Oleksandr (Sasha) Kondrashov

Kamloops Ukrainian community started preparing for the February 24 anniversary by inviting residents to a cranes, nightingales, and storks origami workshop as part of the discussion series with Dr. Oleksandr (Sasha) Kondrashov. Everyone can watch recordings from the weekly series held in February at the Kamloops United Church (KUC) https://kamloopsunited.ca/2023/03/feb-9th-ukrainian-discussion-series/  and learn more about Ukrainian Canadian history. On February 23 community members, in addition to making origami, had an opportunity to learn about the importance of birds for the people of Ukraine: https://krasun.ca/i-love-ukraine-history/ (click the title of the workshop to access PowerPoint slides). Thank you to Shakshi Paul and KUC congregation for your support in organizing the series.

Participants at the workshop learnt that Ukrainian folklore considers cranes a symbol of good fortune and longevity. Nightingales are renowned for their beautiful songs and are considered a cultural treasure in Ukraine. They are often associated with love and romance, and their songs have inspired Ukrainian poets and musicians for centuries. Storks are another important bird in Ukrainian culture, and are often associated with fertility, family, and good luck.

Members of the Kamloops community aimed to make 365 birds and bring them on February 24 near City Hall and make a wish for Ukraine’s victory in the war.

Kamloops media ensured everyone in the city could join the People of Kamloops who stand with Ukraine. We are grateful for all the support and hope more people will keep sharing their stories and stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Special thank you to Shelly Joyce from CBC Kamloops for the radio interview that was aired on February 24 in the morning, Michael Potestio from Kamloops this Week for a Zoom interview and article: Rallies, vigils planned for the anniversary of Russian invasion of Ukraine https://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/local-news/rallies-vigils-planned-for-anniversary-of-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-6594484  Cheyanna Lorraine for responding to messenger post and sharing news online: Kamloops group planning vigils at TRU, city hall for Ukraine: https://www.kamloopsbcnow.com/watercooler/news/news/Kamloops/Kamloops_group_planning_vigils_at_TRU_city_hall_for_Ukraine Victor Kaisar from Radio NL for an in-depth interview and article: Kamloopsians to mark anniversary of Russian invasion of Ukraine this Friday https://www.radionl.com/2023/02/23/99442 and Levi Landry for interview and story Kamloops Ukrainian community to mark anniversary of Russian invasion https://infotel.ca/newsitem/kamloops-ukrainian-community-to-mark-anniversary-of-russian-invasion/it96956 On the day of the event CFJC Sydney Chisholm covered morning peaceful gathering at TRU https://cfjctoday.com/2023/02/24/kamloops-shows-its-community-support-for-ukraine-one-year-after-invasion/ and Josh Dawson from Castanet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHQZqBOsCww provided detailed coverage of the gathering near city hall.

We want to thank everyone who attended both rallies. Yulia Krupska spoke at both gatherings and currently organize a fundraiser to support the people of Ukraine. If you want to contribute, please follow the link https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0CJ9qsnohBRMbJaXfuUcPX9adhNszm7fT59hwko6ZhLSGFKpsmyRd5RZ3S5E36Vekl&id=100003465181305

We are grateful to Vernie Clement, Associate Director, Office of Indigenous Education, for an honour song and for starting our gathering in a good way at TRU and Gabriel Archie and members of the C7élksten̓s re Secwépemc ne Ck̓úl̓tens  &  ne Xqwelténs Language & Culture Departmen for opening prayer and sharing songs and drumming at the City Hall. We also acknowledge Metis Elder Gwen Campbell McArthur for facilitating the connection and sharing information with Secwépemc community

We are also grateful for the continued support of Frank Caputo,  MP for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo and for speaking at both events. Thank you to Clare Cyr Constituency Assistant for consistent communication and support in coordinating events.

Thank you to Manu Sharma, Assistant Professor and TRUFA human rights committee co-chair, for planning the TRU event and sharing essential facts on the current state of human rights in Ukraine as a result of russian invasion.

Thank you to Wilson Bell, Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy, History, and Politics, Thompson Rivers University, for a powerful speech at the TRU gathering and for recognizing russian aggression as genocide towards the people of Ukraine.

Thank you to Melanie Reed, Assistant Teaching Professor, from The Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics, for sharing the powerful message and continuously standing with Ukraine at the City Hall.

Thank you to Yasmin Dean, Dean at the Faculty of Education and Social Work, for sending the words of solidarity and standing with Ukraine

Thank you to TRUFA members for planning the event at TRU and to all the speakers and attendees who showed solidarity with the People of Ukraine during morning and afternoon events. Your presence meant a lot to all people who stand with Ukraine in Kamloops and globally.

Thank you to Kamloops elected representatives for attending an event at the City Hall, councillors Nancy Bepple and Katie Nuestaeter and school trustee Cole Hickson for important messages and for standing with Ukraine. We are grateful to RAFT, United for Ukraine BC, Kamloops Immigrant Services, and all local community and business groups who stand with Ukraine.

Thank you to Rev. Jane D. Gingrich for co-leading the vigil with all Lutheran churches across BC on Zoom for People of Ukraine. Father Andrzej Wasylinko, the pastor at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church, for prayer for the people of Ukraine at the City Hall.

Thank you to Michele Miller Marchio and family for standing with Ukraine and for organizing the art display of Victoria Naumova series “Invincible” https://naviali.com/invincible/  

Thank you to Juliana West, Associate Professor, School of Social Work and Human Services, for weekly standing with Ukraine and for making a sign and a reminder about the 365 days of terror people in Ukraine keep living because of russian genocidal war.

Thank you to Michele Huston and members of Simya for creating the Ukrainian-Canadian family in Kamloops and for your continued support in promoting Ukrainian culture through Dance.

We are thankful to the People of Ukraine, global stand with Ukraine community and everyone who are no longer with us who died while defending their land. Eternal memories Vichnaya Pamyat’ to heroes.

Ukraine will win, and Kamloops will stand with Ukraine.

Glory to Ukraine.