  In the upcoming session of Parliament, Alex Atamanenko, NDP MP for BC Southern Interior, has sponsored a private member's bill - Bill C-434 Terminator Seeds Ban.  This is "an act to prohibit the planting, cultivation, release, sale and importation of seeds incorporating or altered by variety-genetics use restriction technologies (V-GURTS) also called "Terminator Technologies". 

Normally private members bills have little chance of passing, however you can help this one pass but flooding your MP's office with phone calls, letters and emails in support of this bill.  Be assured that the grain companies will be lobbying very strongly against this Bill.

Kenney Interview on KONTAKT

Privet! or Dobrijden'!
These are greetings of welcome among Ukrainian and Western Canadians. And they are open opportunities to conversation about (among other realities) one's experiences with language, culture, religion, community values, volunteerism, services, employment, new social circumstances - all because of a life decision to make a change. Establishing oneself economically, socially, culturally, sometimes a person is glad to tap into the experiences of the Ukrainian Canadian community. There is much to learn, on both sides of the equation.

The Ukrainian Canadian television show KONTAKT recently aired an interview with Jason Kenney, the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. The program contains some very valuable information about our Canadian government's role in making the world a better place for everyone.

Canadian democracy is a participation sport, it is the citizen's responsibility to be the change we hope to see in the world - speaking truth to issues. I hope you will take a moment to view the interview, and take an active role in Canada's future.

Immigration Issues in Canada  -  Super Visas and family sponsorship  -  Canada’s position on democracy in Ukraine  -  Asylum of former KGB operative Mikhail Lennikov  -    http://www.ukrcdn.com/2012/08/24/jason-kenney-on-canadian-immigration-ukrainian-documentary-and-kgb-op-lennikov/

See you for discussion and companionship in Calgary's Ukrainian community!

2012 National Black Ribbon Day August 23

The Central and Eastern European Council of Canada, representing nearly 4 million Canadians of European heritage, have announced plans to commemorate National Black Ribbon Day on August 23, 2012 in cities across Canada. 

The resolution declaring Black Ribbon Day to honor and remember the victims of Communism and Nazism in Europe was passed unanimously in Canada's Parliament in November 2009.  This day commemorates and brings international attention and understanding of the plight of the nations whose diaspora (eminating from Central and Eastern European communities) settled this vast, freedom loving, democratic Canada.

Evening ecumenical services are planned for Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa and Montreal (I haven't heard about any such service planned for Calgary yet, but please share any information you have with the readers of this blog in the comment box below.)

For more information go to www.ucc.ca
 

So Proud to be Canadian!

Canada is a great country!  Canada is a welcoming land whose embrace is the envy of so many freedom loving people in the world.  We have freedom to pursue our dreams, with dignity, human rights, and freedom to collaborate with our countrymen in the betterment of society.  When citizens perform public service, whether employed or volunteer, empowered to "be the change we wish to see in the world" (Ghandi), this has an impact on the future. We live in a global village, and we can apply our accumulated assets of time, talent and treasure to raise the children of tomorrow. 

 

Canada's responsive government is committed to helping Ukraine on its journey to a transparent and more accountable government, a strong democratatic government. In response to internal and external voices of concern with regards to the credibility of recent elections in Ukraine, Canada's government is looking for the strategic application of Canada's nation-building assets -its citizenry.

 

Calgary Member of Parliament, Honorable Jason Kenney, on behalf of the Government of Canada,  has just recently (August 9, 2012)  announced that Canada will be sending 500 observers to play a part in monitoring the upcoming Ukrainian parliamentary election (October 28, 2012).  This mission from Canada's Civilian Reserve calls upon us to volunteer wholeheartedly, stand up for freedom, truth and the rule of law.  People who have language competency, knowledge of electoral politics, election systems and international experienced may apply to be an observer.  

CANADEM: International Election Observation Project:

http://www.canadem.ca/home/en/deployment/election-observation.html

CANADEM: Apply to be an International Election Observer:

http://www.canadem.ca/home/en/deployment/election-observation/apply-to-canadems-elections.html

www.JasonKenney.ca

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2012/2012-08-09.asp

The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Bob Dechert, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lois Brown, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation, and Ted Opitz, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke Centre announced today that the Government of Canada is sending 500 observers to help monitor Ukraine's parliamentary elections scheduled to be held in October 2012 – Toronto, Ontario

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/photos/high-res/index.asp

New to Calgary??

Calgary is a great place to live, but if you are a newcomer there are so many opportunities - it is sometimes mind boggling. Calgary's Ukrainian Community is actually a fabulous place to get involved, get connected, make friends and seek the welcoming atmosphere of people whose origins are similar to yours. 

While Ukrainian Calgary, the website, is a great brief introduction, there are a great variety of groups whose information is far too complete and detailed to provide here.  One such very important link, is the Canadian Relocation System, the Online Guide for people Relocating or Moving to Canada.  This resource can help with a variety of needs, but also facilitates contact with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) which represents the Ukrainian Canadian community before the people and Government of Canada.  The UCC site hosts a calendar of events, links with Ukraine, and tries to both identify and address the needs of the Ukrainian community in Canada.
For more complete information, please follow the links below.

www.relocatecanada.com/calgary/cultural.html

or www.ucc.ca