Welcome to our corner of Ukrainian Connection.
I was inspired to write this column by Tom Skinner鈥檚 Celtic Connection. Thanks Tom!
The Okanagan has been home to Ukrainians post First World War and internment.
In fact, during the First World War internment of Ukrainians and others, Vernon had one of the largest internment camps in Canada and the longest running camp.
Ukrainians were used as forced labour to build British Columbia鈥檚 infrastructure which included Highway 6 from Cherryville to Edgewood and Highway 97A along Mara Lake, among other road building projects.
Ukrainian Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox Churches were also established in the Thompson Okanagan region at this same time and still exist today in Kamloops, Grindrod, Vernon, and 琉璃神社.
The Thompson Okanagan region currently has over 20,000 Canadians who identify as having Ukrainian heritage.
The Sadok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble of Vernon (under the artistic direction of Andrea Malysh) has been performing in the Okanagan Valley and beyond for over 25 years.
They host the annual Okanagan Ukrainian Festival every May in Vernon.
Sadok has performed with the North Okanagan Pipes and Drums on a number of occasions. Both the Celts and Ukrainians share the same Patron Saint, St. Andrew.
Sadok welcomes new dancers for their fall dance season starting in September.
Sadok is also available for performances throughout the Thompson Okanagan Valley region for weddings, corporate events, and family reunions, among others. Contact sadok@shaw.ca or visit www.sadok.net.
Since Russia鈥檚 full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022, Sadok has raised over $35,000 for the Canada-Ukraine Foundation Humanitarian Aid Fund for Ukraine.
As the war rages on in Ukraine, Sadok wishes to thank those who donated towards the much-needed humanitarian aid. Donations are always welcomed.
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress Thompson Okanagan Branch (UCC TO) was formed in order to facilitate the needs of newcomers from Ukraine through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program, a temporary special measure introduced by Canada in March 2022 to provide expedited travel and stay options for Ukrainians and their family members fleeing the war in Ukraine.
UCC TO branch is pleased to announce that they are the recipients of a Wellness Program grant from the Canada-Ukraine Foundation. Federal funding was provided to assist newcomers arriving to Canada under the CUAET program.
The Thompson Okanagan Region has welcomed thousands of newcomers who have settled and are working in our communities.
This Wellness Program is to support mainly women and children who may require trauma counselling. It includes financial assistance for transportation costs to/from appointments, and childcare financial support during counselling sessions.
UCC TO supports a number of other initiatives including the Ukrainian library shelf at the Okanagan Regional Library; Ukrainian Language School for children and will be starting Conversation Circles in the region to assist adults with English language communication skills. For more information email ucctobranch@gmail.com.
UCC is the voice of Canada鈥檚 Ukrainian community. The Congress brings together under one umbrella all the national, provincial and local Ukrainian Canadian organizations. Together with its member organizations, the UCC has been leading, coordinating and representing the interests of one of Canada鈥檚 largest ethnic communities (1.4 million) since 1940 and has been instrumental in shaping Canada鈥檚 social, economic and political landscape. Visit ucc.ca for more information.
Andrea Malysh is the artistic director of the Sadok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and the President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Thompson Okanagan Branch
