September 7 of every year we celebrate Ukrainian-Canadian Heritage Day. We celebrate the resiliency, strength, and beauty of the Ukrainian Culture and Heritage. We recognize the contribution Ukrainians have had to developing and strengthening Canada and Alberta. From politics and academia, to healthcare and the judicial system, Ukrainian -Canadians have been contributing to our society for over 130 years. Now, more than ever, it is important that we Stand with Ukraine, as this Ukrainian-Canadian Heritage Day has a somber shade to it.
On September 6, 2024, UCC Calgary joined the Government of Alberta in a Flag Raising Ceremony at McDougall Centre in Downtown Calgary. We were honoured to have the Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism, the Honourable Muhammad Yaseen, to provide greetings. UCC Calgary Chair, Arkadij Chumak, provided greetings from UCC Calgary, and UCC Calgary President, Danylo Moussienko, was the Master of Ceremonies. We would like to thank all those who attended yesterday's event. We also would like to thank the Government of Alberta for their steadfast support of our community, for supporting Ukrainian evacuees forced to leave their homes due to the genocidal war by the russian federation, and for allowing us to celebrate our heritage and culture. 🇺🇦 🇺🇦 Ukrainian Day in the Park was a resounding success, held on August 24, 2024, at the beautiful Ukrainian Pioneers Park. The festival celebrated Ukrainian culture and community, bringing together over 3,500 attendees for a day filled with vibrant performances, delicious food, and festive activities.
🎶 The heart of the festival was our MainStage, where attendees enjoyed four hours of captivating performances, showcasing the rich musical heritage of Ukraine. We were particularly honored to host the renowned Ukrainian band TNMK, whose electrifying performance drew a large crowd and received enthusiastic applause. 🏛️🍲 The festival featured a diverse array of food vendors offering traditional Ukrainian cuisine, from perogies to borscht, satisfying every palate. In addition, over 15 merchandise vendors showcased unique crafts, clothing, and souvenirs, allowing attendees to take a piece of Ukrainian culture home with them. The Community Pavilion served as a gathering space for families and friends, fostering connections and conversations. Meanwhile, the Children’s Pavilion 👧🧒 was a hub of excitement with games, crafts, and activities designed to entertain and engage our younger visitors. The specially designed photo zone provided a picturesque backdrop for families and friends to capture memories from the day, adding to the festival’s joyful atmosphere. The popular beer gardens were a favorite among attendees, serving Ukrainian beer, and a place to relax and enjoy the festivities with friends. For those who attended, you likely found out that we sold out of Lvivske in the first 2 hours! We collected every last bottle of Lvivske in Calgary. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed to making this event a memorable celebration of Ukrainian culture. A special thank you goes out to our dedicated volunteers, whose hard work and enthusiasm made the festival possible.We would also like to recognize the tireless efforts of our organizing committee:
Thank you to everyone who made this day so memorable. We look forward to seeing you again next year! 🇺🇦🎉 7 квітня 2024 року КУК Калгарі провів мітинг «Захистимо українське небо», яка розпочалася біля пам’ятника жертвам Голодомору в Калгарі. Дякуємо всім, хто вийшов на мітинг в підтримку нашої Батьківщини. Ми змогли привернути увагу ЗМІ і знову говорити про необхідність продовжувати підтримувати Україну, надати їй більше систем ППО, а також посилити контроль над деталями, які раша може використати для виготовлення ракет та дронів.
Наша єдність та небайдужість в цьому є важливим проявом та важилем впливу. Продовжуємо разом до Перемоги! On April 7, 2024, UCC Calgary held a rally for 'Defend Ukrainian Sky' starting at the Calgary Holodomor Monument, and marching to Olympic Plaza. Thank you to everyone who came out to the rally in support of our beautiful Ukraine. Several media outlets reported on the Rally, and we were able to talk again about the importance and need to continue military support to Ukraine, and more specifically to strengthening the air defence systems. Our unity and concern for this is an important manifestation and a weight of influence. Let's continue together to Victory! Media Coverage: CTV Calgary Calgary Herald CityTV Calgary What an incredible afternoon it was on March 10, 2024, as our community gathered at Assumption Ukrainian Church in Calgary for a afternoon filled with music, culture, and solidarity. Organized in collaboration by the UCC Calgary and the Calgary Bandurysty (CYM Calgary), the Taras Shevchenko Concert paid homage to the legendary poet and served as a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.Taras Shevchenko, often hailed as the national bard of Ukraine, was not only a poet but also a painter and political figure who championed the rights of the Ukrainian people. His works, deeply rooted in themes of freedom, identity, and resilience, continue to resonate across generations. In today's world, amidst russia's genocidal war against Ukraine, Shevchenko's words serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian people and the ongoing struggle for justice and peace.
🎶 The Concert Highlights: The hall reverberated with the melodies of over 300 attendees who came together in solidarity and support. Performers from various groups enchanted the audience with their talent and passion, including several soloists, Korinnya Ukrainian Folk Ensemble, Pereveslo Choir, and the captivating performances by Calgary Bandurysty. CYM Calgary added an extra layer of excitement with a special theatrical performance, while the surprise guest appearance by Gerdan Choir from Ukraine left everyone spellbound. 🙏 Special Thanks: A heartfelt thank you to Assumption Ukrainian Church for graciously hosting the event, and to Echoes of Ukraine TV for capturing the magic on film. Thank you to Misha Choknadiy, and Danylo and Mikhail Moussienko for their audio-visual expertise, and Taras and Roksalana Vojtkiv for their exceptional MCing. UCC Calgary would also like to thank Ruslana and Olga Glamazda for their leadership in organizing this memorable event. Last but not least, a sincere thank you to all who attended, contributed, and volunteered their time to set up and clean up. Your presence and generosity have made a meaningful impact, as the funds raised will go towards supporting numerous causes that stand in solidarity with Ukraine during these challenging times. Together, through music, art, and community, we reaffirm our commitment to standing with Ukraine and honoring the legacy of Taras Shevchenko. Let's continue to spread love, hope, and resilience, for a brighter tomorrow. Two years of full-scale war. Ten years of heart ache. One unbreakable nation. Thank you to all who attended yesterday’s event at Municipal Plaza in Calgary: Stand With Ukraine Until Victory - Second Anniversary of the Full-Scale Invasion - your presence was overwhelming! We were honoured to stand in unity with MP George Chahal, MP Pat Kelly, MP Ron Liepert, MLA Ric McIver, Councillor Terry Wong, and CBE Trustees Nancy Close and Susan Vukadinovic, as well as honoured guests George and Nichole Porter and representatives of the Crimean Tatar community Elmira Kataki and her daughter Elviie, our own UCC correspondent Anhelina Taran, and keynote speaker Bohdan Romaniuk. Special thank you to vocalists Anna-Mariya Zagirska and Ульяна Баглай, pianist Oksana Yaremchuk, as well as Korinnya Ukrainian Folk Ensemble Calgary led by Iryna Melnyk-Kalinovich for sharing your musical gifts with us for the event. Thank you to Ukrainian Canadian Congress - UCC Calgary Branch’s organizing team and every additional helping hand at the event. We were particularly grateful for last-minute support from Vicki and Andy Soltesz and Sean Spicer at ColossoVision LED Screens. Want to help? Join us! Sign up for the UCC-Calgary Newsletter here for events and ways to get involved: https://www.calgaryucc.ca/contact-us.html Photos from Zak Sierra with Scotch & Arak Photography, and Tania Zaiats. For more photographs, visit: https://www.scotch-arak.ca/.../second-anniversary-of-the-war On the solemn occasion of the International Holodomor Commemoration Day, November 25, 2023, the Ukrainian community of Calgary congregated at St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor to pay homage to the victims of the Holodomor, a Genocide-Famine orchestrated by Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union against the Ukrainian people. The event, marked by a sense of remembrance and reflection, brought together individuals of all ages to remember and commemorate these atrocities.
We were honoured to present an award from the Holodomor Research and Education Consortium to retired Calgary Board of Education teach, Mrs Pamela Clark, for her thoughtful and creative lesson plan about the Holodomor. Mayor Gondek and UCC Calgary President, Danylo Moussienko, awarded Mrs Clark with the HREC Educator Award for Holodomor Lesson Plan Development. We would like to once again congratulate Mrs Clark on her award! You can read more here, regarding the award and the award recipient. We would like to thank the following individuals who spoke during the Commemoration: - Member of Parliament, Mr Pat Kelly - Member of Legislative Assemble, Hon. Mr Ric McIver - Member of Legislative Assemble, Ms Janet Eremenko - Mayor of Calgary. Jyotti Gondek - Mrs Pamela Clark, recipient of the 2023 HREC Educator Award Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who participated in this gathering. Our sincere appreciation goes to St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor for graciously hosting this event, clergy from each Ukrainian parish in Calgary for leading the Prayer service, and CYM Calgary for providing decoration and informative placards, and League of Ukrainian Canadian Women for preparing the Hungry Lunch and an informational table about the Holodomor. We trust that this event has been both meaningful and valuable to each attendee. We remind everyone that 90 years since the Holodomor, russia is once again weaponizing food against Ukraine in effort to exterminate the Ukrainian language, culture, and people. Please continue to support Ukraine. On the solemn occasion of National Internment Commemoration Day, October 28, 2023, the Ukrainian community of Calgary congregated at St. Stephen Protomartyr Ukrainian Catholic Church to pay homage to the victims of the WWI Internment Operations in Canada. The event, marked by a sense of remembrance and reflection, brought together individuals of all ages to remember and commemorate the atrocities experienced by Ukrainians during a challenging and dark period in Canada's past. A notable aspect of this year's event was the resounding attendance of youth. It was heartening to witness the commitment to remembering and honoring the victims of the WWI Internment Operations. The presence of the younger generation underscored the community's dedication to preserving its history and ensuring that the stories of the past are not forgotten. We would like to thank the following individuals who spoke during the Commemoration: - Member of Parliament, Mr Tom Kmiec, - Former Minister of Health, and Justice, Mr Tyler Shandro, - UCC Calgary President, Dr. Danylo Moussienko. We would also like to thank Ms Anna-Maria Zagirska, Ms Olya Glamazda, and Ms Ruslana Glamazda for coordinating and organizing this year's commemoration, with guidance from Mr. Borys Sydoruk, UCC National Internment Centenary Committee Chair. Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who participated in this gathering, dedicating their time to delve into the history of the internment of Ukrainians in Canada. Our sincere appreciation goes to St. Stephen Protomartyr Catholic Church for graciously hosting this event, Father Planchak and Father Hnativ for leading the Prayer service, and Dr. Linda Dudar for her coordination of the choir. Most significantly, we express deep gratitude to the youth and members of the Calgary community who graced this occasion, including the members of the CYM Calgary and Plast Calgary. We trust that this event has been both meaningful and valuable to each attendee. Ukrainian Day in the Park 2023 - A Resounding Success!
On August 26, 2023, Calgary's vibrant Ukrainian Community came together to continue the Independence Day celebrations with a spectacular 'Ukrainian Day in the Park.' Held under the clear skies of Ukrainian Pioneer's Park, this event was a celebration of culture, community, and unity. 🎉 Highlights of the Day:
🏞️ City of Calgary: A big shoutout to the City of Calgary for providing the beautiful greenspace and ensuring our safety by closing adjacent roadways. 🌟 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:
Thank you to everyone who made this day so memorable. We look forward to seeing you again next year! 🇺🇦🎉 З Днем Незалежності, Україно! We were honoured to see so many attendees at the Flag-Raising Ceremony held today at Municipal Plaza in honour of Ukraine's Independence Day! Thank you to everyone who attended including dignitaries such as our honoured speaker Mayor Jyoti Gondek and Councillor Terry Wong - Ward 7 City Councillor for your ongoing solidarity!
Speakers for the event included UCC-Ukrainian Canadian Congress - UCC Calgary Branch President Dr. Danylo Moussienko and Iryna Moroz, who also spearheaded the "Rushnyk Peremohy" initiative. A "Cloth of Victory," hand-sewn in Ukraine and by members of Calgary's Ukrainian community and blessed by Fr. Roman Planchak, was presented to Mayor Gondek and the City of Calgary as a symbol of the Ukrainian community's gratitude for their ongoing and unwavering solidarity! Guest performances featured anthem singer Lyudmyla Rukavitsyna-Heath and a performance by Pereveslo Choir led by Kateryna Saxon and accompanied by pianist Ivan Kharlamov. Thank you to the talented Anastasiia Haiduchenko for serving as emcee as well as to UCC-Calgary's new Official Correspondent Anhelina Taran for sharing community updates. Please visit her YouTube channel for more information and weekly UCC community updates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8G0Y04vzKHc Sincere thanks to Halya Wilson for organizing the event as well as to Alexander Iwasyk for audio support, Oleksandr Zagirskyy and Echoes of Ukraine YYC for photo/video coverage, and Olya Glamazda and Ruslana Glamazda and all additional helping hands! КУК Калґарi дякує всім за участь у марші до Дня вишиванки 18 травня 2023 року. Це був справді особливий день для нас, щоб відзначити нашу прекрасну українську культуру, вшанувати нашу історію та предків, а також визнати звірства, які відбуваються в Україні сьогодні, і ті, яких зазнали кримські татари 79 років тому. Були присутні близько 500 осіб Ми також дуже раді успішному груповому фото Живого Тризуба. Дякую нашому пілоту дрону Данилу Роману. Ми також дякуємо членам UCC Калгарі, які організували та провели захід. Слава Україні! --- UCC Calgary would like to thank everyone for participating in the May 18, 2023 Vyshyvanka Day march. It was a truly special day for us to celebrate our beautiful Ukrainian culture, to honor our history and forebears, and to recognize the atrocities taking place in Ukraine today and those endured by the Crimean Tatars 79 years ago. We are also very excited about the successful group photo of the Living Trident. Close to 500 people attended! Thanks to our drone pilot Danylo Roman, and for getting the necessary permits to fly a drone in downtown Calgary. We also thank the members of UCC Calgary who organized and hosted the event. Watch the video highlight here |
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