Canadian Author, and a Kobzar?

Each new Canadian arrives here with some experience of the ancestral, the cultural, language and traditions of another home - an older world. Leaving the older world gives way for exciting synergistic energies, the melding of old and new, the fusion of ideas that draw the world to our shores.

Perhaps it is too early in the evolutionary curve to see the unique trajectory Canada's culture is taking, however some subtle hints can be gleaned. Ideas like the rule of law, ethical standards, younger economies, respect for nature and care for her health all have some resonance.  Some of these values are cumulatively different from the lives in ancestral homelands, but the older lands are also deep wells of accumulated wisdom.

Thank heavens for the Ukrainian experience of of Taras Shevchenko - Ukraine's Great Kobzar (bard). Twice recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural leader - his work continues to be a beacon of truth and hope. Reading Taras Shevchenko's poetry, whether in English or in the original Ukrainian is such a grounding experience. The words written over a hundred fifty years ago still ring true. Learn, he says, all the languages of the world, and get to understand people around you! Learn from their wisdom! Look forward and plan using these things you have learned, but always remember whence you came - and whisper a thank you, acknowledge those whose steps led you here.

Because of this terrific perspective, the Ukrainian community has for 8 years running, honoured Canadian writers who have used the Ukrainian Canadian experience in their literary work, with a Kobzar Literary Award. Who are are these Canadian bards - kobzari?

Larissa Andrysyshyn wrote Mammoth (2010)- a debut collection of poems celebrating life and loss, tragedy and beauty. 

Rhea Tragebov wrote about the sometimes difficult immigrant/emigration process in Knife Sharpener's Bell: A Novel (2009).

Shandi Mitchell's Under the Broken Sky is an engaging read about Canadian pioneers, farm life, survival and loss.

Myrna Kostash's strong voice in depicting the Ukrainian Canadian experience is again taking us on an epic journey through the Prodigal Daughter: A Journey to Byzantium.

Myroslav Shkrandrij's Jews in Ukrainian Literature is a refreshingly warmer assessment of this interesting relationship.

So here is a recommendation for the reader on your Christmas list. Try these nominees, or opt for the winner of the 2012 Kobzar Literary Award - Shandi Mitchell's Under the Broken Sky. At least you know what is on my list for the holidays!

An Energy Story

Calgary people who work in the energy industry like to keep tabs on energy stories elsewhere.  With oil companies of every sort in the city, Calgarians are connected in some small way to some of the world's biggest energy producers, including Shell and Chevron - Europe's biggest.  So it is interesting that Ukraine has been seeking alternatives to its dependence on Russian gas imports.   Recently Shell won a tender to start commercial production (shale gas extraction) at the Yuzivka field in eastern Ukraine. 

You may wonder where this opportunity is located.  Way back in 1869, a Welsh businessman called John Hughes established a steel mill and several coal mines in the area at the heart of the Donetsk Basin, south east of Kyiv, on the Kalmius River.  They called it Yuzivka in his honor, but the industrial opportunity caused a "wild-west" experience that grew into a city of 50 thousand.  In the early twenties the Soviets renamed the place Stalino, and modern water supply and sewage systems improved life there.  The energy hungry World War II years increased employment and population there.  During Krushchev's time the place was renamed Donetsk in honor of the Donetsk Siverskiy river.  Since then, this regional heart of Donbas has diversified into engineering and food production. Today the population is just over a million, similar in size to Calgary.  Donetsk city is blessed with a skilled workforce, economic, industrial and scientific assets, and initiative driven companies. It has recently received recognition from UNESCO as one of the most clean industrial cities, high praise in a time of eco-sensitivity. Today it has the most fabulous and modern sport stadium.

So the investment opportunity lies there, in the Donetsk basin, waiting on a variety of test results.  The potential is there for Ukraine to look optimistically at its energy future. Possible doubling or even tripling of its natural-gas production over a ten year cycle implementing shale gas extraction technologies is good news for Ukraine and its democracy. Freeing Ukraine from import obligations, it could make a huge difference to Ukraine's energy story and turn Ukraine into an influential player on the European gas market. It may also encourage closer identification with nation, culture and language - of Ukraine.

Perhaps long time Alberta residents see some common themes from Alberta's energy story here. 

 

 

 

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