Tag: Newcomers and Settlement
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The Leaf on the Snow: What the Canadian Flag Means to Me
Every year on February 15, Canada marks Flag Day. For many, it is a simple moment, a raised flag, a classroom lesson, a passing acknowledgement. For me, it is something quieter and more personal. When I look at the Canadian maple leaf flag, I do not only see a national symbol. I see a journey,…
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New Zealand — The First Country to Open a Path to Permanent Residency for Ukrainians Who Fled the War
🇳🇿🇺🇦 New Zealand — The First Country to Open a Path to Permanent Residency for Ukrainians Who Fled the War Ukrainian to follow I have had the privilege of visiting New Zealand, and I was deeply moved by the incredible support I witnessed from local people toward Ukrainians. The warmth, solidarity, and genuine care of…
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Dreams of Home: A Ukrainian Eco-Settlement in Atlantic Canada
When displacement meets vision, and community becomes the answer A post appeared recently in the Facebook group Ukrainian Canadians | Українці Канади that stopped me mid-scroll (see the original post in the Ukrainian Canadians group on Facebook). It wasn’t the polished pitch of a developer or the fundraising appeal of an established organization. It was…
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Not to Win, but to Take Part
There are moments in life when belonging doesn’t arrive as a document or a promise, but as a feeling that settles in your chest and says, this is home now. For me, one of those moments came on a January morning in my fifth year of teaching at the University of Manitoba. It was January…
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From Temporary Refuge to Permanent Home: Why Canada Must Create a Clear PR Pathway for CUAET Holders in Ukrainian
#PRforCUAET Вже вдома. Час це офіційно визнати. Визнання корінних народів: Ми з повагою визнаємо, що Канада побудована на традиційних, споконвічних і невідступлених територіях корінних народів — Перших Націй, інуїтів та метисів — які були охоронцями цієї землі з незапам’ятних часів. Виступаючи за шляхи до постійного резидентства для переміщених українців, ми вшановуємо корінні народи, які першими…
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From Temporary Refuge to Permanent Home: Why Canada Must Create a Clear PR Pathway for CUAET Holders
#PRforCUAET Already Home. Now Make It Official. Land Acknowledgment: We respectfully acknowledge that Canada is built on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of Indigenous Peoples—the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis—who have been stewards of this land since time immemorial. As we advocate for pathways to permanent residency for displaced Ukrainians, we honour the Indigenous…
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Thanksgiving 2025: Celebrating Gifts Shared
On this Thanksgiving Monday (grateful for a day off so I can finalize some projects), I find myself reflecting on an extraordinary truth: over the past 20 years, Canada and Canadians haven’t just welcomed me—they’ve gifted me with belonging, purpose, and the privilege of serving alongside remarkable people from coast to coast to coast…
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Cold Smoked Mackerel: A Taste of Home in Kamloops
For Ukrainian newcomers to Kamloops, finding familiar foods can bring comfort and a sense of connection to their homeland. Thanks to Steve at FreshCo Kamloops, a treasured delicacy is now available: cold smoked mackerel packaged in Moldova from Baltic Gifts. What makes this mackerel special is the traditional cold smoking process. Unlike hot smoking, cold…
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Uprooted Dreams: The Enduring Journey of Ukrainian Displaced People Across Generations
As I listen to some of the stories shared by the recent Ukrainian displaced people in Canada, I am reminded of the echoes from over 130 years ago when the first Ukrainian displaced people sought sanctuary in Canada. The details may differ, but the pain, suffering, and trauma remain the same. For generations, Ukrainian families…
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A Slice of Hope: From War-Torn Ukraine to Ireland’s Welcoming Shores
As we gather around our tables this Thanksgiving Monday, let’s take a moment to savour a story of resilience, determination, and the power of community. Meet Viktoria Voitsekhovska and her husband Mamuka, once successful restaurant owners in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. Their world turned upside down when war erupted, forcing them to flee with their three children,…
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The Power of Community Research: Insights from Dr. Andrei Zavialov’s Study on Ukrainian Newcomers in Canada
In an era of global migration and rapidly shifting demographics, community research plays an essential role in understanding and supporting diverse populations. Dr. Andrei Zavialov’s recent study, Recent Ukrainian Newcomers to the Greater Toronto Area: Stay or Leave? A Sociological Report, is a prime example of how community research can shed light on the needs…
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The Welcome Tree: A Symbol of Unity and Hope for Ukrainian Refugees
The story I often share during my presentations on how British Columbia stands with Ukraine is the story of the people of Comox who planted the Welcome Tree. It’s my hope that every community can plant welcome trees for refugees and write messages in their languages. I’m deeply grateful to Ukrainian-Canadian diaspora communities who are…