A golden wheat field under a clear blue sky. Text: University of Manitoba Centre for Ukrainian Canadian Studies.

Events

  • CURRENT BOOK: Ukrainian Canadian Reading Club

    All of Baba's Children by Myrna Kostash

    Grab your copy, start reading and get ready for our group discussion to be scheduled in March 2024. 

    March 28, 2024
    12:00 p.m. CT
    Online via Zoom
    We will discuss chapters 1-10.

    Register

     

  • Book cover layered on a background of a wheat field.

 

  • Exhibition: Women at War

    February 29 to April 27, 2024

    Opening reception: Thursday, February 29, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

    Women at War features works by leading contemporary women artists working in Ukraine, and provides context for the current war. 

    In addition to the opening reception, there are an additional eight exhibition events including talks, tours and screenings.

    See all events and exhibit info

    The School of Art Gallery is located at 255 ARTlab, 180 Dafoe Road, University of Manitoba.

    This exhibition is presented at the School of Art Gallery in partnership with the Centre for Ukrainian Canadian Studies with sponsorship from the Shevchenko Foundation. Additional funding provided by the University of Manitoba's  Arthur V. Mauro Institute for Peace & Justice, Centre for Defence and Security Studies, Department of German and Slavic Studies and Women's and Gender Studies Program, through the Margaret Laurence Endowment Fund. 

  • Woman's face, covered in dirt, at night.
  • In the past two years of Russian aggression on Ukraine's territory, 872 cultural heritage sites and 1,907 cultural infrastructure entities have suffered destruction and damage. Among the destroyed institutions are the Skovoroda Museum (Kharkiv oblast, in the photo), Pryimachenko Museum (Kyiv oblast), Mariupol's municipal Kuindzhi Art Museum (Donetsk oblast), and many others.

    The role of Ukrainian women in the preservation of cultural heritage will be discussed.

    Dr. Ihor Ivanovych Ostash is a Ukrainian diplomat and politician currently serving as ambassador of Ukraine to Lebanon since 2016, previously serving as ambassador of Ukraine to Canada from 2006 to 2011. For the 2024 Iroida Tarnowecky Distinguished Lecture, Dr. Ostash will speak on the subject of cultural reclaimation in the context of Ukraine.

  • Ukrainian Language Exhibition Tours: Women at War

    Thursday, March 14, 2024
    12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

    Thursday, March 21, 2024
    6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. 

    School of Art Gallery, 180 Dafoe Road, UM

    Join facilitator Solomiia Servetnyk for an informative Ukrainian-language tour of the widely-acclaimed exhibition, Women at War, which features works by a selection of the leading contemporary women artists working in Ukraine, and provides a context for the current war. The exhibition also serves as a gateway to Ukrainian and other Eastern European feminisms, and contributes to a conversation about how national identity is tied to the perception of women’s role in society. 

    Presented in partnership with the University of Manitoba Centre For Ukrainian Canadian Studies and the School of Art.

  • "Жінки під час війни". Екскурсії по виставці українською мовою.

    Четвер, 14 березня
    12:00-13:00 

    Четвер, 21 березня
    18:00-19:00 

    Галерея School of Art, 180 Dafoe Road
    Представлено у партнерстві з Центром Українських Канадських Студій при Манітобському Університеті 

    Приєднуйтеся до екскурсії по відомій виставці «Жінки під час війни», на якій представлені роботи провідних сучасних українських художниць, що у своїх роботах висвітлюють контекст війни. Виставка також слугує вікном до українського та інших східноєвропейських фемінізмів і надихає на роздуми про те, як національна ідентичність пов’язана зі сприйняттям ролі жінки в суспільстві. Україномовні екскурсії будуть проведені Соломією Серветник.

    Куратор виставки – Моніка Фабіянська,

    Організовано Галереєю Фрідмана, Нью-Йорк, у співпраці з Галереєю Волошина, Київ.


 

Visiting scholars from Ukraine

Due to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, UM is hosting twenty Ukrainian scholars within the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Law, Max Rady College of Medicine and other units. CUCS organized a welcome event for the scholars in collaboration with St. Andrew’s College that took place on December 1, 2022.

Welcoming remarks were extended by university administration and community leaders. The scholars were given an opportunity to introduce themselves and share their stories. Several community organizations were invited to set up informational booths to inform the attendees of their offerings and various volunteering opportunities. We hope that this event has helped enhance opportunities for interdisciplinary research and collaboration between academia and the greater community.

Read more about the UM Ukrainian scholars welcome event

News

The Centre’s members possess expertise on a wide range of cultural, political and social issues. They are happy to speak with members of the media, organizations or the general public, both on background and to provide comment for publication or on air.

Who we are

Coordinator

Yulia Ivaniuk Squires
Coordinator
Centre for Ukrainian Canadian Studies
Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Studies Program

Yulia Ivaniuk Squires obtained a Masters in Peace and Conflict Studies from UM and a Bachelor of International Relations in the Military Sphere degree from the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Her research interests lie at the intersections of international relations and peace and conflict studies, including identity and security, women and war and Ukrainian Canadiana.

Current instructors and researchers

Dr. Nataliia Stepaniuk
CUCS Post-Doctoral Fellow
Nataliia.Stepaniuk@umanitoba.ca

Dr. Davis Daycock
Politics, History, Economics
Davis.Daycock@umanitoba.ca

Dr. Milana Nikolko
Political Studies
Milana.Nikolko@umanitoba.ca

Dr. Aleksandra Pomiecko
History
Aleksandra.Pomiecko@umanitoba.ca

Retired faculty

Dr. Robert Klymasz
Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Studies

Rev. Dr. Oleh Krawchenko
Ukrainian

Dr. Stella Hryniuk
History

Dr. Oleh Gerus
History

Dr. Denis Hlynka
Education

Dr. James Bugslag
Fine Arts

Dr. George Chuchman
Economics

Dr. Natalia Aponiuk
Ukrainian

Dr. Roman Yereniuk
Religion

Policy Council

The Policy Council is an advisory group composed of the following members: four ex officio members consisting of the President of the University of Manitoba (or delegate), the Principal of St. Andrew’s College (or delegate), the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, UM (or delegate) and the Coordinator of the Centre; two members appointed by the College; two members appointed by the Board of Governors of UM from among persons in the community with an interest in the Centre; one member elected by the students in the Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Studies program; and one member elected by and from the interdisciplinary committee. Representatives of the Slavic Archives and Collections, Department of German and Slavic Studies, Faculty of Education and Peace and Conflict Studies Program have also been invited to serve on the CUCS Policy Council.

Policy Council Chair
Ms. Alexandra Kozelko

Ms. Yulia Zmerzla
Mr. Derek Andriy Patten
Dr. Stella Hryniuk
Mr. James Kominowski
Dr. Stephan Jaeger
Dr. Orest Cap
Dr. Maureen Flaherty

Ex Officio:
Ms. Yuliia Ivaniuk
Dr. Jeffery Taylor
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Roman Bozyk

Past CUCS Directors

The following individuals have served as past Directors of the Centre for Ukrainian Canadian Studies:

  • Dr. Maureen P. Flaherty, Acting Director 2018-2020
  • Dr. Orest Cap, Acting Director 2016-2018
  • Dr. Roman Yereniuk, Acting Director 2008-2016, 1999-2000
  • Dr. Denis Hlynka, Acting Director 2003-2007, 2000-2002
  • Dr. Alexandra Pawlowsky, Acting Director 2003
  • Dr. Natalia Aponiuk, Director 1982-1999

History

The Centre for Ukrainian Canadian Studies is a creation of St. Andrew's College in Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba.

St. Andrew's College in Winnipeg - a parent institution and a home base of the centre - was incorporated by an Act of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly in April 1946 and was first located in the former St. John's College, corner of Church and Charles, in North Winnipeg. In July 1964, St. Andrew's, as an Associate College, moved to its present quarters built on the UM campus - the university of its choice - and proceeded with its gradual integration into the new academic family.

In January 1981 St. Andrew's College in Winnipeg officially signed an Agreement of Affiliation with UM, based on its accredited Arts program, consisting of 17 courses in language, fine arts, history, geography, religion, literature, folklore and political studies. These became the basis of the newly created Centre for Ukrainian Canadian Studies, housed at St. Andrew's College in Winnipeg at UM.  

Since it’s inception in 1981 the centre continues to serve as a hub for the study, research and teaching of Ukrainian Canadiana.

Programs of study

The Faculty of Arts offers three options for students wishing to enhance their understanding of Ukrainian Canadian culture and heritage. CUCS coordinates this academic programming at UM.

Letter of Participation in Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Studies

Allows students and members of the community to further their knowledge of Ukraine and Ukrainian Canadiana through lectures and a reading club. The program is free of charge.

Activities

The monthly lecture series runs from September until May. Lectures cover a wide range of Ukrainian and Ukrainian Canadians topics. Viewing lectures on YouTube after the session has taken place will not count towards the minimum requirements.

Reading club meetings take place every two months featuring a new Ukrainian/ Ukrainian Canadian book at each session.

Entrance, participation and performance requirements

Entrance Requirements:
Any individual that resides in Canada who is interested in Ukraine or Ukrainian Canadiana is welcome to pursue the Letter of Participation in Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Studies. Expressions of interest can be submitted to cucs@umanitoba.ca and will be reviewed by the CUCS Coordinator. See "registration".

Participation Requirements:
To be eligible to obtain the letter of participation, participants are required to attend either:

  • a minimum of seven lectures
  • a minimum of seven reading club meetings
  • any combination of seven lectures and reading club meetings.

There is no registration deadline. Participants are welcome to join he program at any point in time during the year. Participants may carry over their participation credits from one year to the next to be able to fulfill the participation requirements.

The program is free of charge.

Performance Requirements:
Participants will be evaluated based on attendance. Participation in the discussions and Q & A sessions is recommended.

Registration

Email cucs@umanitoba to register for the program. Provide your:

  • name
  • email address
  • mailing address
  • when you would like to start the program

There is no registration deadline. Participants are welcome to join the program at any point in time during the year. Credits may be transferred from year to year.

Past events and books

View recordings of past lectures on YouTube

Books we have read in the program:

  • March 2024: All of Baba's Children by Myrna Kostash
  • December 2023: Kalyna's Song by Lisa Grekul
  • October 2023: Without the State: Self Organization and Political Activism in Ukraine by Emily Channell Justice
  • April 2023: The Torture Camp on Paradise Street by Stanislav Aseyev
  • March 2023: The Extraordinary Lives of Ukrainian Canadian Women: Oral Histories of the Twentieth Century by Iroida Wynnyckyj
  • December 2022: Good Citizens Need Not Fear: Stories by Maria Reva
  • October 2022: A Loss: The Story of a Dead Soldier Told by his Sister by Olesya Khromeychuk
  • April 2022: Voices from Chernobyl by Svetlana Alexievich
  • February 2022: Detachment: An Adoption Memoir by Maurice Mierau
  • December 2021: Voroshilovgrad by Serhiy Zhadan
  • October 2021: Lesia's Dream by Laura Langston

 

The Letter of Participation is supported by

Canadian Federation of Ukrainian Studies logo.

Awards

Course prizes

CUCS presents its annual course monetary prizes in conjunction with St. Andrew’s College for exemplary academic achievements in the study of Ukrainian Canadiana to the top three students in each of the courses in the Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Studies program offered that year at the annual awards ceremony. Students are automatically qualified for these awards. 

Course prizes are possible due to support from the following St. Andrew’s College Foundation funds:

    • Very Rev. Wasyl and Mrs. Anna Aponiuk Memorial Scholarship
    • Nazar Bodnarchuk Scholarship
    • Sofia Greschuk Scholarship
    • John and Marie Karasevich Scholarship
    • Morris Karpiak Memorial Scholarship 
    • Stephen and Katherine Kirstiuk Scholarship
    • Paul and Anna Kokor Scholarship
    • Murray Koltek Memorial Scholarship
    • Olive Kotelko Scholarship
    • Michael Lasko Memorial Scholarship
    • Paul Lychun Memorial Scholarship
    • Gregory Marko Memorial Scholarship
    • Alex and Mary Orisko Memorial Scholarship
    • Michael and Eugene Shemeluck Scholarship
    • Vadim Slavyshensky Memorial Scholarship
    • John Gilbert Stasiv Memorial
    • Elia and Maria Symchych Scholarship
    • Nicholas Wlad Scholarship

Awards requiring application

Vitaly Butenko Assistance Award

Selection criteria

To apply for the Vitaly Butenko Assistance Award you must:

  • Be a citizen of Ukraine.
  • Be enrolled as a full-time student in an undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate program.
  • Be enrolled in the Faculty of Management, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Arts (Economics), Faculty of Science, or MBA at the University of Manitoba.
  • Have demonstrated financial need.

Your application must consist of the following:

  1. A UM general bursary application.
  2. A resume.
  3. A statement of future goals related to the field of study you have elected.

Submission deadline: August 1 annually

Applications can be emailed to cucs@umanitoba.ca.

Nicholas and Annie Dawyduk Scholarship in Ukrainian Studies

Nicholas and Annie Dawyduk Scholarship in Ukrainian Studies

In memory of Nicholas and Annie Dawyduk—Steve Dawyduk and UM have set up a scholarship fund to recognize and encourage academic achievement in undergraduate Canadian Ukrainian Studies.

Selection criteria

To apply for the Nicholas and Annie Dawyduk Scholarship in Ukrainian Studies you must:

  • Be a full-time student in any Faculty or School at the University of Manitoba.
  • Have completed at least one year of study.
  • Have achieved the highest grade point average on at least 12 credit hours of courses with significant Ukrainian cultural content and/or Ukrainian Canadian content, in fields such as history, political studies, Slavic studies and Ukrainian studies, and based first on courses within the Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Studies program.

Your application must consist of the following:

  1. A brief statement of your interest in the field
  2. A current academic transcript
  3. A letter of reference from a professor at a post-secondary institution

A recipient of the scholarship may hold the award only once.

Submission deadline: July 1 annually

Application can be emailed to cucs@umanitoba.ca.

Michael and Grace Hykawy Essay Prize

Michael and Grace Hykawy Essay Prize

The Michael and Grace Hykawy prize is awarded annually for the best essay written in Ukrainian on any topic in the area of Ukrainian Canadian Studies.

Selection criteria

  • One essay, 2,000-2,500 words in length
  • Applicant must be a registered, full-time student at a recognized Canadian university or college
  • Preference is given to candidates that have been registered in the Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Studies program, Faculty of Arts, UM in the previous academic session 

The winning essay is submitted to a local publication for possible publication.

Submission deadline: July 1 annually 

All essays, together with a letter from the student describing their academic status (i.e., program, year, university), should be emailed to cucs@umanitoba.ca.

Anne Smigel Scholarship

Anne Smigel Scholarship

With a personal donation and additional contribution from the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative, Anne Smigel has established a fund at UM. The fund commemorates Ms. Smigel’s lifetime devoted to education, including ten years as a classroom teacher, nine years as a resource teacher and 25 years as an elementary school principal. Ms. Smigel was the first Canadian-born woman of Ukrainian origin to be appointed to the position of principal in the Winnipeg School Division No. 1. The purpose of the fund is to encourage and reward students at UM who pursue studies in and develop their knowledge of Ukrainian heritage in Canada.

Selection criteria

To apply for the Anne Smigel Scholarship you must:

  • Have completed at least 30 credit hours at UM, in any faculty or school (undergraduate or graduate) or in university 1.
  • Be enrolled in any faculty or school or in university 1.
  • Have completed at least one course (3 credit hours) in Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Studies.
  • Have achieved a high cumulative grade point average (a minimum of 3.0).
  • Be enrolled, as a full or part-time student, in at least one course (3 credit hours) in Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Studies in the year in which this scholarship is tenable, in any faculty or school at UM.
  • Exemplify an interest and promise in the study of Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Studies, as demonstrated by a combination of a statement of purpose from the applicant and a letter of reference.

Your application must consist of the following:

  1. A brief statement of your interest in the study of Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Studies and the reasons as to why you are interested in this particular area
  2. A current academic transcript
  3. A letter of reference from a professor at a post-secondary institution and
  4. Plans for courses in next academic year

At a time when the earnings on the fund permit, two or more scholarships may be offered, upon the discretion of the selection committee.

Submission deadline: July 1 annually

Applications can be emailed to cucs@umanitoba.ca.

Ukrainian National Home Association Scholarship

The Ukrainian National Home Association Scholarship recognizes and encourages student who's studies focus on Ukrainian Canadian or Ukrainian studies.

Selection criteria

To apply for the Ukrainian National Home Association Scholarship you must:

  • Be enrolled as a full-time student in an undergraduate or graduate program a UM.
  • Have achieved either: As an undergraduate student, a minimum degree grade point average of 3.0; or as a graduate student, a minimum grade point average of 3.5 based on the last 60 credit hours of study (or equivalent).
  • Preference will be given, in the following order, to students conducting research related to: i. the Ukrainian National Home movement in Winnipeg or in Western Canada; ii. other Ukrainian organizations with a particular emphasis on Canada and/or Ukraine; and iii. a topic in any discipline, the primary focus of which is either Ukrainian Canadian or Ukrainian Studies.

Your application must consist of the following:

  • A copy of your most recent academic transcript
  • A statement of interest
  • The names of two references

Submission deadline: July 1 annually

Applications can be emailed to cucs@umanitoba.ca.

Steve and Anna Zurawecki Fellowship

Steve and Anna Zurawecki Fellowship

In memory of their son, Michael, who died of leukemia in 1989 at the age of 63, Steve and Anna Zurawecki of The Pas, Manitoba, have established a fund at UM.

Selection criteria

To apply for the Steve and Anna Zurawecki Fellowship you must:

  • Be a full-time graduate student in a Ukrainian Canadian Studies program at a recognized Canadian university or college.
  • Be a postdoctoral fellow associated with the Centre for Ukrainian Canadian Studies at UM who is engaged in research in the area of Ukrainian Canadian Studies.

Your application must consist of:

  • Proposed plans of study or research
  • Transcripts
  • Evidence of acceptance into a graduate program
  • Resume
  • The names of three references

Submission deadline: May 1 annually

Applications can be emailed to cucs@umanitoba.ca.

Fellowship

Petro Jacyk Post-Doctoral Fellowship

The Centre for Ukrainian Canadian Studies offers a post-doctoral research fellowship.

2023 Applications are now CLOSED. The deadline for 2024 applications will be communicated in early 2024.

2023-2024 Fellowship Recipient - Oksana Klymenko

Headshot of woman in grey blazer and green blouse with long blond hair and bangs.

Dr. Oksana Klymenko is a Petro Jacyk Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Center for Ukrainian Canadian Studies at the University of Manitoba and a Senior Lecturer at the History Department at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. Her primary research interest concerns the Ukrainian history of the 20th century, memory studies, Soviet society, and gender studies. She has conducted research at Stanford University, the Ukrainian Research Institute at Harvard University, and the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna (Austria). Her dissertation topic was “Constructing the Memory of the New Soviet Man in the 1920s–1930s (the case of the Ukrainian Republic)”.

Dr. Oksana Klymenko can be contacted at Oksana.Klymenko@umanitoba.ca.

2022-2023 Fellowship Recipient - Dr. Nataliia Stepaniuk

Fellowship recipient Nataliia Stepaniuk.

Dr. Nataliia Stepaniuk did her doctoral studies in Political Science at the University of Ottawa, Canada. Her research focuses on the rise of civilian volunteer networks amidst war in Donbas, Ukraine. Nataliia’s broader research interests include postcommunist politics, civil society, gender politics, citizenship studies, and (de)militarization. Nataliia also holds an MA from the University of Ottawa’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, and an MA from the National Academy of Ostroh University. Outside academic work, Nataliia is actively involved in community work, volunteering for the Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Ottawa Branch, and participating in various community-led initiatives.

Dr. Nataliia Stepaniuk can be contacted at Nataliia.Stepaniuk@umanitoba.ca.

About the fellowship

The purpose of the Petro Jacyk Fellowship at CUCS is to annually support one of the most promising junior scholars studying Ukraine/Ukrainian Canadiana and thereby to advance understanding of Ukrainian politics, history and society.

The fellowship is possible due to the support provided by the Petro Jacyk Education Foundation and supplemental funding from the Steve and Anna Zurawecki Fellowship.

"Thanks to the generous support ... I am able to advance my research, reconnect with the academic community and hopefully create greater awareness of the civilian impacts of the Donbas war.”
Dr. Nataliia Stepaniuk Post-doctoral researcher
Graphic listing the Petro Jacyk post-doctoral fellowship application information.
Logo for the Petro Jacyk Education Foundation.

Research

Research highlight

CUCS Community Based Research: Canadian Ukrainian Newcomers' Stories, Hopes, & Dreams

By Dr. Maureen Flaherty and Ms. Yulia Ivaniuk Squires

The study originated in fall of 2019. With COVID-19 affecting all our lives, we were not able to begin active work on the project until autumn of 2020. In the following months, we interviewed 33 people, from different provinces in Canada, ranging in age from 18 to 60 years. Interviews were conducted in English, Ukrainian, and Russian, at the participants’ choosing.

We knew little research had been done about the lives of “regular” citizens from Ukraine, particularly those who moved to Canada since Ukraine’s Independence. What propelled them to move to Canada? What major challenges did they encounter in settling? What keeps them going through hard times? What hope and dreams did they have for Ukraine and for themselves, their families, and their new country of Canada?

Again, we thank all participants and the organizations that made this work possible, Oseredok, in particular. We presented at a conference about multiculturalism in Edmonton at the end of November, one in Ukraine with Polish and Ukrainian colleagues at the end of November, and Trier, Germany in May.

"Ukrainian Canadian Newcomers’ Stories, Hopes, and Dreams: Adapting to a New Multicultural Reality." Mental Health Global Challenges Vol. 6, No. 1 (2023). 

Read more about this research project

Participant backgrounds

Unlike earlier migration patterns when most participants moved from the West of Ukraine, participants in this study came from a variety of regions with different socio-economic backgrounds and a variety of previous travel experiences, from none to extensive. Participants all had obtained some post-secondary qualifications from trade school diplomas to PhDs.

Reasons for immigrating to Canada

Driving factors for immigration varied from searching for better economic opportunities, dissatisfaction with political development in Ukraine, environmental concerns, and avoiding mandatory army conscription, to difficulties in finding a sense of belonging in their home country and fascination with the idea of life in North America. Nine out of thirty-three participants arrived in Canada to pursue education and then decided to stay. Some people had multiple reasons for coming to Canada; however, economic security and sense of stability was a combined leading factor along with improving education and seeking adventure or personal growth. Based on the thirty-three interviews, we theorize that the overpowering sense of lack of security (economic and otherwise) and structure was among the largest contributing factors that drove many of the interviewees towards actual immigration.

Surprises and challenges on arrival

Most people expressed that their level of English had not been as helpful as they had hoped, even if it was very good on arrival. Nor did money go as far as anticipated with things like housing, utilities, and transportation being surprisingly expensive. Most people were disappointed with the initial employment they were able to secure, despite many having good employment and work experience in Ukraine. Still, they took on extra study or work for Canadian experience and moved up. People mentioned that they were also surprised at the poverty and homelessness lived by some Canadians, as well as the realization that so much work needs to be done for reconciliation with Indigenous people. Some commented on the surprise and enjoyment of the multicultural aspects of Canada. Almost all people mentioned that food does not taste as good in Canada with overall less farm to table accessibility.

Hopes and Dreams

All participants hoped that Ukraine will become self-sufficient and strong, with a true, unique, Ukrainian identity. All believed that this work is presently in progress and all but one was certain it will happen in time. Participants said these changes will require an end to corruption, government truly investing in the people, clear and enforced legislation, and a willingness on the part of citizens to accept divergent opinions and histories in their homeland.

When speaking of their families and their futures, people wanted economic and emotional security, as well as room for growth and attainment of personal and professional goals in their new country. People hoped for continued democratic growth and support of citizens through good economic policies while some mentioned a need make the education system more stringent, and to provide better healthcare for all. Many highlighted the need for both genuine reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and concrete social services for children and families.

We were surprised to learn that, while people want family members to visit and family members would like more streamlined access to visit family in Canada, only four participants mentioned family members considering a move to Canada. However, family members continue to provide much appreciated emotional support from afar. This reality of distance and the need to give up one national identity to take on another made it doubly hard for some who came to Canada just to study, then met someone special, married, and in doing so had to make that final reality-based choice between new family in Canada and family still residing in Ukraine.

People also spoke about their own contributions to their new home. In addition to the hard work all invest for themselves and family, all but one person spoke about the need to volunteer their energies and talents in community. Many also mentioned the importance of connecting with community, to learn more about other cultures co-existing in Canada.

What gets people through hard times. Participants shared that they saw the challenges they faced upon immigration as mostly positive, though somewhat complicated. Essentially, it was a “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” attitude bundled with sheer determination that got them through, along with relational support, partially from family directly (financial, emotional) both in Canada and in Ukraine, and indirectly through the familial and cultural values they brought with them. They identified hope for the future as a motivator as well as sometimes more specific spiritual beliefs. Many mentioned that in hard moments it helped to remind themselves that they had carefully weighed their options before making a conscious choice to move to Canada. Participants noted they had been taught to be self-sufficient and determined. While mostly helpful, sometimes this worked to participants’ detriment. At times they felt isolated until they realized that not only was it acceptable to ask for help, it was also important. In this way, their community involvement also grew. Many mentioned specifically how important it was to branch out beyond the diaspora, though that community is greatly valued. We noticed that even though people did not usually mention humour, their shared observations were often wry and witty. We think this humour also helps people through.

Finally, when asked if any advice could be offered to others considering the move, the short answer was provided in summary. We were told, it is important for people to listen to their hearts while thinking carefully about what they want and what they are willing to invest. Further paraphrasing several participants, we were told people should learn the language and be prepared to work hard, willing to get even more education as needed. People should be prepared to learn about other cultures, get involved in community and, if there is a desire to keep Ukrainian cultural traditions, then invest time and energy. Be prepared to have a rough couple of years of adjustment at first. Keep reminding yourself of the decisions you have made and keep going.

Video Presentation of the Original Findings: Session 3: Spaces of Negotiation: Dr. Maureen Flaherty & Yuliia Ivaniuk on Vimeo

This research was approved by the Joint Faculties Research Ethics Board of the University of Manitoba. Participant involvement was dependent upon informed consent, thus allowing the sharing of audio recordings of many participants’ interviews. These audio recordings, as reviewed by participants can be accessed through the UM Archives and Special Collections.

This research is funded in part by The Shevchenko Foundation, Shalapata, Michael & Victoria Fund.

  • Logo for the Shevchenko Foundation.

 

Research highlight

Prisoners of Impunity: What the Global Community Should Know about and Learn from the Russo-Ukrainian War

By Yulia Ivaniuk Squires
Published 2024

While the world awoke to the horrors of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Russia’s military intervention into Ukraine’s internal affairs had its roots in 2014 with the annexation of Crimea and the war in Donbas. Long before 2014, Russia had sought to influence Ukraine’s electoral outcomes, foreign policy and political alliances, as well as exert economic coercion through trade wars. The overarching imperialist vision of Ukraine has long been evident in political addresses delivered by Russia’s leadership and the narratives projected by state-controlled media. Much of the world community, however, perceived these actions through the lens of Ukraine as a post-Soviet country presumed to belong to the so-called Russian sphere of influence.

Despite numerous historic and modern-day atrocities against those perceived to be part of its geopolitical periphery, Russia enjoyed political, economic and moral impunity. Too often, Western powers prioritized regional stability and trade with Russia over upholding the rule of law and respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty. This was evident in the tepid reaction to Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the instigation of war in Donbas. Settling for a state of ‘negative peace’ in the case of Minsk accords (2014, 2015) – rather than holding Russia accountable for its actions, revealed a lack of holistic understanding of Russia, Ukraine, and what it truly takes to achieve “positive peace”.

This essay offers a broader historical context for Ukraine’s nation building and Russia’s enduring and centuries-long colonial drives toward Ukraine. It argues that the Russo-Ukrainian war, beginning with the annexation of Crimea, marks a unique moment in the post – World War II international world order. This event poses a challenge to the current international legal framework while also presenting an opportunity to draw lessons for preserving the liberal world order.

Read the article


 

Online resource centre

A source of general online information of Ukrainian Canadian culture and scholarship for scholars, researchers, students and the general public. 

Ukrainian Canadian History

  • Klymasz, R. Landmarks: A Beginner's Guide to The Ukrainian Canadian Experience.
  • Gerus, O. The Ukrainian Canadians: A Community Profile, 1891-1999. Available on the Ukrainian Canadian Congress website. Winnipeg, 2000. (Permission to place on-line granted by Dr. Gerus)
  • Hryniuk, S. 'Sifton's Pets': Who Were They? Canada's Ukrainians: Negotiating an Identity, Published in association with the Ukrainian Canadian Centennial Committee by University of Toronto Press,1981. (Permission to place on-line granted by Dr. Hryniuk)
  • Gerus, O. In Search of a National Ukrainian Church: Ukrainian Orthodoxy in Canada and Ukraine, Published in Society in Transition: Social Changes in Ukraine in Western Perspectives, edited by Wsevolod W. Isajiw. Canadian Scholars' Press Inc., 2003. (Permission to place on-line granted by Dr. Gerus)
  • Gerus, O. The Canadian-Galician Connection: Osyp Nazaruk In Canada, 1922-23 (Permission to place on-line granted by Dr. Gerus)
  • Martynowych, Orest T. “‘All that Jazz!’: The Avramenko Phenomenon in Canada, 1925-1929” in Journal of Ukrainian Studies XXVIII (2) (Winter 2003), 1-29.
  • Martynowych, Orest T. “‘Canadianizing the Foreigner’: Presbyterian Missionaries and Ukrainian Immigrants,” in New Soil--Old Roots: The Ukrainian Experience in Canada, edited by Jaroslav Rozumnyj (Winnipeg: Ukrainian Academy of Arts and Sciences in Canada, 1983), 33-57.
  • Martynowych, Orest T and Nadia Kazymyra. “Political Activity in Western Canada, 1896-1923” in A Heritage in Transition: Essays in the History of Ukrainians in Canada, edited by Manoly R. Lupul (Toronto: McClelland & Stewart, 1982), 85-107
  • Martynowych, Orest T. “The Ukrainian Socialist Movement in Canada, 1900-1918” in Journal of Ukrainian (Graduate) Studies 1 (Fall 1976), 27-44  & 2 (Spring 1977), 22-31.

Community

Donations

CUCS is committed to deepening public understanding of Ukraine and Ukrainian Canadiana by serving as a forum for new scholarship and teaching. With your help, we can set the program on the path to future success through your contributions.

CUCS gratefully accepts donations from individuals, corporations and other organizations which help support its vision, goals and objectives. Donors will receive a receipt for income tax purposes.

If you'd like to support Ukrainian Canadian Studies, you can donate to one of the existing funds or you may be interested in establishing an endowment of your own at UM that supports the program, research or a professorship or an annually funded student award such as a bursary, fellowship, prize or scholarship. Your investment will help transform the lives of students and faculty.

To donate, click on the link below. In the "Direct my gift to" field, choose "Enter a fund name". In the "Enter a fund name" field, type the name of one of the funds listed below.

Donate now

Centre for Ukrainian Canadian Studies Endowment Fund - This fund supports the continued existence of the centre as well as it's research and teaching activities.

The Dmytro Mymka Endowment Fund - This fund supports the operation of the centre and it's programming.

The Honorable Gary and Janice Filmon Endowment Fund for Ukrainian Canadian Studies - This fund supports the development of the centre's programs in Ukrainian Canadian studies.

The Professors Iraida and Michael Tarnawecky Visiting Lectureship Fund - This fund sponsors a distinguished visiting lecturer in the field of Ukrainian Studies.

For more information on making a donation to CUCS, please contact donor.relations@umanitoba.ca.

Supports for students, academics and employees impacted by the invasion of Ukraine
UM stands with the Ukrainian community and is committed to supporting those who are impacted by the invasion of Ukraine.

Contact us

Centre for Ukrainian Canadian Studies
Room 203 St. Andrew's College
29 Dysart Road
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2M7 Canada

204-474-8905