Calgary International Holodomor Remembrance Day 2013

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Let us remember together on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Centre at 404 Meredith Road NE.

No melody, sound, word or prayer can change history, but the spirit yearns in empathy to learn from its lessons.  Holod means hunger, and mor means plague - hence the Holodomor, to intentionally inflict death by hunger, victimizing millions of Ukrainians some 80 years ago.

Broadening the scope of community involvement, a general invitation is extended from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Calgary Branch http://www.calgaryucc.org/ to Calgarians of good-will to stand together in a moment of silence, to acknowledge, honour and remember the victims of the Holodomor. Thankful of Canada's rich respect for the gifts of multicultural and multilingual ancestry, the Calgary Branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress welcomes community participants, also boldly inviting Spiritus Chamber Choir spirituschamberchoir.ca, with soloist Paul Grindlay, to sing the spiritually moving Ukrainian Requiem (Panachyda) composed by Roman Hurko http://www.romanhurko.com/ - a contemporary Canadian composer of Ukrainian extraction.

A general invitation is extended to all temples of worship to toll their bells at 19:32 and mark the Memorial with a moment of silence in international recognition of the sanctity of life, and remembrance.  Lighting candles of remembrance honours the countless millions as well.

For those inquiring minds wishing to immerse themselves and gain a better understanding, please check out the link at http://www.yluhovy.com  for an award winning documentary about the Holodomor.

Canada Remembers - the World Acknowledges. It is time to share the story.  http://www.sharethestory.ca/ 

Awards, Rewards, Recognition - April 19, 2013

Some people have personal ambition, on the other hand, some people live their lives in service of others, and a greater cause.  So just how does one award, reward or recognize people for their generosity of spirit? We take example from leaders around us.

 

As Canada's Governor General is the representative of the Queen of England on North Amerian soil, the influence of the Queen's 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Award is among the most celebrated awards among Canadian citizens.  Without Royal patronage, Canada may have potentially taken another course through history.  Whether actively, or through her network of agents, the influence of the Monarch with a wholistic vision of the world has indeed shaped our experience here.  Through the effects of a democratic, civil society, we are called to take part, take responsibility, and create a place that is bigger, better and more enriching than ourselves. Some consider Canada among the most respected nations for precise these reasons, for its serious committment to becoming the best "homeland" possible - I among them.  

 

Over Canada's rather short nationhood, Canadian communities have grown, and been shaped the efforts of her citizens.  But "community" doesn't just happen.  Through the contributions of many, we have evolved into a generous, forward thinking, inclusive society that embraces the best parts of its individual components.  Of course that involves grassroots community builders, and community leadership, vision and dogged perseverance in the face of doubters.  Big vision people take pleasure in meeting challenges, making seemingly small gains that accumulate drop by drop, for every droplet eventually meets with others, creating a wave of possibilities.  The individuals being honored at the Diamond Jubilee Awards ceremony to be held in Calgary on April 19, 2013 are examples of just that kind of leadership.  .   

I met Mike Hantzch through my experiece at St. Vladimir's Sadochok, when our children were little and our ambitions for them involved a Ukrainian linguistic enrichment.  A group formed around this idea - Calgary Parents for Ukrainian Education - and we coaslesced around an idea of promoting Ukrainian bilingual schools to our public school boards.  Public schooling took some complicated turns at the time - our proposals were not welcomed.  So Mike threw his considerable passion for youth programming into high gear - through PLAST Ukrainian Scouts here in Calgary.  And of course there are many more accolades for this already recognized UCC Alberta Hetman Award recipient.   

Halia Wilson is another equally committed, soft spoken but stalward community builder.  A communicator, she has developed strong ties in SUM Ukrainian Youth across Canada and in the Ukrainian community abroad.  She is an includer, a communicator, a promoter and widely embraces diversity.  For the entire time I have known her, she has quietly but effectively promoted the Ukrainian idea, graciously welcoming everyone she meets. Her generosity of spirit is felt here among her professional peers, and in Calgary's Ukrainian community.  From promotions for youth programs to bandura, music, film and the arts, Halia's impressive vitae has already gained her the UCC Alberta Hetman Award too.   

Congratulations to these wonderful people on the recognition presented to them this April 19, 2013 through Canada's Diamond Jubilee Award.  From the hand of Queen Elizabth II, through the hands of Canada's Governor General, through the hands of Ukrainian Canadian Congress National President Paul Grod to Calgary, not only are they being recognized individually, but as members of their respective communities here in Calgary as well.  Leadership, community builders, peacemakers, kindlers of the fire at the ancestral hearth, their promotion of and contribution to the culture of our great city, and the Ukrainian idea,  we thank you!! 

The Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association of Canada (Calgary Branch)graciously invites you to a ceremony and wine and cheese reception in honor of these recipients of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Award on  Friday, April 19, at 7 PM at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary church hall.  For further information, tickets and to RSVP contact 403-670-5477  or to admin@ucpbacalgary.org. 

 

 

Calgary Shevchenko Event 2013

The Bard of Ukraine, Taras Shevchenko left a legacy of art, poetry and stories of regular people, elevated through literature, and remembered for their humanity.  Their hopes, dreams and aspirations continue to speak over nearly two centuries since his birth. In similar vein, the Ukrainian diaspora is collectively concerned about identity, freedom, Ukrainian language use, and its place in the Ukrainian idea.  A pantheon of great thinkers have been of similar thought. Nurtured on Shevchenko's words, his countrymen are a great nation with many gifts to share with the world.  But this is also a challenge, because he reminds that it is collective memory, the language, culture and traditions that bear the stories of history, perspective for understanding the present, and an image of what could be possible in the future! The Annual  Taras Shevchenko Concert is an opportunity to express just these types of ideas - to flesh them out for the contemporary age.

The Calgary Branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress is of such a mindset.  The 2013 Annual Taras Shevchenko Concert held on March 10, at 3 PM at the Assumption Church Hall on 7th Avenue and 6th Street NE, Calgary is dedicated to the idea - our language, our freedom.



for info call- 403-276-1835 or halyawilson@shaw.ca

калґарський відділ КОНҐРЕСУ УКРАЇНЦІВ КАНАДИ запрошує
Bac з родиною на КОНЦЕРТ ТАРАСА ШЕВЧЕНКА

10-ого БЕРЕЗНЯ 2013 в 3ті годині пополудні

в церковні залі Успення 704 Sixth Street N. E.

за дальші інформації - halyawilson@shaw.ca  403-276-1835

Ukrainian Canadian Artists

Baran by Audrey Uzwyshyn
amk2012

Artists, musicians, music groups, photographers, dancers, dance groups, festivals, film directors, writers, craft artisans and singers - whoever is pursing an artistic passion with our Ukrainian roots, it is time to connect!  The Ukrainian Canadian Congress has launched a National Arts Council with the goal of creating a network of Ukrainian Canadian artists for promoting visibility and recognition within Canada.   Their website is http://nac.ucc.ca/

This is exciting news - especially because the website will welcome artists to link directly through http://nac.ucc.ca/artist-directory/submit/   to submit their individual or group information.  The website will feature a Ukrainian Canadian Artists Directory, a Resource Section and Profiles.  Celebrating one of our richest commodities - our culture, Ukrainian Canadians have a voice -let's get together and hear each other, and help each other!  Joining is free!

Please contribute your comments, any information about local arts organizations in your community who support the arts (Edmonton Arts Council, Ontario Craft Council, Canada Council, etc).  This support will save time and help develop the Resources section of the website.

For more information please contact  Andrea Kopylech - co-Chair UCC NAC at akopylech@gmail.com  or at 780-288-0911.

A Hetman Award Winner- Pauline Lysak

amk2012

It's all about the kids and the future!

Introducing Mrs. Pauline Lysak of Edmonton, one of Ukrainian Alberta's stellar volunteers in service to the community. In 1998, the UCC-Alberta Provincial Council initiated an Annual Hetman Awards to acknowledge significant volunteer achievements of outstanding Ukrainian Albertans. And Pauline Lysak certainly fits the bill. She is a long time member of the Ukrainian Woman's Association of Canada, currently involved at St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox Ladies Auxiliary-Soyuz Ukrainok Kanadi in Edmonton. (UWAC)

A person of deep spirituality and moral conviction, her employment as a social worker in child protection and adoption for the province was more than a job, it is her mission. It led to her involvement with the Pochaiv Orphanage and helping youth in Ukraine. Seeing the need for child protection, and reading The Natasha's by Victor Malarek, (an important read if you haven't already done so - about the issue of Eastern Bloc human trafficking - including Ukrainian girls and boys) she was drawn to become involved in the Maple Leaf Project of the Nashi organization. Nashi: Our Children is actually helping to divert children at risk from human trafficking. She is also inspired by the important work being done by HART - led by Lloyd Cenaiko - another Ukrainian Canadian activist from la belle province of Saskatchewan!

Pauline says the Maple Leaf Alberta Projects works in conjunction with Nashi of Saskatoon and on October 26, 2012 hosted their 4th annual fundraiser for the Maple Leaf/Klenovi Lyst Safe House in Ukraine. Other events in the past have included presentations by Victor Malarek, Benjamin Perrin, Joy Smith MP and fashion shows which have featured the handiwork of girls who have been rescued from risk and learning a trade - sewing skills.

Congratulations Pauline and thank you for leadership in helping to protect the most vulnerable - our children - combating modern day slavery! Diakuyemo! Mnohaya lita!

In the picture above you will see Pauline with the Speaker of the Alberta Provincial Legislature - her nephew - MLA Gene Zwozdesky, and Genia Leskiw MLA for Bonnyville who is also her neice - close family! Also in the photo is the Provincial President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Daria Luciw.  

For a video of One Pyrogy at a Time - a documentary by Nashi: Our Children - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2bi74rb6ME

and information about the Maple Leaf/Klenovi Lyst Safe House http://mapleleafap.wordpress.com/.

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/

Christmas Card Art Contest

UCC Christmas Card Art Contest

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) is taking enormous strides to help promote and celebrate Ukrainian Canadian artists. As part of celebrating the 2012 Christmas Season, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress is calling for submissions of an original image to be featured on the cover of the UCC's 2012 Christmas card. Submission Deadline:  Friday October 26, 2012 Design Submission:  PDF format emailed to marta.tkac@ucc.ca . Tagline: 2012 CHRISTMAS CARD CAMPAIGN SUBMISSION UCC National is looking for the submission of an ORIGINAL IMAGE ONLY which, if chosen, will quickly become recognized as the face of the UCC 2012 Christmas Card. The winning artist will receive an honorarium of $1000.00 in addition to artistic recognition by the community. Images must express the Christmas theme in a visually resolved and captivating manner. There are no limits to how many submissions an artist can submit, however please ensure a high quality of imagery. Images may be manipulated to fit dimensions of card, thus consider the dimensions of 4 inches by 6 inches, 16 cm by 24 cm, or 20 cm by 20 cm as a guideline. Click here for more information.