The Treasure of Community - Calgary Ukrainian Festival 2015

Giving back to the community is high priority for Ukrainians in Canada. Socially, economically, spiritually, intellectually and culturally our community provides profoundly rich experiences for its many, many participants. In the century and more of Ukrainian diaspora in North America the community has overcome remarkable challenges, and flourished in ways we will only appreciate from the vantage point of future times.

A treasured legacy of profound love, dedication of resources and time - this is the Calgary Ukrainian Festival. And how can you be a part of it!!

Maybe this is your year for adopting a class? Could you provide for Ukrainian lessons for a needy child? Could you provide for someone's Ukrainian dance lessons this year? Could you contribute to a family's spiritual journey via their membership in a church? Could you touch the hearts of the needy through their sense, especially their stomachs - send a meal of pyrogies and holubtsi? Contribute to the Ukrainian Canadian Community's advocacy for the homeland? Promote the professional and intellectual resources at the Ukrainian Library at St. Vlads? Get involved in outreach and education through the Pioneer Program at the Ukrainian Museum of Canada Branch here in Calgary?

So many ways to get involved - so many wonderful sights, sounds, and smells - remember to bring the kids for a very friendly, kid centered day, and then plan for the evening zabava - korchma, and dance (of course!! bring your boots!!)

COME FOR THE FUN! STAY FOR THE TREASURE OF COMMUNITY!

St. John's Institute Fundraising Gala 2015

YEG is so blessed with St. John's Institute.  SJI is a wonderful non profit affordable housing option, in a desirable location near the University of Alberta  - with a reputation for exceptional food and welcome hosting of arts and cultural events. Visit SJI at http://www.stjohnsinstitute.com/

The amazing work of community building across many generations continues at St. John's Institute Edmonton. While I have been there for (compliments to the kitchen!) pyrogy supper, and my daughter did spent more than one summer living at SJI during her studies, just a few blocks from the U of A, I can't believe my misfortune (misjudgement of schedule!) of missing the recently sponsored concerts by my favorite Ukrainian musicians, Піккардійська Терція, в Едмонтоні! And all the extras I have mentioned don't even come close to recognizing the many decades of Ukrainian student life that has been fostered at SJ!. 

Folks, it's official! If you like what the SJI people do, and want to support their upcoming projects, you will be in good company to join them on Saturday Feb 7 at the "Show Me the Money" Fundraising Gala! on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at the Palace, 3223 Parsons Road (99 Street) Edmonton. 

I understand Suzanna and the board have arranged for live performances by Mercury Opera, Viter Ukrainian Dancers & Folk Choir, and Toy Guns Dance Theatre. That is, after the highly social cocktails, delicious dinner and amazing dance social by Steppe.

Contact SJI at , 780-439-2320, arts_culture@stjohnsinstitute.com for tickets!!

Ukrainian Calgary is Two Today!

Today is Ukrainian Calgary's second birthday! As I like to say - happy, healthy mnohi lita!  It has been an adventure learning to blog - and frankly, finding time to blog!  I love it, and am so positively overwhelmed with the readership!  Gotta say, there are fans of Ukrainian Calgary on almost every continent - okay nobody from Antarctica - but there is still opportunity there!

The idea arose from a comment a friend made a while back. Ukrainian people everywhere are extremely good at planning and having great events, but let's face it, we are just not all that savvy at promotions!  When I started this blog, it felt like it was the only chatty promo blog about Ukrainian things.  Since then I have noticed at least a few more interesting blogs about community and events.  And in the last six or so months, that number has burst the seams with information about the social, political and economic realities of Ukrainians in the homeland and here at home. It seem the stories of our ancestral connections continue to nurture us and our families! We like to not only remember, but create energetic connections for our family, culture, tradition and language!  It is, after all, about the relationships we hold dear!

So much has changed in a brief two years, and yet.....  so much yet to accomplish.  Here's to all the unsung heroes who reach out, connect, make bonds of friendship that become often closer than family! Whatever the time, talent or treasure you are sharing with the Ukrainian community, diasporan or in Ukraine, THANK YOU!  You are my family, my dear friends!  And blog on!  

New Times

I have been paying attention to the international press about the situation in Ukraine, as have many other millions of people.  In fact, I was startled to discover there are actually 20 million people identifying as Ukrainians in the diaspora! Astounding, there are actually people on islands of the Pacific, living under another political jurisdiction, identifying as Ukrainians there too!  Imagine churches, clubs, organizations, dancers, ......everywhere!  The diaspora is a very interesting phenomenon!

Whether one assimilates quickly or slowly in the diaspora, a lot of people have close ancestral ties to their homeland.  Caring, hoping, and contributing in very small ways to the efforts for Ukraine's wellbeing, there are thousands of places where Ukrainians gather for community - outside of the homeland borders! Astounding!

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Sadly, here in my community, when the most recent events started unfolding in Ukraine, there were people who were "of another opinion". What other opinion?  Imagine, people living with freedoms, rights, privileges guaranteed by their new homelands, in the embrace of a democratic, sovereign state, presented with economic opportunity for all, being of "another opinion" on the status of Ukraine! Imagine those who would not extend a prayer or stand in principle because of "another opinion".  Quite frankly, I have been quietly incensed!  And I don't mean in a holy way!

The generations of people who escaped the clutches of totalitarian states, choosing dignity, freedom and opportunity for their offspring, all dreamed of a time when their homeland would attain these cherished prizes too. Ukrainian churches, institutions, organizations, foundations, choirs, drama groups, dance troupes, Ukrainian schools, scouts, youth groups, community connections and personal relationships create opportunities of embrace, with the smells, tastes, sounds, textures, of "home".  They all flourish out of an idea  - the beautiful idea that justice and truth should always prevail, that the torch of freedom is raised for all!

Twenty million people of Ukrainian ancestry in the diaspora - and about 46 million in Ukraine?  Does that mean one third of all Ukrainians have left the country for better opportunities elsewhere!  What does that say about roots and wings?  New Times indeed.  

Calgary Prays for Ukraine

As so many of you may already be connected in one way or another with Ukraine and the diaspora, it is also possible you are paying attention to the travesty that is their government of late. Months of peaceful public protests that have been ignored or derided by the Yanukovich led government have galvanized people's resolve across Ukraine, the largest country in Europe. Good diaspora, citizens of free nations everywhere in the world, it is time to take up the issue of Ukraine's future. Sourcing information on public media one cannot help but recognize how recent events in Ukraine are unfolding. Since November, and into the last few evenings, the response of "power" to Kyiv's Maidan movement has been horrifying, but Black Tuesday revealed to the world the regime's open, active military action against the people of Ukraine. Numbers vary but thousands appear to have been treated for serious injuries and the sad reality that 30 souls have departed this earth as a result of their government's brutality towards citizens. Escalating tensions are indeed receiving public attention, at huge cost to Ukrainian society it is true. But truth must prevail.

If you haven't yet contacted your elected officials, asking for personal contact to confirm they are actively engaged in representing Canadian values in Ukraine, then please do. Contact the television stations, radio, media and share information. But here in Calgary the community will meet again on Thursday, February 20th to pray together for the fallen, and for wisdom and moral strength to prevail over the next pivotal events in the ancestral homeland of so many Canadians of Ukrainian ancestry. A service is set for 7 p.m.this Thursday in Calgary at Our Lady of the Assumption church on 6th Street N.E.

As a long time Canadian, I am assured by my elected official that Canada is doing everything in its power to affect positive change in Ukraine. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhiGA-fqmQY   But if everyone you and I know applied pressure on our elected officials, there would come a tipping point when efforts may grow. And there will be a tipping point.

Time is short and the events in Ukraine are pressing. Please take active part as citizens of free and democratic nations everywhere. Slava Ukraini!

Ukrainian expats plan vigil in Calgary following deadly protests
http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/calgary/Ukrainian+expats+plan+vigil+Calgary+following+deadly/9527639/story.html

Calgary Helps Euromaidan

stone baba from Pereyaslav Khmelnitsky Museum
amk2013

Calgary,  it is again time to stand with the ancients, in solidarity with the Euromaidan activists, for truth and freedom. Sharing information with the wider community today, and hoping for generous people of good will to stand in solidarity and support of the people of Ukraine in their struggle for a free and just governance, in their time of need. The situation in Ukraine continues to escalate and is extremely fragile. Conclusions and speculation about what might happen next are hard to say.  

An amazing groundswell of informed activists have carried the torch thus far. After nearly 10 weeks of struggle, in the wintry nights of November, and December of 2013, and continuing into late January of 2014, the world is finally paying attention. Unfortunately the peaceful Maidan of two months has now been followed by repressive laws and violent reactions from their government and military. Events teeter precariously in the next days and potentially weeks.   Ukrainian citizens need us to be citizens of the world, and help them ensure a dignified and honourable outcome for all of Ukraine, to help ensure positive change in their lives and livelihoods.  By standing in Independence Square and in various Maidan protests (including in Calgary) the world is sending a message of of solidarity, of hope that truth and dignity will prevail.  We stand resolutely, together for the good! The past is passed, and the future beacons!

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Calgary Branch is sharing this information widely in our community. 

On Sunday January 26th, there will be Varenyky (perogies) on sale at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church Hall from 10:30-1:30 with all proceeds going to support Euromaidan activists standing in Kyiv's Independence Square, Hrushevskiy Street and elsewhere. 

ALSO: at 4:00 pm there will be another rally, peaceful protest and small prayer service at the Olympic Plaza downtown Calgary. Bring your blue and yellow gear as well as your hearts for those who need our support! 

Please spread the word to your family and friends by sharing this post. 

Planting Seeds at Harvest Time

knowalberta.ca

Every farmer knows that, though the crops have been brought in, the fall season is very important to next season's harvest. Today's far-sighted plans will predict the future! Responding correctly in this season of life will pay great dividends.

Fall is such a beautiful time, the leaves, the trees, even the last rose on the bush make for gorgeous sights. The smell of fallen leaves, the faint chill in the air, and the odd snow skiff remind us that the growing season is over. The time for weddings, and for harvest festivals is ripe. Time to appreciate what was, what has been, with a sense a gratitude and peaceful meditation.

A song from my youth circles in my mind. "To everything, turn, turn, turn, there is a season.....and a time to every purpose under heaven." No doubt, life is unfolding, as it should!

Reminders of all the goodness, all the abilities, talents and energy the Ukrainian community in Canada are everywhere - including on the web. Websites, photos, advertising, reports, media coverage, event planning, on-line stores, and of course the interconnected physical and social community plugging away at their fundraisers in order to pay bills, and hire specialized labourers. It all speaks of character and values.

Fedorah hall
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A while back my folks let me take a read through of the first minutes book of the women's organization in the rural community where the great-grandparents homesteaded. Amazing! Simply phenomenal that during the hard years, when life really was about putting food on the table, that they would put aside their personal hardships and dream together. Not only did they dream, their industrious hands gathered the pennies, nickels and dimes to build churches and halls dotted all across the prairies. Everyone chipped in. Then it was time to party in the hall across the road.

In preparation for the Remembrance Day assembly, I have taught my school students to appreciate that though the audience may not applaud, there is true appreciation there, if you look carefully. As the farmers have brought the harvest home, many, many individuals have gathered together to plant seeds for another type of harvest. Look around and see the huge bounty in the Ukrainian community! "Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Galatians 6:9) While it may seem burdensome to constantly be doing good, living with purpose speaks of character and values. Time to take a big, deep sigh of satisfaction, and know - it is good.

Can't Say Thanks Enough!

I have been marvelling at the tremendous activity in the Ukrainian community lately!  Perhaps it is because I am paying attention, but it is obvious that so many people are sharing the gifts of their time, talents and treasure within the Ukrainian community - and it shows!

Recently, while preparing to blog, I read the Ukie news, heard a radio clip about international relations between Ukraine and the EU, heard about the Ukrainian World Congress and their meeting about Ukraine and the EU.  Then got an email from the Ukrainian women's organization about their convention. Picked up the local newspaper to see a review of Calgary's Ukrainian Festival.  Then I had to go to work. Someone mentioned the CPO Ukrainian program.  At work, preselected some children's reading books, and found 5 really beautiful English publications on Ukrainian themes. Returned home for a Skype meeting with one board executive.  Picked up my email for an invite to another supper meeting in the local Ukrainian community. Set out for a rehearsal of Ukrainian choral music (program being sponsored by another Ukrainian organization).  Returned early to leave the car for husband who volunteered for a Ukrainian organization's casino-fundraiser.  Whew!  Normal day?  Am I just noticing now?

I marvel at the good will, efficiency and passion in the Ukrainian community, because all the little decisions add up!!  Even if the organizations spend half of their time on social gatherings, the tremendous contributions simply have to number in the thousands and thousands of hours of volunteer service!

I have heard the terms "mangers" and "leaders" and organizations really do thrive when they have both types of contributors.  But there must be a colossal team of Hetman quality leaders doing all the right things influencing goals, meetings, agendas, doing the preparation, the documentation, the scheduling, the minutes, the action items, the follow-up and - of course working efficiently, enjoying a happy communal feeling of belonging, and achieving great results.

Of course there are Ukrainian organizations that flounder indecisively, discuss, update, review, inform, report, present, check, dialogue, evaluate, connect, think, consider, educate, as well.  But I sense that busy people are too efficient to waste time, and the calculation of time expenditure is precious.  Effective people waste less time, decide and commit, and effect greater change.  Marvelous!

My grandmother used to say "you have written yourself into the family book", when someone married into the family.  I sense there is a powerful feeling of kinship among the people who give so passionately to the Ukrainian community too.  And congratulations to these amazing HETMAN quality leaders - (youth) Adrian Warchola, Oksana Iwaszko, (Calgarian)  Danylo Moussienko, (adult) Ivanna Szewczuk, Jason Golinowski, (Calgarian) Uliana (Elaine) Holowach-Amiot, (senior) William Dymianiw,
Larry and Donna Sendziak,  Ron Zapisocki, Nettie Kowal, (posthumous) Olga Alexandruk, and UCC-APC Exec. Steven Chwok to be honoured this October 6, 2013 at the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (Alberta Provincial Council) Annual HETMAN AWARDS in Edmonton.  You, indeed, have written yourself into the ancestral legacy of Ukraine and her children in the international diaspora - especially here in CANADA!   A humble thank-you and BRAVO!

Rescheduled Unveiling of the Cave and Basin Internment Exhibit - September 13, 2013

With all the excitement of June's rains in Southern Alberta, and nature's response to the excessive downpours, the Official Opening of the Cave and Basin Internment Exhibit in Banff was cancelled. An earlier blog post told of how Calgarians marked the day, however the "official" opening was deferred.

I recently received an invitation to the rescheduled unveiling of this important monument and sincerely hope you will share the information far and wide. It is indeed remarkable how responsibly Canadians see their part in history, and how morality and justice in the end truly prevail.

Mark you calendars and share the date!

The Honorable Jason Kenney,
Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism
invites you to the official opening of Parks Canada's exhibit entitled
ENEMY ALIENS, PRISONERS OF WAR: 

CANADA'S FIRST WORLD WAR INTERNMENT OPERATIONS 1914-1020.

The event will take place on Friday, September 13, 2013 at 2 PM
in Banff National Park at the Internment Exhibit Building
adjacent to Cave and Basin National Historic Site,
311 Cave Avenue, Banff, Alberta.
RSVP to Steve.Malins@ps.gc.ca.

Those planning to join the group travelling by bus from Edmonton to Banff on September 13th for the rescheduled unveiling may call Andrea Malysh at 1-866-288-7931 to reserve a seat. I am not sure what arrangements other areas have made for travel to the Banff Internment Site Exhibit Unveiling - please keep me posted, and share with others. And thanks to those who can mark this event for all Canadians!

http://ukrainiancalgary.blogspot.ca/2013/03/pavilion-at-cave-and-basin-in-banff.html

http://ukrainiancalgary.blogspot.ca/2013/05/official-opening-of-cave-and-basin.html

http://ukrainiancalgary.blogspot.ca/2013/06/new-pavilion-at-cave-and-basin-opening.html

http://ukrainiancalgary.blogspot.ca/2013/06/rainy-flood-weather-cancels-event.html

Remember Being a "Super Uke"?

Growing up as a hyphenated Ukrainian-Something in the diaspora has meant being a part of a smallish community, scattered thinly among a widely diverse world population.  Gathering together for the comforts of community, my people settled in rural environments, moving gradually through town living to urban centres.  Seeking economic opportunity, it has been important to integrate into the dominant culture linguistically and culturally, yet a small uniqueness remains.  For me, the romantic vision of my ancestral homeland has meant keeping the language, cultural traditions and faith of my ancestors.  Singing together, feeling the common heartbeat, dancing on language inspired rhythms of the ancients, and wearing embroidered shirts that told of magic and mysterious times when the hearth mother was the source of all comfort - these form my early memories. 

I remember the exciting performance trips with dancers, singers and instrumentalists who would trek through a series of small rural venues - to hear the appreciative applause, to see the beaming faces of people equally thirsty for the romantic vision of homeland.  Growing up I realize how small, indeed, these places were - halls holding perhaps 150 to 200 people.  It was a lot of effort, time and care to put these kinds of shows together - even moreso because it was an extracurricular event.  Parental support, families involved, communities galvanized to support the young people in their desire to maintain their ethnic ties.

Even now, performers of all sorts travel from the diaspora to perform in Ukraine, seeking the appreciative recognition of our one-ness in culture and nationality.  Seeking the homeland makes you think differently though.  We in the diaspora live a smallish life of Ukrainian-ism.  Coming to perform in small venues in Ukraine, you get a taste of that small town embrace, but "wow"  it is great to be something big and wonderful too.  What a rush to see people, like yourself, who welcome you as their own - their own countrymen - even if it is a native/foreigner experience. 

I suspect that people in a huge country like Ukraine, with nearly 50 million people whose dominant culture has been Soviet have a different perspective on things.  Today, everyone is seeking the economic freedom to step confidently forward with family life.  Political, cultural and practical issues are adapting to the times.  Will they have a nostalgia for the romantic visions of yore?  Will they spend their extracurricular time on heritage, culture and traditions we have cherished so long?  Only time will tell. 

Maple Leaf Projects 2013

A while ago I mentioned the good work Maple Leaf Projects is doing helping girl orphans with getting a trade outside of the sex trade, in Ukraine. Pauline Lysak is asking you set the date Saturday, October 19th into your calendar for a special speaker, Victor Malarek, who will address the issue of human trafficking, and how it affects Albertans too! Fascinating statistics prove we are not doing enough to combat this huge human rights issue, here in our free and affluent Alberta, much less the huge world where women are vulnerable!

Intimidation is a huge issue for women.  Being prepared for the stressors in life is complex enough in the "enlightened"  civilized/western/progressive-thinking world much less the complexity women face in more "fundamentalist" inclined places.  Economic pressure, social stigma, marital strife, these build pressure in a woman's life, exterminating her huge potential for changing the world through the care and nurture of healthy children. Her potential is the issue, she could be so much more! I personally am glad to take a small part in lending a hand up to my women-friends in the world.  I hope you will contribute your time, care, and effort towards ending human trafficking, especially in Alberta, but everywhere in the world.  Please share this event with our sisters-by-another-mother everywhere!

Ukrainian Language for Teens, Adults and Seniors

Some of my earliest memories have to do with connecting with family and honoring my ancestors.  By this I mean being Ukrainian in a North American culture, the photographic memory of my life is a tumble of embroideries, dancing, tastes and smells, traditions and events that brought family together. Holidays, embraces of young and old were all opportunities for conversation with and about those who were separated from us by time and distance.  Remembered by name, or by ritual, with laughter or tears, family stories and anecdotes never translated well.  Each time I heard the stories another layer of onion skin was removed as more profound and poignant meaning was revealed.  Simple words, but oh, so much more.

Like many North Americans of Ukrainian heritage, the language has adapted to my circumstance - and it is changing from generation to generation.  Actively engaging with the world, culture, history and tradition, I realize how rich having the language feels.  Communicating better is important for travel, for genealogical studies, for culture awareness, for understanding family and partners in life - and it has its own intrinsic value - it is positive and good.  

The Ukrainian Language Classes for Adults at St. Andrew's is a member of the International Heritage Languages Association.  Their interesting style of instruction, affordable classes, entertaining cultural arts experiences are all designed to improve language learning, reading and writing too.  Register alone, register with a friend,  register with your partner in life - enhance that deep feeling of togetherness with a Ukrainian language class this season! 

There will be approximately 24 classes from September 18, 2013 to March 19, 2014 on Wednesday evenings in Edmonton.  Check the site at www.st.andrews-uocc@telus.net.  or call 780-469-1463.

Rainy, Flood Weather Cancels Event

Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption
amk2013

Amid the emergencies declared today, the surging rivers, heavy flooding waters threatening lives and property in southern Alberta, the Opening Ceremonies of the New "Enemy Aliens" Exhibit in honor of Canada's First World War Internment Operations at the Banff Cave and Basin site were cancelled.

A flurry of phone messages, conflicting emails, and an hour later the Ukrainian community gathered together here, and it seems (although not confirmed) another equally unstoppable Ukrainian community gathered there, in Banff- hopefully in safety.  So on short notice, and with no assurance it was even happening, many Calgarians and guests weathered the rains to attend this commemorative event. 

Assumption Choir loft with Axios Choir
amk2013

At 2 PM this afternoon a Service honoring the memory of those taken by the Canadian government as "enemy aliens" during WW1 was served at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption. Metropolitan Lawrence of the Ukrainian Catholic Church welcomed the steadily growing congregation. Prayers were lifted by clergy of local Ukrainian Catholic Churches, Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Croation Roman Catholic Churches, the service responses sung by Axios Ukrainian Choir of Edmonton (led by Boris Derow, supplemented by the voices of the Edmonton Ukrainian Male Chorus). The gathered congregation heard comments from the President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Paul Grod, and the Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada, Vadym Prystaiko, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to Canada, Veselko Grubišić. And then Canadian Minister for Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism, The Honorable Jason Kenney spoke on behalf of Canada.

 

Ukrainian Canadian Congress President Paul Grod welcomed the assembled with a message about Canada's illplaced WW1 wartime xenophobia toward Eastern Europeans.  Canadians are applying the lessons in civil society to our nation, and the Cave and Basin will be a teaching tool for our collective future. Ambassador Prystaiko (left) indicated his respect for the lessons Ukraine can learn from Canada in aid of its developing civil society, that is, speaking truth to the world.  Ambassador  Grubišić (right) recognized how large Canada is, and how large democracies can grow and go forward by such events as today.  Canadian Minister of Immigration Kenney spoke about there being no legitimate national, military or security rationale in the development of the WW1 Internment Operations.  The truth of the matter, he indicated, was that the "Internment Operations" were motivated by a misguided, unjust xenophobic attitude toward Eastern Europeans.  The British Crown was, in fact, aware that Eastern Europeans were declaring their loyalty by their numbered participation in the war effort.  In Kenney's eyes, in historical perspective, it seems the "forced labour" of the Internees, may have added a terrible, shadowy dimension. Nonetheless, it is with honor we remember those affected by this sad time in Canadian history.  Their contributions to a greater Canada will always be remembered. 

A small reception including a short program of music from Axios Choir, and guests from Vinnytsia, Ukraine "Darmohray" continued in the parish hall.   After all these years, the Ukrainian Canadian Civil Liberties Association of Canada and the Government of Canada have come to a comfortable agreement with regards to this sad time in Canadian history.  Much to thank the Ukrainian Canadian Congress for as well!  May we continue to be proactive in honoring these truths through the educational programs in Canada's public schools and in our publicly funded Canadian Museums. 

To those who already arrived at the Banff site prior to the declared states of emergency, thanks for being there.  We, in Calgary, knew it was an event too important to cancel, and adapted to the situation.  Heartfelt concern for those evacuated or in peril due to the widespread infrastructure damage by natural causes in the Banff mountain pass areas and local states of emergency declared in Southern Alberta. 

 

Bye-Bye Babej!

amk2012

When you meet someone with whom you are "of one mind", "on the same page",  someone who "gets you", it is often such a heart filling experience.  When this person can be in your life, the life of your family, the life of your children, your organization or community, you feel enriched.  Sometimes these people come, sometimes they go, sometimes they just switch seats with others equally dedicated.  Sometimes it is hard to replace that special someone who contributed to your positivity - and you miss them.

Calgary's Plast Ukrainian Scouts community bids farewell to their Chaplain of 5 years this weekend, with a pot luck supper and evening program, and participation in the Divine Liturgy on Sunday.  I had the opportunity to visit briefly with Father Peter who will leave Calgary's St. Stephen's parish for St. Josephat's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Edmonton.  Happy times in the Plast community have made Calgary a home, if for a brief time.  The cowboy hat, the campfire songs that are a standard it seems in all Plast families, the gentle, embracing humor - it is all part of life in a scouting family - protecting children from the harshness of life while providing them with the embrace of community who believes, like you, that ancestral values, language and culture matter. 

plast calgary2013

Besides his role as Chaplain, Father Peter spent time with the children, of all ages, enjoying roles in campfire games and dramatic plays, simply being a presence - a leader by example. Turns out people enjoy him - and will miss his partcipation at Plast Calgary events. 

Wishing you well Father Peter in your new assignment! 
ps my catchy title comes from specially composed farewell lyrics sung at the program

plast calgary 2013

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!





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Points of Light at Festival 2013

Like points of light converging at an intersection, many converging energies gathered at the Ukrainian Festival in Calgary over the June 1-2 weekend creating a a momentary radiance over the Ukrainian community.  In the afterglow, the amazing coordination of volunteer efforts just has to be recognized and acknowledged!  The Calgary Ukrainian Festival is an unusual phenomenon  - Ukrainian culture continues to flourish here in its diasporan form here in Calgary! Great performances, delicious food, quality vendors, and a community vibe - loads of connections!

How is it that we are each called to this kind of communal event?  Well, I have a theory.  We live in popular culture.  We respond rapidly to assimilation, accepting the market model for our lives, even though we really just want to be ourselves - our true selves.  Struggling with identity, we still want to belong to a group - to have some sense of our uniqueness, our individualism, to feel special.  Some people press boundaries trying to be "unique" and "noticed".  Others are willing to sacrifice their ancestral values for security and economic opportunity.  But once you have the economics taken care of, what more can a person accomplish? 

The truth is, family matters, and home matters.  We crave the sights, smells, sounds, and embrace of family.  Family matters.  We can't ignore the fact that though we may be sophisticated city folk, we yearn for the elusive, comforting fragrance of all our past comfort givers.  We are burrowing animals whether we like it or not.

Because our historic lineage is "family", it draws us to that mythical, nostalgic, sentimental homeland called Ukraine.  We thirst to know her, to feel her, to be embraced by her - to recognize ourselves in her culture and values.  A curious thing happens when it happens. It's a blast from the past jolting energy forward through the ages.

When the disparate energies of individuals line up on a meridian like this Ukrainian Festival, it is like pressing on a trigger point.  The energy leaps like a lightening bolt.  Energized!   The stories of ancient times, the dances, the songs, the smells of old sheepskin coats, and the old blanket on the bed with its faint aroma of grandparents all wrapped in Festival excitement!  Rubbing against one another, the friction of ideas, the stimulation of good company, friends of common thought - it was fun!  Hopes and dreams leap forward, what will tomorrow bring?  Looking forward to next Festival already!!

Calgary's Ukrainian Community Volunteers are the Best!

It's great how those in our Ukrainian Community here in Calgary rally together and help each other with their various casinos.  So says the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Award Recipient Halya Wilson, (she's our person at the Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association of Calgary), and she would know!  Championing the Ukrainian idea has been her life's work it seems!  In her "spare time", she finds ways to include, embrace and welcome all sorts of admirers of the Ukrainian idea on the prairies. 

 

So if you are in Calgary on the May long weekend, your "spare time" would be greatly appreciated!  If you can help with the fundraiser efforts for Calgary's Echoes of Ukraine, Ukrainian TV on Shaw 89, on either Saturday or Sunday, please contact Christine Musienko at (403)830-1975.

 

Genuine, and heartfelt appreciation to all those who have volunteered.  And an equally heartfelt to those who wish to support in another way - you choose!  Have a great weekend, and enjoy all the amazing spin-offs that come of our Ukrainian Community! 

 

Hey, and while you are filling your "volunteer calendar", I suspect the Calgary Ukrainian Festival people would love to hear from you too!!http://www.calgaryukrainianfestival.ca/contact-us/volunteer-application-form/

Wouldn't you like a Ukrainian Festival TShirt??

 

 

 

Calgary's 2012 Holodomor Commemoration

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

PLAST 100th Anniversary

Kat Owad's photo of Daria Storoschuk and Michael Kyzmyn September 22,2012
 

After the lovely evening of celebrating PLAST's 100th anniversary, Stanichna Marusia Ilnysky and a pantheon of able leaders in the PLAST Calgary group must be feeling remarkably satisfied. What a great time!

The Saturday celebration began with a Divine Liturgy at St. Stephens's Ukrainian Church, followed by a PLAST gathering that honored the littlest scouts, down to the Founder of the International Scouts Movement Lord Baden-Powell, Ukrainian leaders Tysowsky, and honored the recently reposed Oleh Kandyba of Toronto too. It was a very moving event, that all the participants are sure to remember for a while. PLAST leaders from Toronto, and Edmonton's groups were able to participate, as were guests from Kyiv, and across Canada. Grandparents, aunties and uncles all enjoyed the event!

Picture perfect moments included the 100 hands who helped to light the ceremonial vatra in the hall, tableau vignettes of PLAST's history, and an operatic version of Cinderella in Ukrainian acted by PLAST Calgary's parents and instructors. Just so generous and fun!

The banguet meal was delicious, and the generous support from clergy at St. Stephen's made for a perfectly rounded out evening. Proud parents walked the tired little ones out of the facility in a haze of Ukrainian folk songs, folk tales, Ukrainian humor, and community unity. Diakuyou and congratulations to PLAST on their first 100 years of cultural/educational work with Ukrainian youth, here in the diaspora and in Ukraine.

 



Ukrainian Museum of Canada - Calgary Collection

Calgary's Herald has recently featured The Ukrainian Museum of Canada, on its Travel Pages.

(http://www.calgaryherald.com/travel/Travel+Ukrainian+Museum+Canada/7254258/story.html  )
The Museum was founded by the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada in 1936.  With a great collection that presents the Ukrainian Canadian experience, this Saskatoon Museum is but one of 5 in the collection of associated museums, museums with a similar mission.  With 4 Branches scattered in the provincial capitals of BC, Edmonton, Manitoba and Toronto, Calgary is very fortunate to host the Calgary Collection of the Ukrainian Museum of Canada.  It is a very special gem of a museum. 

The Calgary Collection of the Ukrainian Museum of Canada features exponents about the immigrant experience of Ukrainians to Canada.  Some of the items are directly connected with the Calgary scene!  With very interesting educational programs and exhibits, the Calgary Collection hosts school tours, and visting groups regularly.   Ukrainian Calgary can be very proud of the Ukrainian Museum of Canada - Calgary Collection. For more information:  http://uwac-calgary.ca/cultural-education-pages/
and http://www.stvlads.com/museum.html.