Prince Albert Celebrates Ukrainian Heritage Day with Unity and Culture

Prince Albert marked its inaugural Ukrainian Day on September 30, 2023, at Little Red River Park, bringing together long-standing residents and newcomers to celebrate the city’s Ukrainian heritage. The event showcased cultural traditions and aimed to strengthen community ties, highlighting the contributions of Ukrainian immigrants in the area.

Ukrainian newcomers played a pivotal role in organizing the celebration, working alongside local representatives from the Ukrainian-Canadian community. Among them were Olena Shpylchak and Iryna Dehtiar, who emphasized the importance of sharing Ukrainian culture with the broader community. Dehtiar noted that more than 100 families have settled in Prince Albert since the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“This event is a way to thank the residents of Prince Albert and to share our culture,” Dehtiar remarked. “We want to be involved in community life and unite Canadians with those of Ukrainian descent.” The event combined Ukrainian Heritage Day with the celebration of Ukrainian Independence Day to encourage participation from various cultural backgrounds.

The day commenced with welcoming remarks from Alana Ross, MLA for Prince Albert Northcote, and Bill Powalinsky, Mayor of Prince Albert. A prayer led by Father Harry Salahub set a respectful tone for the festivities.

Celebrating Culture Through Performance and Community Engagement

The afternoon featured a vibrant lineup of performances, including the Yevshan Ukrainian Folk Ballet Ensemble, the Veselka Choir, and the Barveenok Ukrainian Dancers. The Dean Bernier Band closed the evening with lively music, creating an inviting atmosphere for attendees of all ages.

Participants engaged in a variety of activities at the cultural tent, operated in collaboration with the Ukrainian Museum of Canada. Workshops on traditional embroidery, family games, and a Ukrainian fashion show were among the highlights. Shpylchak expressed her gratitude for the community’s support, stating, “It’s not just about Ukrainian Independence Day; it’s about being part of the Prince Albert community.”

Both Shpylchak and Dehtiar acknowledged the tireless efforts of local organizations and community members, including Charlene Tebbutt from Veselka and Kayleigh Skomorowski, president of Barveenok. “Without their help, we wouldn’t have been able to prepare such a significant event,” Dehtiar added.

The organizers hope that events like Ukrainian Day will foster a sense of belonging for newcomers while celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures that make up Prince Albert. “We wish Canada prosperity and all the best,” Dehtiar concluded, reflecting the collective spirit of gratitude and unity experienced throughout the day.

As the inaugural Ukrainian Day wraps up, there is optimism for future events that will continue to promote cultural exchange and inclusivity within the community.