Tag: Tributes and Occasions
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Mother’s Day at the Peaceful Gathering in Kamloops.
Every Saturday since February 24, 2022, we have gathered. Through snow and heat, through grief and stubborn hope, we stand with Ukraine. But on the second Saturday of May, something tender joins us. The rushnyky come out, strung between us like a quiet alphabet of love. Each one was stitched by hands we knew or…
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Carnations on the Table: A Letter to the People of Portugal on April 25
April 25, 2026, 52 years after the Carnation Revolution There is a vase of carnations on our table this week. Pink, peach, soft yellow, deep purple, the white ones streaked with magenta as if someone painted them by hand. I bought them at Costco. They are not heroic flowers. They are not from a Lisbon…
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When Truth, Care, and Equality Grow Together, Humanity Blooms
International Women’s Day 2026A year ago, I wrote that when we fail to value women, dictators rise. I stand by every word. When We Fail to Value Women, Dictators Rise: 100 Reasons to Honour Women’s Vital Work This International Women’s Day This year I want to say something simpler. Something that goes beyond politics and…
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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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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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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…
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A Father’s Day Message for Every Heart
Today we honor the beautiful, complex tapestry of fatherhood in all its forms. Whether today brings joy, pain, longing, or love, you are seen, you are held, and you are not alone. To Every Kind of Father 💙 To biological dads who share DNA and daily life, building memories one moment at a time. To…
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When Children Turn Train Cars Into Concert Halls: A Children’s Day Reflection
On this Children’s Day, let’s celebrate a moment that perfectly captures the spirit of Ukrainian youth and their connection to cultural heritage. Picture this: a train car filled with tired passengers, the rhythmic clacking of wheels on tracks, and suddenly – the ethereal sounds of bandura music filling the air. This wasn’t a planned performance,…
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The History of Mother’s Day: Ukrainian, Canadian, and Global Traditions
Mother’s Day is one of the most cherished celebrations worldwide, honoring the women who nurture and shape our lives. While the holiday is observed in countless countries today, its roots, traditions, and even dates vary significantly across cultures. This article explores the fascinating history of Mother’s Day in Ukraine and Canada, while also examining its…
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You’re Invited: A Celebration of Heart, Hope, and Healing
This event took place on April 9, 2025. Please join us in celebrating the culmination of a powerful journey, both personal and professional, as Katie Karley, RSW BSW MSWc, presents the launch of her resource “Navigating Medical Journeys with Children: Tools, Resources, and Support.” 🗓️ Date: April 9, 2025🕔 Time: 5:00 PM Pacific Time📍 Location:…
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A Mother’s Legacy of Social Justice and Compassion
In my years of teaching social work, I’ve found that some of the most powerful lessons come not alwyas from textbooks, but also from the lived experiences of those around us. As educators, we often speak of social work values: empathy, advocacy, service, and social justice, as ideals to aspire to in professional practice. Yet…
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Mnohaya Lita, Dr. Juliana West: A Tribute to Radical Solidarity and Relentless Justice
There are people in this world whose presence leaves a lasting imprint, not just on the institutions they serve, but on the hearts and minds of everyone lucky enough to work alongside them. Dr. Juliana West is one of those people. As a scholar, activist, and educator, Dr. West’s contributions to the field of social…