Ukrainian culture celebrated this weekend in Edmonton

For over 130 years, Alberta has had a significant Ukrainian diaspora. To strengthen the bonds of this community and support Ukrainian newcomers, the Ukrainian-Canadian Congress of the Alberta Provincial Council (UCC-APC) is organizing an event in Edmonton on Saturday and Sunday.

Orysia Boychuk, president of UCC-APCbelieves that Albertans have always welcomed Ukrainians, and that we must continue to do so, especially since the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The roots [en Alberta] are really solid and deep. We are a strong community because we have been here for over 130 years. So there is an affinity to support Ukrainians and ensure their well-being.

For her, the priority is to stabilize the situation of Ukrainian newcomers, by offering them services such as English classes, support groups and job search assistance.

“Preserving our heritage”

Alyssa Stoddard is of Ukrainian origin. Over the years, his family has always been involved in community groups and other groups that aim to preserve Ukrainian culture.

We all work together to celebrate, honor and preserve our vibrant Ukrainian heritage.

According to her, the war between Russia and Ukraine did not start in 2022, but has been going on for decades. We must continue to fight and defend our cause, because our community depends on the preservation of this culture and heritageshe emphasizes.

Dmytro Gospodinov moved to Alberta shortly after the war began. He was particularly touched by the generosity of Albertans.

Being here in Canada is amazing because there are people who support you, people who give you everything you need and it’s just amazing.

Being away from home, he wanted to help newcomers and those with family in Ukraine by joining UCAN, a Ukrainian radio station in Canada, which broadcasts from Calgary.

We are trying to make ourselves heard, above all, to save the culture, language and all heritage of Ukrainehe says.

Alberta has welcomed more than 65,000 Ukrainian immigrants since the war began two and a half years ago. According to a 2021 federal government census, there were 343,640 Albertans of Ukrainian origin.