Ukrainian Canadian

This year’s Toronto Ukrainian Independence festival has come to end. Despite the rain another large crowd gathered for the festivities of ‘Taste of Ukraine’ as well as the evening zabava with Ukrainian Canadian rock band Klooch.

I have found some event pictures from the Toronto Sun, as well as a gallery from Facebook, (update: here’s another), and yet another gallery. Also there are some videos of the event:

Update: Toronto mayoral candidate Rocco Rossi also attended the event. 

Flag raising ceremony

Also tomorrow (August 24th) there will be a flag raising ceremony in Toronto at Queen’s Park at noon.

Update: Here are some pictures from the Independence Day ceremony in Ottawa, Ontario

This is my first mobile post since i have no internet while im outta town this week so I have to make this short: here’s the flyer

From the Ukrainian Canadian Congress:

"It is with tremendous sorrow that I learned of the passing of Mr. John Yaremko," stated UCC President Paul Grod.  "From a Ukrainian immigrant family, John Yaremko taught us that through hard work, dedication and perseverance that it is possible to reach and excel at the highest levels in public life in Canada.  He has been a mentor and a friend to many leaders of our community.  He will be dearly missed."

Mr. Yaremko was the longest serving member of the Ontario legislature, having served from 1951 to 1975, having served in the Cabinets of Premiers Leslie Frost, John Robarts, and Bill Davis. As a cabinet Minister and later as a private citizen, Mr. Yaremko was a leader in multiculturalism and philanthropy.  He was the first recipient in 2009 of the Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism and was honoured with the establishment of the John Yaremko Chair in Ukrainian Studies at the University of Toronto.

A very detailed account of his accomplished life is available from his obituary:

Peacefully in his sleep, three days short of his 92nd birthday at the Ukrainian Canadian Care Centre, Toronto.

…

He put himself through school while working on farms and the Steel Company of Canada during summer months and nights while attending the University of Toronto and Osgoode Hall Law School. Was awarded scholarships for excellence while at university and became a Gold Medalist at Osgoode Hall. Began political career in 1951 when elected to Ontario’s Provincial Parliament as first Canadian of Ukrainian ancestry to be elected in Eastern Canada. Served in Parliament for twenty-five years – longer than anyone in the history of Ontario. In 1958, was appointed youngest Cabinet Minister and served in seven Ministries in the administrations of Premiers Leslie Frost, John Robarts and Bill Davis. Upon his retirement in 1975, the Toronto Star newspaper wrote of John Yaremko: ‘His career exhibited a distinct concern for social justice, as Minister responsible for legislation which improved the lot of persons with physical or developmental disabilities, the aged, the poor, and ethnic and cultural minorities.’

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Вічна Йому пам’ять 1919-2010

From the Mark News:

Between 1914 and 1920, thousands of Canadians of Ukrainian and Eastern European descent were imprisoned in internment camps across Canada, simply on the basis of their origins. For decades, their stories were buried under fear and shame. The Canadian government has finally recognized the internment operations, and yet it remains an unknown chapter in our nation’s history.

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This weekend July 30, July 31 & August 1 is the 45th annual Canadian National Ukrainian Festival (CNUF) in Dauphin, Manitoba.

Immerse yourself in the rich culture of many proud Ukrainian Canadians at Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival, a lively celebration of dance, music, food and family. Home of the only 11,000-seat, hillside amphitheatre in Canada, CNUF features many high-energy main stage shows, as well as an exciting lineup of entertainment on two additional open air stages.

Dance the weekend away at the nightly zabavas or parties, thrown in honour of CNUF’s guests. Experience traditional Ukrainian hospitality and be part of a Ukrainian wedding celebration. Sample delicious, authentic Ukrainian cuisine or watch amateur talent competitions.

You will literally see and feel the past come alive by touring the heritage village with its clay bake ovens and costumed interpreters.

Children and their parents will enjoy the children’s festival featuring special performers, crafts, games and workshops geared to different age groups.

[ Dauphin.ca]

How to Get Here

North of Brandon and Clear Lake MB…

Head straight north on Hwy 10.At the last hill on the scenic Riding Mountain you will be presented with a beautiful panoramic view of the intermountain heartland. Selo Ukraina is just off to the left at the base of that last hill.

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