Day 1,305 since February 24th, 2022 (1,308 день повномасштабної війни)
Day 4,229 since February 20th, 2014, Temporary Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation
Thank you to all who #StandWithUkraine
Greetings from Kamloops!
As we approach the autumn season, I want to thank everyone for their continued support and commitment to standing with Ukraine during these challenging times. Today marks another milestone in our community’s dedication to preserving Ukrainian culture and supporting those affected by the ongoing crisis.
In this update, we celebrate cultural achievements, educational opportunities, and community initiatives that strengthen our bonds and support important causes. From the magnificent 50th anniversary performance by Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Society to urgent deadlines for the Ukrainian Values conference, each event represents our community’s resilience and commitment to Ukrainian heritage.
Please take a moment to read through the updates below. Your participation in these events helps preserve Ukrainian culture and provides vital support to those who need it most.
Thank you for your continued solidarity. Together, we make a difference.
Tryzub Dzvinka Kamloops Performance September 21st
Today, September 21st, the Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Society will present their spectacular 50th Anniversary Show – Dzvinka at the Sagebrush Theatre in Kamloops at 2:00 pm. This milestone performance represents half a century of preserving and celebrating Ukrainian dance and culture.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Tryzub for their generous support in offering free tickets to CUAET (Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel) holders. This thoughtful gesture encourages Ukrainian newcomers to connect with their cultural heritage and learn about Ukrainian-Canadian dance traditions during this significant anniversary celebration.
About Dzvinka – 50th Anniversary Production
In the heart of Ukrainian culture, where tradition dances hand in hand with passion, Tryzub celebrates a legacy spanning half a century. The Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Ensemble is the gold standard of Ukrainian dance in Southern Alberta, proudly calling Calgary home while entertaining audiences around Canada and the world.
The society has a heartfelt commitment to making a positive impact on those affected by the ongoing russian aggression in Ukraine, with net proceeds dedicated to supporting Ukrainian families who are now part of our communities.
Cultural Impact and Community Support
As a result of the war in Ukraine, two non-profit organizations in Alberta and B.C. were drawn together with the common goal of supporting Ukrainian newcomer families. Tryzub has had the privilege of bringing its legacy of Ukrainian Arts and Culture experience to work together with the vibrant Ukraine Nightingale Project to raise over $150,000 for Ukrainian Newcomers in Western Canada. With little to no overhead or administrative costs, they have made a meaningful difference in the lives of families fleeing war in Ukraine and seeking safe refuge in Canada.
The performance features custom-made costumes from Ukraine, adding authentic cultural richness to this artistic celebration.
Friends of Ukraine Award – Call for Applications
We need to identify Thompson Rivers University (TRU) students who are eligible for the Friends of Ukraine Award and encourage them to apply. This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a TRU student connected to Ukraine through heritage, culture, or community involvement.
Criteria: Applicants must submit a 250-word essay on their eligibility to Reuben Onyango ronyango@tru.ca
If you know eligible students, please encourage them to apply for this meaningful opportunity to support their educational journey while honoring their connection to Ukraine. Thank you to all for making this award a reality.
Academic Collaboration and Educational Opportunities
Sharing Knowledge with Ukrainian Educators
I recently had an incredible opportunity to connect with over 80 Ukrainian educators and students in an academic collaboration meeting organized by Cherkasy State Technological University (CSTU). The meeting brought together faculty and students from multiple Ukrainian institutions including:
- Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI)
- Dniprovsky National University named after Oles Honchar
- Lutsk National Technical University
- Vinnytsia Trade and Economic Institute
- Sumy State Pedagogical University named after A.S. Makarenko
During this meeting, I shared my new social work research materials and 12-week teaching resources designed for both BSW and MSW students, drawing from two decades of teaching experience in Canadian universities.
Supporting Ukrainian Social Work Education
For social work educators in Ukraine who teach research courses, I offer free access to my social work research course materials to inspire more students to learn best practices. This initiative aims to build bridges between Canadian and Ukrainian academic communities while supporting the development of research-informed social work practice.
Students interested in international opportunities can also learn about future Mitacs Ukraine internship programs at TRU https://www.mitacsua.org/, providing pathways for academic collaboration and exchange.
For more details about this meaningful academic collaboration: https://krasun.ca/2025/09/19/sharing-knowledge-across-borders-a-memorable-meeting-with-ukrainian-educators-and-students/
Celebrating Ukrainian Heritage Day in Kamloops
A Historic First Celebration
On September 9th, 2025, Kamloops marked the inaugural Ukrainian Heritage Day in British Columbia with an intimate and deeply moving ceremony at City Hall on the traditional territory of the Secwépemc Nation. This historic occasion was made possible through the dedicated organizing efforts of Zonia and Gwendy, whose vision brought our community together to celebrate this official provincial recognition.
Personal Connections and Stories
The ceremony was enriched by the attendance of community members including Marten, whose ancestral ties connect directly to the legendary Eleniak family – among the first Ukrainian settlers who arrived in the 1890s and settled in Alberta. These personal narratives serve as precious threads in the fabric of Ukrainian-Canadian history, connecting us directly to those pioneering families who crossed the ocean seeking new opportunities.
Gwendy facilitated an important Indigenous land acknowledgment ceremony, reminding us that our Ukrainian heritage in Canada is inseparable from our responsibility to acknowledge and respect the First Nations who have been stewards of this territory since time immemorial.
Building Community for the Future
Inspired by the gathering, our community has decided to establish a local Ukrainian-Canadian choir in Kamloops. This initiative will help preserve and celebrate Ukrainian musical traditions while building stronger community connections. The choir is open to all community members who love to sing and want to participate in preserving Ukrainian cultural heritage, with plans to perform at next year’s Ukrainian Heritage Day celebration.
Reflecting on Heritage and Leadership
This celebration comes at a significant time when Ukraine continues its fight for independence. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent speech in Kyiv, where he articulated a vision of “deter and fortify” for lasting peace, reminds us that supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty is fundamentally connected to defending our own Canadian values of democracy and freedom.
For more about our heritage celebrations:
- Ukrainian Heritage Day in Kamloops: https://krasun.ca/2025/09/09/ukrainian-heritage-day-in-kamloops-a-celebration-of-community-connection-and-recognition/
- Provincial Heritage Day story: https://krasun.ca/2025/09/07/celebrating-ukrainian-heritage-day-in-british-columbia-from-pylypiv-to-the-pacific/
- Mark Carney’s vision for peace: https://krasun.ca/2025/08/25/deter-and-fortify-a-vision-for-lasting-peace/
Weekly Stand with Ukraine Gatherings
Join us every Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at Kamloops City Hall for our weekly Stand with Ukraine gatherings. Participants can send postcards to Ukraine and show continued support for Ukrainian defenders and civilians.
Thank you to Michele for leading this vital community initiative. Her dedication ensures that our voices of support reach those who need to know they are not forgotten. This initiative was recently featured in the Postcards to the Front newsletter (p.47), highlighting the impact of community-driven support efforts and beautifully crafted card by Juliana. https://postcardstothefrontcanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/pttf_newsletter_augsept-2025_vol-3-iss-1.pdf
URGENT: Ukrainian Values Conference – Extended Deadline Tomorrow!
EXTENDED DEADLINE September 22 – Special Call for Ukrainian Diaspora Research: “Educating For Tomorrow” Conference
Educating for Tomorrow: Ukrainian Values in a Global World
Освіта майбутнього: українські цінності у глобальному світі
The international conference focuses on Ukrainian diaspora themes and values in a global context. In response to community interest, we have extended the abstract submission deadline to September 22nd, 2025 – tomorrow!
Conference Details:
- Dates: October 3-5, 2025
- Location: Thompson Rivers University, Canada (Hybrid format available)
- Extended Deadline: September 22nd, 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: September 27, 2025
- Publication Opportunity: Selected papers will be considered for conference proceedings
Special Focus on Ukrainian Diaspora Research:
- Protection of the Rights of Ukrainian Migrants
- Ethnic Conflicts and National Interests of Ukraine
- The Role of the Diaspora in Strengthening International Relationships
- Adaptation of Ukrainians and Language Preservation
- Effective Approaches to Working with Diasporas
- Ukrainian Diaspora during Global Challenges
- Social Risks as an Aspect of Diaspora Functioning
Conference Schedule
Friday, October 3, 2025
- 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.: Opening Ceremony & Cultural Welcome
- 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Keynote Lightning Round (Live)
- 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Keynote Showcase (Pre-recorded with Live Q&A)
Saturday, October 4, 2025
- 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.: Theme 4 – Future Challenges
- 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.: Theme 3 – Civil Society Development
- 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Theme 1 – Ukrainian Identity in Globalization
Sunday, October 5, 2025
- 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.: Theme 5 – Inclusion & Intergenerational Justice
- 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.: Theme 2 – Ukraine-Diaspora Cooperation
- 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Special Presentations, Closing Ceremony & Future Directions
How to Submit:
Call for Abstracts:
- English: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dymJgn6IpE_DHgSDxLigmTq5Z9KNsiuMiHhNLSmLLmA/edit?usp=sharing
- Українською: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15s7i3ecz2fr03G-HHU4IXL7Cookx8NF9FCQ0y8Uh-oY/edit?usp=sharing
Abstract Submission Form: https://forms.gle/5y2FrwbZPjWu8FiG7
Questions or concerns? Contact us at: standwithukraineconference@gmail.com
Previous Conference Resources:
- Conference Proceedings: https://krasun.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/UVGW_Conference-Proceedings.pdf
- Conference Story: https://krasun.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/UVGW_Conference-Story.pdf
Special Recognition: Italian Ukrainian Congress Collaboration
We extend our gratitude to Tanya Grygorska and the Italian Ukrainian Congress for allowing us to share our work with Ukrainian communities in Italy. Their support enables valuable cross-cultural exchange and collaboration.
We encourage everyone to watch the second Ukrainian Forum and get inspired by the amazing work being done by Ukrainian Diaspora educators: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-hCwBqOkaY&t=4706s
This collaboration demonstrates the global nature of Ukrainian diaspora efforts and the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences across international boundaries.
Looking Forward
As we continue our journey together, I encourage you to:
- Support local Ukrainian cultural events and performances
- Apply for or promote the Friends of Ukraine Award to eligible students
- Join our weekly Saturday gatherings at City Hall
- Submit abstracts for the Ukrainian Values conference (deadline tomorrow!)
- Engage with Ukrainian diaspora educational initiatives
Your continued participation and support make a meaningful difference in preserving Ukrainian heritage and supporting those affected by the ongoing crisis.
Eternal Memory
Please, when possible, take a moment of silence to remember the victims of war in Ukraine. Vichnaya Pamyat’ heroyam / Eternal memory to heroes
With respect,
Sasha
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